UK pedigree dogs should be managed by breed, study finds

Statistical analysis highlights the need for breed-specific population management strategies.

Only a small proportion of pedigree dogs are used in breeding, according to  analysis  of UK registration data over the past 30 years.  

The findings raise considerations for veterinary professionals and breeders concerned with canine health, population sustainability and breeding practices. 

Experts at the Roslin Institute have collaborated with The Kennel Club to analyse over 11 million dog registrations across all 222 pedigree breeds in the UK between 1990 and 2021.  

The results reveal a decline in the overall UK-registered pedigree dog population and suggest that only a small number of dogs are used in breeding.  

The findings support a targeted approach to breed health and sustainability, promoting responsible breeding practices tailored to each individual breed, the research team suggests. 

Data-driven approach 

Researchers calculated within-breed statistics across all pedigree breeds found in the UK, followed by a meta-analysis. This allowed the team to bring together results from each breed to see how much of the variation was due to real differences between breeds, rather than chance or gaps in the data. 

Studying demographic parameters, such as the proportion of dogs used for breeding, and rates of population decline or growth, enabled researchers to quantify how much statistical variation exists between breeds. 

This approach offers a more accurate understanding of breed health and sustainability than treating all pedigree dogs as a single group, the team says. 

Their results highlight the need for breed-specific recommendations on breeding thresholds, genetic testing and the use of imported dogs. 

Canine welfare 

The findings underscore the importance of understanding the demographic context in which dogs are bred and raised, enabling experts to effectively manage genetic diversity, reduce inherited disease, and maintain viable population sizes. 

As genetic diversity declines, resilience to emerging health threats can be affected. Veterinary practitioners can support informed breeding decisions by encouraging breeders and owners to consider health screening and genetic diversity when selecting mates. 

Breeding practices 

The study documents a shift in breeder preferences. While, dogs successful in shows and field trials were commonly used for breeding historically, there has been a decline in their use in recent years.  

Experts noted an increasing reliance on imported dogs, particularly after a 2012 policy amendment to the European Union Pet Travel Scheme, which significantly increased the volume of breeding dogs being imported into the UK. 

These trends carry implications for breed genetics, as the influx of imported animals can impact inbreeding and diversity.  

The research was published in Companion Animal Health and Genetics, funded by The Kennel Club the University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh Innovations Fellowship. 

One of the most striking things was just how much breeds differed from each other - while many breeds were declining in numbers, others such as Bulldogs and Boston Terriers were growing or holding steady. It really showed that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to managing these populations.

Dr Daniel Tolhurst, Edinburgh Innovations Fellow, the Roslin Institute

This study used statistical tools to balance selection for health and genetic diversity – especially on breeds where population sizes are low – and the smaller the gene pool gets, the more challenging it will be to balance responsible breeding choices with keeping a sustainable population, unless the situation is managed carefully. Our aim now is to work with breeders and those committed to safeguarding the breeds they love.”

Dr Joanna Ilska, Genetics and Research Manager, The Kennel Club

The Roslin Institute receives strategic investment funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and it is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

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