Head tilted while listening carefully to a gramophone, Nipper is one of the most recognizable dogs around the world.
But the breed behind his master's voice is confronted with wiped out after recording the lowest number of puppy births since the records started.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the various historic British varieties that are confronted with an uncertain future, while the Labrador remains the best dog in the country, according to the Kennel Club.
The small terrier was in the top ten most popular dogs a century ago and registered nearly 3,000 puppies a year at its peak. Yet last year only 45 were born and saw it as 'vulnerable'.
The Airedale Terrier was also added to the 'AT Watch' list for the first time – when the annual puppy births fall to between 300 and 450.
In the meantime, both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Shetland Sheepdog have registered their lowest figures since 1944 and 1946, while the Scottish terrier numbers fell further.
Bill Lambert, spokesperson for Crufts, said: 'The flexible Fox Terrier was once one of our most popular varieties, and recognizable all over the world as a Nipper, the HMV dog, so these latest figures are a real reason for concern.
“With 223 different dog breeds, each with unique characteristics and personalities, we have such a rich diversity of dogs in this country, but some people run the risk of disappearing forever, simply because many people know nothing about it, which means that many people may not get the perfect match for them.”
The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of a number of British dog breeds that are confronted with an uncertain future
Last year the number of Airedale Terrier, born in the past year, was around 300
Some of the risks will be shown at the NEC in Birmingham for Crufts
Despite their declining figures, 52 smooth Fox Terriers will compete for the title of Best in Show in Crufts this week
The famous dog show that takes place in the NEC in Birmingham in Birmingham, sheds light on those who are at risk.
This helped to stimulate the number of Skye Terriers, most recognizable as Dougal of the Magic Roundabout, an increase of only 36 puppies in 2023 to 71 puppies last year, while the otter dog numbers jumps from 18 to 42.
The Rough Collie and Cairn Terrier both left the 'At Watch' list and recorded more than 450 puppies in 2024.
Mr Lambert added: 'Opportunities to meet less popular dog breeds are limited, which is why we have a unique Discover Dogs area at Crufts, which starts this week, where visitors can talk to experts and meet more than 200 breeds.
“We really urge potential dog owners to take advantage of this opportunity to meet the enormous variety of races and use the information and resources available at Crugts and Online, to really understand which breed is suitable for them.”
