UK pedigree dog breeders are part of a rich tradition that has shaped the multitude of breeds we know today. But the landscape of pedigree dog breeding is shifting, and understanding these changes is key to ensuring the health and future of our dogs. A recent study published in Companion Animal Health and Genetics (2025) by researchers J.J. Ilska, P.B. Ryan, and D.J. Tolhurst offers a fascinating look at what’s been happening with the 222 breeds recognised by The Kennel Club (KC) over the past three decades (1990–2021). Based on a massive dataset of over 11 million dogs, this research highlights trends that every breeder should be aware of. Let’s break it down into plain language and explore what it means for breeders and their breeding programmes.
The Big Picture: A Declining Population with Some Bright Spots
One of the findings is that the overall number of KC-registered pedigree dogs in the UK has been shrinking. Since 1990, the total population has been slowly decreasing, with the drop becoming more noticeable after 2010. However, not every breed is following this trend. Some, like the French Bulldog, have seen a huge surge in popularity, while others, like the Yorkshire Terrier, have declined sharply. This mix of growth and decline shows that each breed has its own story, and what’s happening in one breed might not reflect the next.
For breeders, this decline raises an important question: are we seeing fewer people registering their dogs with the KC, or are fewer puppies being born? The study suggests it’s a bit of both, possibly due to changing interests or challenges in the breeding world. If your breed is one of those declining in popularity, it might be worth thinking about how to connect with new owners or promote the unique qualities of your dogs. On the flip side, if your breed is booming (like the French Bulldog), you might need to manage the influx of new breeders and ensure standards don’t slip.
Who’s Breeding, and Who’s Not?
Another insight from the research is that only a small fraction of registered dogs are actually used for breeding. Across all breeds, about 1 in 7 dogs born between 2005 and 2015 went on to have puppies of their own. For male dogs born in 2015, this drops to about 1 in 16. This means a lot of dogs are not being bred from, which limits the variety of dogs contributing to the next generation.
Why does this matter? When only a handful of dogs are breeding, it can put pressure on those individuals, especially the most popular ones. The study notes that dogs that have done well in shows or field trials have traditionally been in demand for breeding, but their use is waning. Instead, breeders are increasingly turning to dogs brought in from other countries. This shift could mean a breeder’s choice of stud dog or brood bitch might need to adapt—perhaps looking beyond the local show circuit to find fresh blood.
The Rise of Imported Dogs
The number of dogs coming into the UK from abroad has jumped significantly, especially since changes to the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) in 2012 made it easier to bring dogs in. Countries like Ireland, Russia, and Poland are top sources, with some breeds relying heavily on imports from specific places. These newcomers are not just joining the population, they’re being used more and more in breeding, which is a big change from past practices.
This trend is a double-edged sword for breeders. On one hand, bringing in dogs from outside the UK can introduce new traits and help keep the gene pool diverse, which is great for avoiding health issues that come from too much inbreeding. On the other hand, it can complicate things if the imported dogs’ backgrounds aren’t well-documented, making it harder to track their family history. If you’re considering an imported dog for your breeding programme, it’s a good idea to ask for as much information as possible about their origins and health.
Changing Preferences in Stud Dogs
The study also digs into who the top breeding dogs are and what makes them popular. In the past, dogs that excelled in shows or field trials were the go-to choices for sires. But that’s changing. Now, some breeders are picking dogs based on other factors like health test results or even trendy coat colours that aren’t always in line with breed standards. For example, in French Bulldogs, non breed standard colours have been driving demand.
This shift can have a big impact. Relying on just a few popular sires, whether for health or looks, can lead to too many puppies from the same family tree, which might increase the risk of health problems down the line. The study highlights a Labrador sire with thousands of descendants in just a few years; a clear sign that diversity could take a hit. Breeders should think about spreading out their matings across a wider group of dogs to keep things balanced, rather than pinning their hopes on one superstar that is dominating the show-ring or other competitions.
What This Means for Breeders
The study’s main takeaway is that every breed is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing the challenges of declining genetic diversity won’t work. Here are some practical implications to consider:
1. Get to Know Your Breed’s Trends: Check with the KC or your breed club to see how your breed is faring. Is it growing, shrinking, or holding steady? This can guide your breeding plans. Maybe you need to boost awareness if numbers are low, or manage demand if they’re high.
2. Broaden Your Breeding Pool: With so few dogs being bred from, try to involve more dogs in your programme, especially if they’re healthy and meet the breed standard. This can help bring in fresh traits and reduce reliance on a few popular lines.
3. Consider Imports Wisely: If you’re thinking about using an imported dog, do your homework. Look for one with a clear history and health checks, and talk to other breeders who’ve gone that route. It could be a great way to add variety, but it needs careful planning.
4. Watch the Popular Sire Effect: If you’re tempted to use a top-winning dog or one with trendy traits, think about the long-term impact. Mixing in dogs from different lines, even if they’re not show stars, can keep your breed strong and healthy.
5. Stay Connected: The study suggests that breed communities need tailored strategies. Joining forces with other breeders can help share knowledge and develop plans that suit your breed’s specific needs.
Looking Ahead
The world of pedigree dog breeding is at a crossroads. The decline in overall numbers, the rise of imports, and the shift in what makes a dog “desirable” are all signs that things are evolving. While this might feel challenging, it also opens doors. We have the chance to shape the future of our breeds by making thoughtful choices about who to breed and how to bring in new influences.
The researchers behind this study emphasise that the KC is a key player in supporting breeders, offering tools like the COI Calculator to help breeders plan matings that avoid too much inbreeding. Taking advantage of these resources, along with staying active in your breed community, can make a big difference. The goal isn’t just to keep breeding, it’s to ensure your dogs thrive for generations to come.
As we move forward into 2025 and beyond, the passion and dedication of UK pedigree dog breeders will be more important than ever. By keeping an eye on these trends and adapting where needed, we can help preserve the diversity and health of our breeds.
Read the full paper here.
