Native UK Dog Breeds at Risk – Well, maybe it’s not as dramatic as Noah choosing which species would survive the great flood, but it’s a trend that would certainly make Darwin lift an eyebrow.
According to recent Kennel Club statistics, Britain’s native dog breeds at now at risk in part because demand has shifted to more fashionable breeds showcased by celebrities.
25 dog breeds including the formerly popular English Setter (England’s oldest dog breed) are now considered vulnerable (extinction risk) because of low registration numbers. Registrations for English Setters have dropped by a third since last year, (only 234 registrations in 2011) while registrations for breeds like the Chihuahua have increased by a quarter.
cardigan welsh corgi puppy
This demand for celebrity dogs can also give breeds whose numbers are dwindling a boost. Consider the fact that registrations for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (a favorite of the Royal Family) soared by over 130% after the Royal Wedding in 2011, enabling the breed to be taken off the vulnerable list. (let’s hope they are still cared for in a few years)
In a related twist, I couldn’t help but notice another headline in today’s news: Sumatran Elephants close to extinction. Maybe we could get Paris Hilton to walk an elephant down Rodeo drive, causing THEIR numbers to rebound!
Ben Flajnik, aka “The Bachelor,” was happy to bring his dog on a date in his hometown of Sonoma, California. Apparently his dog, a Jack Russell Terrier named, “Scotch,” (why would a winemaker name his dog, Scotch!?) approved of date Courtney Robertson, but did begin to howl as Flajnik moved in for a kiss. “You’re ruining the moment, Buddy,” he replied to the dog.
When Courtney, a model, mentioned that Scotch was heavier than he looked, Ben replied, “He’s a little over 20 pounds… When he stays at Grandma’s house, he puts on a few lb’s.”
We’re hoping that Flajnik brings his dog on more dates, as no one is a better judge of true character than a dog!
You can watch Scotch accompany Ben on his date below:
Fergie & Josh Christmas Card – Like many of us, this year’s Christmas card from Fergie and Josh Duhamel features their dogs; in this case a caricature of their Dachshunds named Meatloaf and Zoe.
When asked by US Weekly what she wants for Christmas, Fergie replied, “For my dogs to use the bathroom outside!”
Fergie w/ Meatloaf & Zoe
Nice touch that one of the dogs is writing, “Happy Holidays” in pee on snowman Josh. (well, at least they are outside!) In any event, the card is a nice contrast to the cold & obnoxious Kardashian card this year.
Looks like Fergie won’t be ringing in the new year with her wiener dogs this year, as she is due to be in LA hosting Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
Hugh Hefner & Crystal Harris Fight Over Custody of Puppy: Months after ending their engagement, Hugh Hefner and former fiancee, Crystal Harris, are still feuding over who gets to keep their puppy. Originally the dog was supposed to remain at the Playboy Mansion, but apparently Crystal is having second thoughts Hefner told People Mag, “We [...]
Adele, who just had successful surgery on her vocal chord, was seen for the first time outside her London home with her dog; a Dachshund named, “Louie,” who was seen peeking out of his dog carrier. The surgery reportedly went well, and Louie has reportedly been very supportive. The male dog was named after legendary [...]
