Large breeds going extinct...?

Read in the paper last night that certain large breeds of dog are on the decline due to celebrities favouring their 'handbag' pooches...
The KC say fewer of certain breeds are being registered ad this includes the Greyhound, Otterhound, Bloodhound, Pembroke Corgi, Irish Red and White setter etc...
I know that my own breed do not sell as well as they used to, when we got our first setter there were quite a few others about....
Just wanted to know what you all thought....

I don't think it has anything to do with celebrities and designer dogs, the trend for people having smaller breeds has been going on for years, it's just more noticeable now. I think it has everything to do with lifestyle, people are working longer, have smaller properties and very few new properties have a decent sized garden. Now with money being tight for a lot of people this will be more apparent for this year or so so breeders need to be 100% sure they need a litter this year so they aren't left with pups and of course big breeds tend to have big litters.
Becky

its on the bbc breakfast news at the moment.

I think it's just more noticeable these days, sort of highlighted more. With people being at work and with things going up and up I think people think little dogs are more practical. I agree that Celeb Handbag dogs may play a small part with those that follow the Celeb fads, but I wouldn't of thought the middle aged and above do, I think they just feel a big dog would be too much. I love Big Dog's...Rotti's especially, but feel our house would be overgrowded with one, I find it more maddening too, when I see these type dogs with morons. Maybe in years to come everyone will want big dogs again........if they do lets hope they end up in responsible hands, as most big dogs here are owned by************

I'm not allowed a dog atm but if I was allowed it would be a smaller dog as we don't have a very big house.
I think peoples circumstances have a big part to play, personally if space (and money) weren't an issue I'd love a big dog, I think Tibetan mastiffs are gorgeous but would probably rescue a greyhound as I think they are more in need and a lot of people still don't see them as a "pet".

Our first dog was a rescue setter - and he had personality.

Since then we have had collies. Our son wanted a dog he could play football with.

It wasn't the size of setters that put us off them - we have just bought an estate car so that Dale has more space - he now has more than Paddy ever had.

Cardigan Corgi's too and they are not large, Manchester Terriers, Lancashire Heelers....

I don't think it has anything to do with Celebs and their designer pooches. some of those breeds are on the decrease because they are "specialised breeds" the Otter hound, Bloodhound fro instance, and I know the people who are involved with such breeds are very protective of them.

I am surprised the "Irish Red and White setter " is on there, a few yrs back they where in danger of becoming extinct, but they have increased in popularity over the last few yrs, and have a good turn out at shows.

I remember about 5/6 yrs ago, I was at a show and the IRWS was exhibiting, (I had not seen one before) got talking to a lovely old lady, and she said she was instrumental (along with others) in bringing them over to the Mainland, she also had Irish Setters....I got a lovely long history lesson on the breed and its origins

I think it mainly comes down to circumstances, we have high population density and most people live in towns and cities.

Although having said that, is there a fall in the number of German Shepherds, Dobes or Rotties? And why the gorgeous Manchester Terrier is struggling I don't know, they are absolutely stunning little dogs.

If I had a big house and garden I would get an Irish Wolfhound tomorrow... but until I win the lottery I'm in my small suburban house with a little garden so I'm sticking to little dogs, (and I figure the smaller they are the more I can have.)

J

I think this must be in response to a Kennel Club press release a couple of days ago. What they were saying is that the British Vulnerable Breeds are declining in popularity and this includes small breeds as well as large.

They do give celebrity influence on small breeds a mention too though....

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/1640/23/5/3