Oh No! Corgis Close to Becoming an Endangered Breed

Dog lovers, you might want to sit down for this one. Corgis—those short-legged, big-eared, sweet-faced pups that the Internet adores—are in danger of disappearing. The AFP reports that Britain's Kennel Club breeders' association has put the beloved breed on its "at watch" list and says that corgis are on their way to "vulnerable native breed" status by 2014.

Only 241 Pembroke Welsh Corgis, a breed that counts Queen Elizabeth II among its fans, were registered in Britain this year. The kennel club says the breed probably won't reach the 300 required registrations to stay off the "vulnerable native breed" list.

9 adorable photos of corgis going about their business

So what's causing the shortage of cute corgis? According to the kennel club, an "astronomical" rise in small breeds that fit inside handbags, like French bulldogs, has occurred alongside the corgi's decline.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph attributes the corgi's downturn to Britain's Animal Welfare Act of 2007, which banned the practice of docking, or clipping off part of the dog's tail. "The docking ban, breeders feel, has spoiled the look of the dock which is why many pulling out of the business," the newspaper writes.

Along with the corgi, a few other native British dog breeds are also on the decline: the Boxer, the West Highland White Terrier, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are among them.

In honor of the corgi, check out some of our favorite viral videos featuring the stumpy-legged dogs:

A corgi puppy tries to go down the stairs:

A corgi sees her reflection for the first time:

A corgi gets vacuumed before coming inside: