LONDON — They're best known for their association with Queen Elizabeth, but despite being the breed of choice for the British monarch, the corgi is in trouble.

The long-bodied, short-legged canine has been put on the British Kennel Club's list of vulnerable dog breeds for the very first time.

Image: Imgur EllisHazzard

In 2014, only 274 new corgi puppies were registered in the UK, Carline Kisko of the Kennel Club told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"Any breed, which has fewer than 300 registrations in a year is classified as being vulnerable," Kisko said.

Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor Park photographing her corgis in 1960, in England. Image: Anwar Hussein

The club estimates there are around 5,000 corgis left in the UK, but breeders are not breeding that many as they're worried there are no homes for them to go to.

"From a genetic point of view it means their gene pool can drop and this can have consequences for any breed in terms of their future breed health," Kisko said.

Last week, it was reported that the Queen, who has owned more than 30 corgis, has decided not to add any more to her current pack, because they're a tripping hazard for the 88-year-old head of state.

The corgi doesn't seem to have any supporters beyond the Queen among the royal family, with Prince Charles favouring Jack Russell Terriers, while Prince William and Kate have 'Lupo' a cocker spaniel.

This corgi sums up how we all feel about the news: