By MEGAN HOWE
They were chosen as one of the iconic Monopoly counter pieces, have been an emblem on Radley designer bags since 2000, but now Scottish terriers are falling out of favour with Brits after the breed has appeared on the "at watch" list for the fifth year running.
The 'Scottie dog' had its heyday in the 1930s when the breed popped up on anything and everything from greeting cards to jewellery, ceramics and memorabilia.
US President Frank Roosevelt had a Scottie dog called Fala, while celebrities including Bette Davies, Dorothy Parker and Charles Lindbergh all enjoyed the company of a Scottie.
But now, Scottish terriers numbers are plummeting, as data from The Kennel Club shows they have been placed on the vulnerable "at watch" for native breeds, with just 406 Scotties born last year.
Pictured: The dog breeds that are rising and falling in popularity according to the latest statistics from The Kennel Club
Pictured: Scottie Dog Douglas in the snow in Glasgow
The number of Scotties born last year has hit a record low, in comparison to 453 back in 2017.
Wallis Simpson, later the Duchess of Windsor, pictured holding a Scottie dog
Scottie dogs are characterized as being loyal and faithful, bold but never aggressive. They are said to be dignified, independent and reserved as well as highly intelligent.
They join the English Pointer, the Rough Collie, the Wire Fox Terrier, the Sussex Spaniel, the Curly-coated retriever, Otterhounds, Gordon setters, Irish setters and Norwich and Manchester terriers who have all been placed on the "at watch" list.
Bridget Patchett is a Scotties dog breeder from Halifax, who runs a small kennel called Skircoat Scotties.
Speaking to MailOnline she said: 'Once you have had one Scottie in the family, you are completely hooked on the breed. They are loyal, independent and extremely intelligent companions. It is often said that "a Scottie owns you" rather than the other way around.
'They look very iconic, an outline like no other dog. You are always the centre of attention for all the right reasons when you have one - possibly also, because they are so rare. They have been good enough for American presidents, Roosevelt and Bush, and film stars such as Julie Andrews (who had both blacks and wheatens).
'They are a quality package - a big dog with plenty of character in a small frame.'
The Kennel Club says vulnerable breeds are at risk of disappearing from the UK's parks, streets and play areas all together because they are no longer considered 'fashionable'.
The list is not a definitive guide as it relates to registrations rather than births, but it can be used as an indication of popularity trends.
The top ten breeds in the UK included the Labrador, French Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel, which account for more than 60 per cent of annual puppy registrations for all breeds.
Last year, there was a 'breed boom' for statuesque dogs — the Bernese Mountain and the English setter — which saw the biggest rise in registrations. There was a 24 per cent increase in popularity for the Bernese Mountain dog in comparison to 2022.
Jack Russell's also saw a 14 per cent increase in popularity from 2022 to 2023, while Yorkshire Terriers and miniature Long-haired Dachshunds increased in popularity.
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