LONDON // Celebrities' choices of dogs, and even the queen's penchant for corgis, are leading to fears that some native British breeds are on the verge of extinction.
Statistics released this week by the Kennel Club, the ruling body for breed specifications and registrations in the UK, show that dogs such as the English setter, King Charles spaniel, deerhound and Skye terrier are in danger of disappearing.
In particular, the otterhound population has now reached critical levels. There are only three breeders left in the UK and, during 2011, only 38 puppies were registered across the whole of the country. Worldwide, some 600 otterhounds are believed to exist, though few are considered to be suitable for breeding.
Meanwhile, the tiny Chihuahua - the much-photographed favourite of the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Paris Hilton - has gone from strength to strength with some 6,000 puppies registered with the Kennel Club in 2011.
Last year's royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton also appears to have led to a surge in popularity of Welsh corgis, the queen's favourite dog. Registrations of the breed leapt a huge 134 per cent on the 2010 figure.
"Celebrities, popular culture and fashion play a big part in today's society and, unfortunately, dogs are not immune from our fickle tastes," said Caroline Kisko, the secretary of the Kennel Club.
"This, unfortunately, is reflected in the growing number of exotic breeds seen coming into our breed rescue societies, as people realise that they can't give them the exercise, grooming or other care that they need."
What nobody has been able to explain, though, is why the Siberian husky has become so popular. The Kennel Club says its numbers have trebled over the past decade.
Breeds are added to the club's endangered list when annual registrations fall below 300. The English setter joined a list of 25 others for the first time this month, though most concern continues to centre on the otterhound.
Pam Marston-Pollock, the chair of the UK Otterhound Club, said that owners of the large, rough-coated breed were getting so concerned at the narrowness of the gene pool that enthusiasts had held a meeting recently to discuss "outcrossing" with another breed.
"As far as the show world is concerned, we don't have many younger people involved with the breed," she told BBC News. "The established breeders who have been around for 30 years are either dying off or aren't keeping as many hounds.
"It's a sign of the times, generally, that keeping substantially sized hounds is quite expensive."
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Name: Fruitful Day
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Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 6 (McTominay 2', 3'; Fernandes 20', 70' pen; Lindelof 37'; James 65')
Leeds United 2 (Cooper 41'; Dallas 73')
Man of the match: Scott McTominay (Manchester United)
