A dog lover is urging the public to educate themselves on ethical breeding after the iconic HMV dog suffers lowest annual puppy births since records began.
Jane Perkins from Ashford, Kent breeds the historic British Smooth Fox Terrier, also known as the breed on the HMV gramophone logo, and has become an advocate for speaking up for vulnerable dog breeds in recent years.
Smooth Fox Terriers were in the top ten most popular breeds in Britain a century ago, registering close to 3,000 puppies a year, but saw just 45 born in 2024 – their lowest recording in history.
It’s a painful reality that breeder Perkins puts down to the lack of education around ethical breeding and the changing landscape for working terriers.
“These days, dog breeders are seen in a negative light on social media,” she said. “There’s this notion in the public’s mind that purebred dog breeders are bad, but ethical breeders are here and working super hard to keep our dogs healthy.
“The idea we should be supporting rescues is incredibly valid and people should do this but we want to educate that Breed Clubs also have rescue dogs and can support you in looking after your dog. There’s more than one option.
“Not a single dog of mine has ever been sent to a rescue shelter because I have a contract with those owners to let me know if they’re struggling.
“It’s about finding those ethical breeders who are doing this for their love of dogs and supporting them as well.”
At their peak, terriers were heavily used for fox hunting, running with the hounds to dig out when the fox went under ground.
But with hunting also going out of fashion, Perkins noted that dwindling breed numbers are a direct correlation.
“My theory is that with less need for them as working dogs, they’ve just become less and less popular,” she said.
“We don’t need rat catchers anymore and hunting has gone into decline.
“They used to live in hunt kennels with the hounds so had to be quite smart to live with them. So they are quote a smart breed in looks and intelligence because of that.”
Despite their vulnerable breed status, there will be 52 Smooth Fox Terriers vying for the title of Best in Show at Crufts, which is taking place this week, from 6 – 9 March at the NEC in Birmingham.
Perkins will be just one of these showers, with her 21-month-old terrier George stepping into the spotlight for his second year on the green carpet.
“I have been coming to Crufts for nearly 30 years on and off and started competing in 2003 with a miniature bull terrier,” said Perkins.
“Once that dog passed away, I lost the will to show a little bit so only came to the event as a spectator.
“But with a new breed in George, I decided to take the leap again and competed last year and we’re back once more in 2025.”
Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk
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