The fact that about one third of these breeds are 'struggling' (for want of a better expression) is well documented and that indeed was one of the reasons that Hilary Cheyne and I set up the British Heritage Dog Breeds web site. But look a little deeper into the registration patterns of many of our British and Irish breeds and you will discover that a significant number of the remaining breeds are also in decline, but remain above the 'magic' 300 puppies per year registration total.

Take for example the English Setter.

Anyone who has ever known this beautiful breed will have a great affection for them. Many years ago when I had a 'real' job, I had a secretary who had an English Setter, which I got to know well over the years and a more docile, affectionate, well behaved dog you could not wish to meet; the fact that he was also very handsome was just an added bonus. He was part of a family unit and helped bring up two boisterous young girls and was indeed the near perfect family pet.

Back then the breed was regularly registering about 1200 pups per year, indeed 20 years ago in 1989 the breed registered a total of 1186 pups at the KC. So as not to take a single year out of context the average total registrations for the years 1982-1989 was 1111.

Fast forward to 1999 and the total KC registrations for English Setters had reduced to 627. Fast forward again to 2008 and that total had reduced still further to just 399; almost exactly one third of the 1989 total. What is important here is the overall trend; that has been one of a relentless decline in numbers after a long period of stability. In 1988 the famous English Setter, Sh Ch Starlight Express at Valsett was awarded the coverted title of Best in Show at Crufts. Fears are often expressed that winning Crufts will lead to surge of interest in any given breed but, in the 'mysterious case of the disappearing English Setter', quite the reversed happened. Since winning BIS at Crufts there has been this very dramatic and unexplained decline.

I do not have great knowledge of this breed so I would welcome comments from those involved with English Setters or the Gundog group.

Kennel Club Registration totals for the English Setter

Post Script: according to the latest KC figures, in the first 6 months of 2009 the English Setter registered a total of just 101 puppies. This indicates that the sad decline of the breed continues and that this year could even see the breed dip below the KC threshold of 300 registrations a year.