The Big Question: Why are so many British dog breeds in danger of extinction?

Why are we asking this now?

Because the popularity of glamorous breeds from abroad has sidelined many traditional British dog breeds, putting some at risk of extinction. The Kennel Club has released a list of more than 20 British breeds that have become vulnerable. It believes that celebrities, who have been seen out and about with small, exotic dog breeds, are having a "huge" impact on dog ownership, making some dogs into sought-after fashion must-haves, but leaving others in the dog house.

So which breeds are in danger?

On the Kennel Club's vulnerable list, made up of breeds with fewer than 300 registered puppies in 2007, are many obscure breeds that have been traditional to Britain for many years. Among those out of favour is the web-footed otterhound, bred to hunt otters in the 12th century. There were just 41 puppies registered in 2007. Several terrier breeds also made the list. At greatest risk is the Glen of Imaal terrier. Just 36 puppies were registered.

Also on the list is the greyhound, with just 48 pedigree dogs registered. The many thousands bred for racing are counted separately. Even royal approval can't make British breeds more popular. The Welsh Cardigan corgi, the Queen's favourite, is also at risk. The changing role of dogs often has a role in their decline. The Manchester terrier was originally bred for catching rats. It is no longer needed for that, and is not widely kept as a pet.

Which breeds are taking over?

Top dog at the moment seems to be the smaller Toy breeds, such as the Chihuahua and the pug, which have been made a fashion accessory by celebrities such as US stars Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Registrations of these breeds have shot up by around 1,000 in the past year. Another reason for the popularity of Toy dogs may be the changing modern lifestyle. With more people living in flats and in cities, smaller dogs are perceived as being easier to care for.

Are there fads in dog ownership?

Absolutely, say those watching the trends. "Every time a breed is given media attention it does have a huge affect on its popularity," said the Kennel Club's Bill Lambert. "It isn't just the celebrity connection: it's movies and television, too. There is always some kind of reaction in the market, which has made some rather unusual dogs popular in the past."

Though attention is turned towards Chihuahuas and pugs at the moment, others have had their 15 minutes of fame. There was a rush to buy Dalmatians with the release of a certain Disney film in 1996. Even an obscure and rare breed, the Dogue de Bordeaux, became popular after one called Beasley starred alongside Tom Hanks in the 1989 film, Turner and Hooch.

Is it all bad news for British breeds?

No. That most British of British breeds, the bulldog, is going from strength to strength, according to the Kennel Club figures. Registrations are up by 1,000 in two years. There are now around 4,000 registrations a year, showing that people aren't rejecting British breeds en masse. It has celebrity endorsement of its own. Birmingham rapper Mike Skinner, aka The Streets, is often seen with his pet bulldog. And British breeds are well represented in the Kennel Club's list of favourite breeds, with the cocker spaniel, the English springer spaniel, and the Staffordshire bull terrier making last year's top five.

How can these dogs be saved?

The strength of British dog shows has always helped to preserve traditional breeds, with Crufts still the jewel in the crown. A number of other national and regional dog shows also help to encourage the breeding of pedigree pups. Many of the breeds have small owner associations, which always aim to tell everyone that their chosen breed is the best around. The Kennel Club hopes that by publicising the breeds that are in danger, it may persuade people to take a closer interest in them and save them from extinction. That's part of the reason it came up with its endangered list back in 2003.

Are these British breeds doomed?

Just like all objects in demand, dog breeds come in and out of fashion. While the current trend is for those little pooches from abroad, it doesn't mean that other breeds are doomed. "The fox terrier, one of the British breeds now on the Kennel Club's watch list, was once an incredibly popular breed before the Second World War," said Simon Parsons, associate editor of Dog World newspaper. "Then, the fashion was for poodles. It changes all the time." Registrations of the fox terrier have fallen by 100 from two years ago, and there is now just a fraction of the number that walked the parks of Britain a generation ago. But the history of that breed shows that things can turn around very quickly.

Does it matter that foreign breeds are now more popular?

Choosing a dog on the basis of a celebrity fad concerns dog experts, as it suggests that people may be choosing a dog on the basis of looks rather than personality. That way they might end up with a dog that does not suit them. Another concern surrounding the increase in popularity of foreign breed is the price of puppies. A Chihuahua can now cost up to £2,000 a pup. Other prime pedigrees can be picked up for between £400 and £800. With such a boom, the fear is that people are buying on impulse, when acquiring a dog should be a carefully thought-out decision.

According to the Kennel Club, it would be a shame to lose breeds that have been indigenous for so long. Caroline Kisko, from the organisation, said: "It's essential that we do all we can to protect these breeds so that people can discover what great characters they are, and to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy their companionship."

Julien Barney, chairman of the British & Irish Dog Breeds Preservation Trust, agreed. He is the proud owner of seven Welsh terriers, and believes we have a duty to ensure the survival of indigenous breeds. He said: "They are part of our heritage and we should try hard to preserve them."

What dog should people get?

According to dog experts, one that suits their lifestyle and personality, rather than one that is getting all the attention. "We believe that there is a pedigree dog for everyone," said the Kennel Club's Bill Lambert. "With a little thought and the advice of a breeder, people can get the dog to suit them rather than one they just like the look of." For anyone on the look-out for a new pet, the good news is that there is more choice than ever. There are now 209 recognised breeds in the UK, up from the 150 breeds that were around 30 years ago.

Should we be concerned about the falling numbers of British dog breeds?

Yes...

* As few as 36 puppies were registered for one breed last year, putting it at real risk of extinction

* Losing British dog breeds would be a loss of British heritage, and their unique personalities will be lost

* The trend to obtain foreign breeds in such numbers suggests people aren't thinking carefully about the type of dog that suits them

No...

* Not all British breeds are under threat. Some, like the bulldog, are doing better than ever

* Dog breeds come in and out of fashion all the time. This is nothing new and will continue to happen

* As long as the dogs we are buying are given a good home and are well looked after, does it really matter where the breed is from?