Population Decline in Wheatens – Discussion held April 2026

SCWTC of GB – Population Decline in Wheatens

An informal and very informative discussion was held after the 2026 AGM and the committee would like to thank everyone who stayed and shared their honest thoughts and observations and to Megan Minasian Chadwick who had engaged with the Club to support her ‘Undergraduate Research — Anthropological Research on Dog Breed Clubs’ which focussed on VNB.

Kate Watkins (Health team) supported by the committee opened by sharing some high-level topics for discussion:
* Why has breeding declined?
* Working group to research and advise (to included non-committee/Megan?)
* Breed awareness day combined with health day/presentations/grooming workshop/shop, or maybe a series of events? The Great Danes did something similar.
* Breeders Day
* Breeding mentor network – UK coverage? How do we assess/approve?
* Review Breeders information/pack
* How to encourage the right owners?
* Subject to agreement and approval – Megan’s research dissertation
* PR and advertising (widen online presence) – survey?
* Engage with other VNB – what issues do they have? How are they tackling? Share knowledge and experience? We have a common goal and tackling the issue doesn’t need to be done in isolation.
* Establish a VNB co-ordinator to work alongside other clubs – the VNB show in August (?) might be a good networking opportunity?

Megan observed that a focus on the social and ‘community’ aspect of Vulnerable Native Breed Clubs as well as cultivating greater ‘visibility’ of the breed in public spaces and the greater cultural consciousness through whatever means possible. These are both secondary aims of my own long-term research.

Key areas/points from the discussion in no particular order):
* How to increase genetic diversity
* Semen database? At the moment we have no idea what/where/who etc. Stringent guidance around this.
* Show dogs vs pet dogs
* Loan bitches
* Bring on board a ‘friendly’ vet for advice/guidance.
* National Lottery Heritage Fund
* SCWTC of GB health/rehome Fund – registered charity status?
* Prohibited by:
– Breeding licences
– Tax declarations
– Time
– Finding a suitable dog (trial matings are available via the health database)
– Things can go wrong

Also attached is an report of an analysis of SCWT data looking at “Breeding Activity and Kennel Participation”, produced by Helen Johnson and covering the period 2010 to 2025. This can be downloaded using the following link – SCWT Breeding Activity and Kennel Participation 2010–2025