The UK’s oldest dedicated canine newspaper has ceased publication after more than 130 years, with the loss of 18 jobs.
Our Dogs was first published on 5 January 1895 and survived two world wars, epidemics and financial crises without skipping an issue.
Its core audience included pedigree dog breeders, exhibitors, handlers, show judges and kennel clubs. It also produced special editions for Crufts, international shows and Christmas Annuals.
The newspaper’s owner, Our Dogs Publishing Co Ltd, cited declining advertising revenue, rising employment costs and the Royal Kennel Club’s plans to launch its own magazine as key factors behind the closure.
The final edition was published online on 18 September 2026.
Our Dogs Publishing Co Ltd, based at the Boat Shed development at Exchange Quay, Salford Quays, has now entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation.
Steven Wiseglass (pictured), founder and director of insolvency and corporate recovery firm Inquesta, has been appointed liquidator, and all 18 employees were made redundant when trading ceased.
The company recorded turnover of £1.056m in the year to 31 December 2025 and a loss of £390,000. This followed losses of nearly £350,000 in each of the previous two years despite similar levels of turnover.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Our Dogs wrote: “The Our Dogs team have done our best to keep going with great features and special issues, but there comes a point when, sadly, a decision has to be made.”
The closure comes against a backdrop of decline in specialist canine publishing. Our Dogs’ closest rival, Dog World, went into administration in 2017.
Wiseglass said: “Having been around since the reign of Queen Victoria, it is a great shame that the newspaper has ceased publication. The team at Our Dogs worked very hard to keep the company going despite numerous challenges. These included declining advertising revenue and rising employment costs.
“The directors sought additional financial support and explored a potential sale of the title, but neither option proved successful. It was no longer possible to continue the business, and the decision was made to place it into liquidation. The closure regrettably resulted in the loss of all 18 jobs.”
Inquesta is an insolvency and corporate recovery practice which operates nationwide. Its head office is in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester.
The firm advises directors of distressed owner-managed businesses facing insolvency proceedings and handles administrations, liquidations, bankruptcies and voluntary arrangements to secure the best possible outcomes for stakeholders.
