Sadly the breed is currently classed as a "native vulnerable breed" by the Kennel Club, as less than the required 300 puppies a year are being registered.
Their numbers have been declining for some time now
2011 - 98 puppies
- 2012 - 120 puppies
- 2013 - 105 puppies
- 2014 - 144 puppies
- 2015 - 88 puppies
- 2016 - 91 puppies
- 2017 - 130 puppies
- 2018 - 145 puppies
- 2019 - 109 puppies
The breed is intelligent, loyal, friendly, and extremely stubborn! They are excellent companions for adults and children alike and are content sitting on your lap or chasing around the garden.
They are quiet and placid for the most part, though you will always know when someone comes to the door!
They have few health problems, but their long back means they should not be encouraged to chase up and down stairs and the inside of their long ears should be cleaned regularly.
Their eyes should be checked for glaucoma when they are between 12 and 18 months old and very occasionally a dog may have a thyroid problem or even more occasionally Cushing's disease.
