Fears one of nations most recognisable dogs at risk of extinction
Spilsby breeder says Covid-19 has had big impact on numbers
Last updated 23rd Apr 2021
It's feared one of the nations most recognisable dogs is at risk of extinction, as a Spilsby owner says lockdown measures have made breeding difficult.
Over the past few years the number of Old English Sheepdogs has dropped by over 35%
It means they've now been placed on the vulnerable list
Ellen Wheeler owns Madison, also known as the Dulux Dog.
"I was searching amongst my friends for breeders and not many had had a litter at all.
"Covid restrictions have stopped people who have been breading from being able to travel.
"This is going to impact on the number that were bred."
Ellen says the breed always attracts attention.
"You wouldn't want to lose them.
"When you walk down the road people stop and go, 'Oh I love your dog'.
"It would be disastrous if they were to become extinct."
She's urging people to be sensible though and to only breed if you know what you're doing.
"That could be tragic.
"We'd end up with a lot of people breeding dogs that have never been health tested."