Following on from the recent publicity in the papers and on TV, is the Glen of Imaal terrier really the rarest breed in the world? There are a couple of breeders near me, and they are often scheduled at Open Shows at Newark.

Hi I dont know about Glen of Imaal terriers are the rarest in the world. But, in Britain they have the fewest registered puppies, ie just 36 last year. In my own breed, Cardigan Corgis just 68 were registered last year.But have to say that in other parts of the world they are flourishing. So dont know whether this is the case with Glen of Imaals.

There are breeds that have fewer registrations than that, Foxhound 14, Skye Terriers only had one more with 37, but many are not British breeds, my own breed around in the UK since 1870's is down to under a 100. 

Established breeds with lower registrations than the Glens, Finnish Spitz 35, Hamiltonstovare 18, Ibizan hound 7, Pharaoh Hound 9, Maremma Sheepdog 9, Schipperke 23, there are lots of others that are rare breeds but have been around quite some time.

Many breeds have registrations under the 300 a year mark that aren't British breeds.

does anyone know how the otterhound is getting on? i think they are lovely looking and i worry about their diminishing numbers...

41 last year and 51 the year before.

its such a shame that so many breeds are producing such reduced numbers, especially when these designers dogs are coming on the market. its like you've said other times brainless, why reinvent the wheel?

I think part of the problem is that breed enthusiasts are so afraid of the puppy farmers that they keep their breeds a secret, and the numbers go down.

The problem is how to promote breeds without risking their exploitation?

I think that deserves a thread.

ok, will do!

job done, new thread started :)