Sussex Spaniel Faces Extinction Risk with Record Low Registrations

This decline represents nearly a 70 percent drop in registrations over the past decade, making the Sussex Spaniel one of the UK's most endangered native breeds. The breed was developed at the Rosehill Estate in the 19th century and is classified as a vulnerable native breed by the Royal Kennel Club.

VetMedi's analysis reveals that Sussex Spaniel registrations plummeted from 49 in 2016 to the current low of 15 in 2025, marking a 73.2 percent decrease from its peak of 56 registrations in 2017. This trend mirrors a broader decline in many traditional British breeds, as more prospective pet owners opt for popular designer crossbreeds and smaller companion dogs.

The research indicated that breeds such as Cockapoos, Cavapoos, and Labradoodles have surged in popularity, while some historic native breeds are seeing registrations fall into single digits. For example, the Bloodhound recorded just five registrations in 2025, and the Otterhound had only ten.

Dr. Charlotte Inness, a veterinarian and founder of VetMedi.co.uk, stated that changing lifestyles have influenced these shifts in dog ownership. She noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people gravitated towards smaller breeds that require less space and exercise, compared to traditional working breeds like Border Collies and Dalmatians, which necessitate more time and experience for proper care.

Dr. Inness cautioned that the diminishing interest in traditional breeds could lead to lasting negative impacts. She emphasized that if potential buyers focus solely on trending breeds, it could result in irreversible genetic bottlenecks, risking the loss of Britain’s historic dog breeds.

The Royal Kennel Club defines vulnerable native breeds as those originating from Britain or Ireland with fewer than 300 puppy registrations annually.