British Heritage Dog Breeds

Hi
After reading about the English Setters, it has got me wondering, on the whole across all the breeds is dog registrations down? Are we not owning as many dogs as before and are dogs as pets not as popular as previous? Is there any numbers as a whole? I appreciate it will never be accurate when you consider all the fantastic mongrels, rescue and working dogs not to mention designer but is there a possiblility that people just don't keep dogs as pets as much? Thus people only see the popular choices.

I have big 'L' plates on so don't shoot me down if im talking utter rubbish!

Hi Sarah,
a very good point and would you believe I actually have an article on this very topic on the back burner! There has been some reduction in all breed registrations, but in general British Breeds seem to have suffered reductions way above the underlying trend. The English Setter and Sealyham Terrier are at the more extreme end of this trend.
Time to fight back!
Please don't worry about talking rubbish, that is my department!
Thanks for posting.
Paul K

I think the recession and PDE have taken their toll on registrations this year and I think maybe for at least another year to come but I'm sure things will pick up eventually.
Becky