The Scottish Terriers are back! In 2019, the historic Scottish Terrier dog's numbers fell drastically low, and experts are concerned that they would be wiped out in favor of designer breeds that are more popular than them.
But it seems that 2020 is the year for them, as the Kennel Club reveals puppy registrations for the breed have boomed by 92% in the first months of the year, leading the organization's top five registration 'risers' of the year.
Kennel Club's top five 'fastest risers'
Compared to its data in the first three months of 2019, the Kennel Club's data reveals its top five 'fastest risers' in the category of the new puppy registrations for the same period.
The Japanese hunting dog Shiba Inu was in second place, having a 77% rise in registrations. Meanwhile, the Jack Russel Terrier is in third place, having a 75% increase in registrations. Jack Russel Terrier is the breed of dogs that Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancée Carrie Symonds favor.
Some terrier breeds have also made a list, including the Weimaraner with a 71% raise and the Parson Russell Terrier, with 64%, MailOnline reported.
According to an interview by the Daily Express to Til Tovey, the chairman of the Scottish Terrier Club of England, the Scottish Terriers are naturally affectionate, loyal, and intelligent. The increase in their population is a delight to the organization as this heritage breed seems to be bouncing back from low numbers in the past.
Scottish Terriers may be small, but they certainly have prominent personalities and are simply iconic to Scotland. Surely, they will be missed if their population will do dwindle as a breed. The organization hopes that the breed's revival means that the future is bright for Scotties.
As many people are glad about the increase in puppy registration of Scottish Terriers, Bill Lambert, the Kennel's Club Health & Breeder Services Manager, said he was very pleased to see the resurgence of the Scottish terrier.
But as one rises, another falls. The Bearded Colie has fallen out of favor so far this year, suffering about a 61% drop in registrations.
Another breed who falls short this year is the Havanese with a 60% decrease, as well as the Shar-Pei, which is down by 52% in registrations.
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History of Scottish Terriers
In the past, Scottish Terriers were developed to help farmers by hunting rats, foxes, and badgers on the Scottish Highlands. Their working style has been described as efficient and businesslike, while their aloofness towards strangers makes them an excellent watchdog for houses.
As early as the 16th century, small dogs with terrier-like characteristics were depicted in artwork and literature from the Scottish region. But it was not until 1860 when the breed of Scottish Terriers was first included in dog shows in Birmingham.
They may come from breeds of humble farm-dogs, but this breed had friends in high places. In fact, during the 17th century, England's King James I, was well acquainted with the breed as he is a Scot by birth, and even gave the dogs as gifts.
But according to history, the most famous Scottie was Fala, President Franklin Roosevelt's constant companion during World War II.
