The popular dog breed at risk of extinction – and it used to be a huge British favourite
NEW statistics have indicated a massive decrease in numbers for a once-popular dog breed.
The Cairn Terrier has seen its number halved within the last decade and is now at risk of completely disappearing from our streets.
The historic British dog breed shot to fame in The Wizard of Oz, starring Dorothy’s furry friend Toto.
But now it seems the breed has lost its sparkle with less than 500 of its pups being born in 2022.
In the start of 2023 the Cairn terrier recorded a 42 per cent decrease in popularity compared to the same period in 2022.
Their numbers have halved from 1,085 in 2013 to just 492 in 2022.
Experts are warning the breed now faces an uncertain future and possible extinction.
In the 1930’s the Scottish Breed which originated from the Isle of Skye was in the top five most popular breeds in the UK.
Following the release of the Wizard of Oz in 1939, the breed shot to fame with the familiar line: ‘Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.’
That year the Terrier saw an increase in demand with over 650 per cent new registered puppies in as little as seven weeks.
But it wasn’t until the 1980’s that the breed truly peaked in popularity with over 4,000 Cairn Terrier puppies born in 1989 alone.
It’s feared the breed will enter The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list, which highlights British and Irish Breeds which are at risk of going extinct.
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Bill Lambert, spokesman for The Kennel Club told the Daily Mail: “The Cairn Terrier is an iconic breed, best known as Toto, but also as a firm family favourite, so the low numbers we are currently seeing are very worrying.”
“Cairn Terriers are active and fearless little dogs who make a great pet for the right owners,” he said.
The Cairn Terrier is among many breeds who have risen to popularity due to a TV show or film.
After the release of 101 Dalmatians in 1996 every new pet owner wanted to get their hands on a spotted pup.
More recently the Pembroke Welsh Corgi saw a much needed boost in popularity after the British public learned how the breed was a fond favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown.
Game of Thrones sparked a popularity boost for Alanskan Malamute, a wolf-like breed similar to the extinct canine dire wolves in the show.
But experts advise prospective pet owners not choose a dog breed based solely on a show or film.
Lambert says: “Thorough, extensive and responsible research should drive any decision to ensure the breed is right for you.”