Expression of Interest approved – now breed clubs and owners are being asked to help secure official recognition
Fantastic news for everyone who cares about the future of pedigree and native dog breeds in the United Kingdom.
The Expression of Interest submitted by the Union of Good Dog People to recognise the traditional breeding and stewardship of British native dog breeds as part of the UK’s Living Heritage has now been approved in principle.
This means the application can now move forward — but the next stage depends on support from breed clubs, breeders, owners and supporters across the UK.
What has been approved?
The application, titled:
Traditional Ethical Dog Breeding and Stewardship of British Native Breeds
has been accepted for progression within the UK Living Heritage inventory, under the categories:
- Social practices
- Nature, land and spirituality
- Crafts
- Sport and games
The submission highlights that Britain has around 60 native dog breeds, and that around two-thirds are now considered vulnerable or at risk due to declining numbers of traditional, small-scale breeders.
In Ireland, native breeds already receive cultural heritage recognition —
but in Britain, this living tradition has never been formally protected.
The application argues that the knowledge, skills and responsibility passed down through generations of breeders is a living cultural practice, and that without support it could be lost.
Why this matters
For centuries, British dog breeds were developed for real working roles connected to the land and to family life — herding, hunting, guarding, companionship, vermin control and sport.
These breeds did not survive by accident.
They survived because of dedicated custodians, often breeding on a small scale, in their homes, with deep knowledge of their lines.
Today, those custodians are declining in number, and many native breeds now have very low annual registrations.
Recognition as Living Heritage would help show policymakers that:
- Native breeds are part of British culture
- Ethical breeding is a skilled tradition, not a commercial activity
- Small, responsible breeders are essential to preservation
- Losing these breeds would mean losing part of our national history
How you can help
To move to the next stage, evidence is needed showing that this tradition is still actively practised.
1. Complete the survey
This short survey will help demonstrate the scale of responsible breeding and stewardship in the UK.
Link here
2. Join the Union of Good Dog People
The Union is a free, open network for anyone who supports:
- Responsible breeding
- Lifetime aftercare for dogs
- Ending puppy farming
- Protecting small, ethical home breeders
British Native Dog Breeds – current working list
⚠️ = Vulnerable / at risk (low annual registrations)
England
Airedale Terrier ⚠️
Beagle
Bedlington Terrier ⚠️
Bloodhound ⚠️
Border Terrier
Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier (Miniature) ⚠️
Bulldog
Bullmastiff ⚠️
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Clumber Spaniel ⚠️
Curly Coated Retriever ⚠️
English Setter ⚠️
English Springer Spaniel
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) ⚠️
Field Spaniel ⚠️
Flat Coated Retriever
Foxhound ⚠️
Fox Terrier (Smooth) ⚠️
Fox Terrier (Wire) ⚠️
Greyhound ⚠️
Harrier ⚠️
Jack Russell Terrier ⚠️
King Charles Spaniel ⚠️
Lakeland Terrier ⚠️
Lancashire Heeler ⚠️
Manchester Terrier ⚠️
Mastiff ⚠️
Norfolk Terrier ⚠️
Norwich Terrier ⚠️
Old English Sheepdog ⚠️
Otterhound ⚠️
Parson Russell Terrier ⚠️
Pointer ⚠️
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Sussex Spaniel ⚠️
Whippet
Yorkshire Terrier
Scotland
Bearded Collie ⚠️
Border Collie
Cairn Terrier ⚠️
Dandie Dinmont Terrier ⚠️
Deerhound ⚠️
Gordon Setter ⚠️
Golden Retriever
Rough Collie ⚠️
Scottish Terrier ⚠️
Shetland Sheepdog
Skye Terrier ⚠️
Smooth Collie ⚠️
West Highland White Terrier
Wales
Cardigan Welsh Corgi ⚠️
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Sealyham Terrier ⚠️
Welsh Springer Spaniel ⚠️
Welsh Terrier ⚠️
Have we got them all?
This list is being checked and updated.
If your breed is missing, or if you have information about vulnerability, history, or stewardship traditions, please complete the survey or contact the Union.
This application will only succeed if the community stands behind it.
Let’s make sure Britain’s native dog breeds are recognised as the National Treasures they truly are.
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