I own one of UK’s rarest dog breeds – just over 100 are born a year

Walking through my busy local park, I’ve lost count of the number of times people have stopped to ask about my dog. “Is she a Cairn mix?” “A chubby Yorkshire Terrier?” No one ever guesses correctly.

My two-year-old Norwich Terrier, Ginny, is a living relic – one of just 140 born in the UK last year. My short and stout wiry-haired terrier is one of 37 endangered breeds in the UK at risk of disappearing from streets and parks forever. Norwich Terriers are among the country’s rarest dogs, classified as a ‘vulnerable native breed’ by The Kennel Club.

A breed is placed on this list when registrations drop below 300 a year, and in 2020, only 81 Norwich Terrier puppies were registered.

While their numbers have climbed slightly, they remain overshadowed by more fashionable breeds, with many dog lovers unaware they even exist.

As millions tune into Crufts this weekend, viewers will likely see numerous pedigree breeds they’ve never heard of – some of which may be completely unrecognisable.

That’s because the top 10 breeds in the UK account for more than 60% of annual puppy registrations for all breeds, according to The Kennel Club.

It’s no surprise that the most popular breed among the British public are Labrador Retrievers with 38,074 registrations in 2024 alone, followed by the French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Short-haired Dachshund, and Golden Retriever.

Originating in East Anglia, Norwich Terriers were bred as hardy, fearless working dogs, small enough to chase rats and foxes yet tough enough to keep up with horses on the hunt.

In the late 19th century, they became popular among students at Cambridge University, where they were kept as ratters in dormitories. Their cheerful nature and unwavering loyalty cemented their reputation as wonderful companions.

Despite their working-dog origins, Norwich Terriers are loving and affectionate. Ginny is the definition of charm, with a personality far larger than her tiny frame suggests. She adores people, and believes every stranger exists solely to fuss over her.

But Norwich Terriers, like many historic British breeds, have fallen out of favour in the age of social media trends and designer dogs.

Small, sturdy terriers used to be a staple in British homes, but today, most people seeking a compact companion gravitate towards more popular choices – French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, or Cockapoos.

The rise of ‘trendy’ breeds has had a devastating impact on many native dogs. While the Norwich Terrier is still hanging on, others are in an even more perilous position.

In 2024, only 75 Skye Terriers were registered in the UK, and the Otterhound – a breed with fewer than 1,000 worldwide – saw just 42 new registrations.

In fact, the Kennel Club lists 37 breeds as vulnerable, including the once-popular Bearded Collie, King Charles Spaniel, Old English Sheepdog and Lakeland Terrier.

Part of the issue is visibility. I’ve lived in Glasgow for years and have yet to meet another Norwich Terrier in person. When people don’t see a breed, they don’t consider it an option.

Meanwhile, Instagram and TikTok are flooded with Frenchies, Labradors, Miniature Dachshunds, reinforcing their popularity.

Another problem is breeding. Responsible breeders of rare dogs prioritise health, temperament, and genetic diversity, meaning litters are small and carefully planned.

In contrast, popular breeds are mass-produced, and sometimes by irresponsible breeders and puppy farms, flooding the market with poorly bred, unhealthy puppies.

The Norwich Terrier’s slow, steady breeding approach is good for the dogs but makes it hard for the breed to compete in numbers.

If you’re considering adding a Norwich Terrier – or any rare breed – to your family, research and patience is key.

Every single breed has a dedicated club with experienced owners and breeders who can provide guidance. Breed clubs are invaluable, offering advice on health, temperament, and finding a responsible breeder.

And don’t forget about rescues. Many other breeds – including mixed breeds – are in desperate need of homes. In 2022, Dogs Trust reported a 16.62% increase in dogs being rehomed, while in 2022–2023, the RSPCA cared for 18,778 dogs.

If you have your heart set on a specific breed, many rescues specialise in rehoming them. The Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations rehome approximately 6,000 dogs each year.

For now, Ginny and I will continue our walks through Glasgow’s parks, educating curious passersby about her rare breed.

She might not be ‘trendy,’ but to me, she’s perfect. And if just one person decides to give a vulnerable breed like hers a chance, that’s a step towards keeping them from disappearing altogether.

The 2024 registration numbers for each vulnerable breed listed by the Kennel Club.

• Bearded Collie: 209

• Bedlington Terrier: 291

• Bloodhound: 25

• Bull Terrier (Miniature): 165

• Bullmastiff: 235

• Collie (Smooth): 29

• Dandie Dinmont Terrier: 81

• Deerhound: 146

• English Setter: 185

• English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan): 66

• Foxhound: 6

• Fox Terrier (Smooth): 45

• Glen of Imaal Terrier: 92

• Gordon Setter: 165

• Greyhound: 20

• Harrier: 1

• Irish Red & White Setter: 49

• Irish Terrier: 295

• Irish Wolfhound: 165

• King Charles Spaniel: 45

• Kerry Blue Terrier: 77

• Lakeland Terrier: 86

• Lancashire Heeler: 75

• Manchester Terrier: 89

• Mastiff: 107

• Norwich Terrier: 140

• Old English Sheepdog: 241

• Otterhound: 42

• Retriever (Curly Coated): 50

• Sealyham Terrier: 100

• Skye Terrier: 71

• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: 130

• Spaniel (Clumber): 155

• Spaniel (Field): 73

• Spaniel (Irish Water): 53

• Spaniel (Sussex): 24

• Spaniel (Welsh Springer): 174

• Welsh Corgi (Cardigan): 81

• Welsh Terrier: 218