10 Remarkable Dog Breeds That Came Back from the Brink of Extinction

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Dog lovers often take the existence of their favorite breeds for granted, but some have narrowly avoided fading into history. These breeds’ survival stories highlight a combination of human dedication and the resilience of these remarkable animals. Let’s explore ten breeds that defied extinction.

Norwegian Lundehund

Andrva/Wikipedia 

Special traits denote the Norwegian Lundehund, like six toes on each paw and an impressive ability to climb cliffs. Sadly, WWII and a distemper outbreak nearly ended the breed entirely, with only six dogs surviving at one point. Fortunately, careful breeding programs have slowly restored their numbers, though they remain rare and vulnerable.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Canarian/Wikimedia Commons 

A breed named after a fictional character in Sir Walter Scott’s Guy Mannering, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier once thrived in Scotland. Over time, their popularity declined and left fewer than 300 registered annually worldwide. Thanks to the breeders, these dogs, known for their distinctive topknots, are steadily being preserved.

Skye Terrier

Pleple2000/Wikipedia 

With flowing coats and an elegant stature, Skye Terriers were once a symbol of nobility. The breed’s numbers dwindled as modern tastes shifted, leaving only a few litters born each year. Advocates continue to champion these terriers so that their noble image and charm aren’t lost.

Sussex Spaniel

Svenska Mässan/Wikimedia Commons 

The Sussex Spaniel’s endearing personality ensures that enthusiasts continue to fight for its future. They faced an existential crisis after World War II, with just seven known individuals surviving the conflict. After that, breeders worked tirelessly to rebuild the population, and it experienced a significant revival. 

Chinook

jude/Wikimedia Commons 

Chinooks were bred in New Hampshire as sled dogs. In the 1980s, their population dwindled to 28 dogs, but the breed’s rarity led to an urgent rescue effort. It was led by a small group of breeders, and they successfully increased the numbers. Today, Chinooks have a modest presence in the United States.

American Foxhound

Peepe/Wikipedia 

Breed enthusiasts have been stepping in to preserve the Foxhound as a living piece of American history. The American Foxhound is a descendant of European hunting dogs that represent one of the oldest breeds formed in the United States. Urbanization and declining interest were responsible for a steep drop in the American Foxhound’s numbers.

American Water Spaniel

Wikimedia Commons

It is a favorite among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in its native region. The American Water Spaniel was bred in the Midwest as an all-purpose hunting dog. However, it fell out of favor when larger retrievers became fashionable, but conservation efforts have kept them alive.

Plott Hound

Plotthund/Wikipedia 

The long history of bear hunting makes the Plott Hound stand apart as a uniquely American breed. Habitat loss and a decline in hunting traditions placed it at risk of disappearing altogether. Through the dedication of breeders and hunters, its numbers have stabilized, which ensures its legacy continues.

Otterhound

Otterhound Club of America/Wikimedia Commons 

Otterhounds, with their webbed feet and powerful swimming abilities, were once vital for otter hunting. The breed’s role diminished as hunting practices changed and pushed it to the brink of extinction. Since then, devoted conservationists have worked tirelessly to rebuild their population, though they remain one of the rarest breeds globally.

German Pinscher

Bonnie van den Born/Wikipedia 

The number of German Pinscher plummeted after WWII, and no litters were recorded for nearly a decade. Surprisingly, strategic breeding efforts were able to revive this sleek and athletic dog. They now enjoy a loyal following among dog lovers in many countries, including the United States.

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