Bo, the Portuguese Water Dog
Bo, the fluffy new member of the Whitehouse family has officially settled into his presidential pooch quarters. However what many of us may not know is that Bo is a Portuguese Water Dog, and a fairly rare breed at that.
Underneath all those soft black curls lies a strong swimmer with the ability to dive underwater. Dogs like Bo were a fisherman’s best buddy and would be taken out on fishing boats to assist and retrieve any tackle that fell over-board or rescue men that were washed out to sea.
Whilst only some of us may have come across a Portuguese Water Dog, there are many other dogs out there we rarely hear about. For example the Glen of Imaal Terrier claims to be the rarest breed of domesticated dog in the world. There are only about 35 registered in the U.K. In fact, there are now more giant pandas in the world than this Irish-bred canine.
Whilst only some of us may have come across a Portuguese Water Dog, there are many other dogs out there we rarely hear about. For example the Glen of Imaal Terrier claims to be the rarest breed of domesticated dog in the world. There are only about 35 registered in the U.K. In fact, there are now more giant pandas in the world than this Irish-bred canine.
The Kennel Club have published a list of what they call ‘most vulnerable breeds’ in other words dogs which are of British origin and considered to be declining in numbers and whose status has diminished over a number of years.
Here is a list of the top five rarest native breeds (recorded in 2005).
5. Skye Terrier - Skyes can be active dogs or couch potatoes. They will take all the exercise you can give them or they are just as happy curled up on your lap. They make loyal companions and good family pets. There were only 30 Skye Terriers recorded in the UK in 2005. Here is more about active dogs.
4. Welsh Corgi – There are two types of Corgi Cardigan and Pembroke. Both are among the healthiest and longest-lived dogs in the Herding Group. Queen Elizabeth keeps five Corgis and four Dorgis (Corgi/Dachshund cross) in the Royal household. A group of star corgis were named "Best Historical Hounds" and "Best in World" at awards at the BFI Southbank in 2007. There are only 77 Corgis in the UK.
Greyhound
3. Greyhounds – This dog was originally used to hunt and later used as a racer! Many greyhounds have become great pets and show dogs. Because of their fast legs, Greyhounds have been subject to a life as race slaves and many are left without a loving home after their life as a dog racer has ended. Read more about this on the PETA blog.
Sealyman Terrier
2. Sealyham Terrier – The Sealyham was once one of the more popular terriers and one of the best known Welsh breeds. Today it’s listed as one of the most endangered breeds. Much to everyone’s amazement, Efbe's Hidalgo at Goodspice the Sealyman Terrier, still managed to scoop Best In Show at Crufts in 2009.
Sussex Spaniel
1. Sussex Spaniel – These active and energetic dogs make the best working breeds and are used for field work and hunting. The Sussex originates from the county of the same name in southeast England, where it was bred to be a companion and field worker for a hunter seeking small game. With its short legs, the dog is perfectly shaped to explore the underbrush, to either flush out or retrieve game. Watch news about a Sussex that recently won a Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Enter this month’s Pooch & Mutt prize draw to win a bag of Bionic Biotic.
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