Dogs have been by our side for centuries—but some breeds almost checked out of history entirely. From near-forgotten fluffballs to once-famous hunters that fell out of fashion, these ten pups danced dangerously close to extinction. Thankfully, devoted dog lovers stepped up just in time to save them. Ready to meet the underdogs that made a major comeback? Let’s dive in!
Otterhound
Imagine a dog that smells like a wet mop but with charm to spare—that’s the Otterhound! These scruffy swimmers were bred to sniff out otters (yes, really), but when otter hunting was banned, their numbers nose-dived. Today, they’re rarer than pandas. Seriously.
Norwegian Lundehund
With six toes, a freaky flexible neck, and ears that can seal shut, this puffin-hunting Viking hound is like the gymnast of the dog world. But after World War II and a distemper outbreak, only six were left. Just six! But thanks to some serious breeder hustle, they’re still around doing their bendy thing.
Tibetan Mastiff
This majestic floof from the Himalayas was once the ultimate guardian of monasteries—and then it vanished into myth. It took Western travelers and dog enthusiasts to bring the breed back into view. Now they’re making a royal comeback (and occasionally going viral for looking like lions).
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This oddly named, sausage-shaped terrier looks like it walked out of a Victorian portrait—and it nearly stayed there forever. Popular in the 1800s, this breed slipped into obscurity until fans rallied to save it from extinction. Bonus fact: it’s the only breed named after a fictional character!
Skye Terrier
With flowing locks and short legs, the Skye Terrier was once a favorite of royalty (Queen Victoria was a fan). But as tastes changed, so did the breed’s fortune. Today, they’re still rare—but hanging on with a hair flip and a wink.
New Guinea Singing Dog
More mysterious than a cryptid, these wild dogs from the highlands of Papua New Guinea were thought extinct in the wild. But then—plot twist—they were spotted again in 2016! Their eerie, melodic howls give them their name, and their story is still unfolding.
Irish Wolfhound
These towering, gentle giants were once war dogs of Celtic legends. But they dwindled to almost nothing before being revived in the 19th century with some Great Dane and Deerhound DNA. Now they’re back to being sofa-sized sweethearts.
Saluki
The Saluki might be one of the oldest breeds on Earth—ancient Egypt had statues of them! But modern times weren’t kind, and they almost slipped into extinction. Luckily, their grace and speed caught the eye of sighthound fans who refused to let them fade.
English Toy Terrier
Small, sleek, and stylish, this rat-hunting toy breed nearly disappeared post-WWII. But thanks to breeders in the UK determined to protect their legacy, these pint-sized pups are still around—though you might have to search to find one!
Chinook
Born in New Hampshire and built for sledding, the Chinook was once down to just a handful of dogs. But dedicated breed lovers didn’t let this American original go quietly into the snow. They rallied, bred carefully, and now this rare working dog is still pulling strong.
- Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
