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A dog may be man’s best friend, but when it comes to choosing our canine companions, we tend to be quite selective. This selectivity has led to a decline in the popularity of several breeds that were once beloved in America, pushing them to the brink of extinction.
While breeds like Labs and French Bulldogs are adored by many, there are other wonderful breeds at the opposite end of the popularity spectrum. Owning a popular dog breed is perfectly fine, but it can contribute to the dwindling numbers of other breeds, potentially classifying them as endangered due to their low population.
Although these breeds are rare now, there is still hope for their future. If you choose to adopt a rare purebred, you can become an ambassador for that breed. Be prepared to educate people who might mistake your pup for a different breed. By loving and caring for a rare breed, you might play a crucial role in its resurgence.
So, let’s dive in and explore the top 7 most endangered dog breeds. Your support and interest could make all the difference in preserving these unique and cherished companions.
Endangered Dog Breeds
1. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound, a historic British breed, is now sadly endangered. In 2021, only 19 new Bloodhounds were registered, making it one of the most at-risk breeds. These beautiful and friendly dogs have played a significant role throughout history, known for their exceptional sense of smell.
As the oldest scent hound, the Bloodhound is renowned for its tracking abilities. They are often used as working dogs in police investigations and search and rescue operations. Remarkably, their tracking evidence is one of the few that is admissible in court.
They are affectionate, easy-going dogs that thrive in a home environment. However, they are high-maintenance due to their exercise needs, making them better suited for experienced owners who understand the breed.
These dogs are sensitive and do well with reward-based training from an early age, though they can be stubborn at times, requiring patience and persistence. Their keen sense of smell can lead to distractions, so they are not recommended for first-time owners.
2. Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel, with its rich golden liver coat and melodious bark, is a rare sight in modern times. Originally bred for hunting, Sussex Spaniels are now cherished for their calm demeanor and companionship. Sussex has a very small gene pool, with only about 50 pups registered in England and around 50 in North America each year. This limited gene pool leads to reproductive issues, genetic flaws, and common health problems.
These happy and adaptable dogs can be very laid-back, but they need regular socialization with children, other dogs, and cars until they mature. Sussex Spaniels love hunting and may be more interested in this than anything else when outside, so early training is essential. They thrive best with owners who have some gundog experience.
A Sussex Spaniel is a big dog on short legs, needing ample space and not coping well with steep stairs or confined urban living. They require plenty of outdoor space in a secure garden and a home that can accommodate a large, muddy, wet spaniel without worrying about furniture or décor.
3. Otterhound
With his rough, tousled coat, the Otterhound might look a bit like a mutt at first glance, but he’s actually a very old breed originally used to hunt otters in Great Britain. When otter hunting was outlawed in 1978, the breed nearly disappeared, and today, the Otterhound is extremely rare.
Several factors contributed to the decline of the breed, with water pollution being a significant cause. According to Purina, they are on the UK’s vulnerable breeds list, with fewer than 50 puppies registered per year for the last five years.
Living with an Otterhound is interesting but not necessarily easy. They are big, hairy, messy eaters and drinkers and love to get wet and muddy. Owners need to be patient and have a good sense of humor. Otterhounds are friendly and get along well with people and other pets, making them good with older children, but they can be too rambunctious for households with toddlers.
Be prepared for a dog with a deep, baying voice. They are stubborn and like to do things their own way, so training requires skill, cunning, and what some might call bribery. Positive reinforcement, especially with food rewards, is crucial for successfully training an Otterhound.
4. Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhounds are excellent hunters known for their ability to chase red deer. With long legs, shaggy grey hair, and a friendly nature, they are truly distinctive dogs. In Scotland, the breed almost became extinct due to exclusive ownership, which limited their breeding opportunities.
According to the AKC, a Deerhound puppy will grow into a wonderful adult only with lots of gentle human companionship, exercise, and proper nutrition. These sensitive dogs respond best to positive training methods and do not do well in kennels or left in crates for long periods.
While they possess a quiet and dignified personality at home, they have a strong prey drive and may chase any furry animals that run past them. Therefore, they should be exercised on a leash or in a securely fenced area. Although Scottish Deerhounds enjoy their family, their large size can be intimidating to smaller children.
The Scottish Deerhound’s harsh, somewhat wiry coat is very easy to care for, requiring only a thorough brushing and combing every week or so.
5. Smooth Collie
Collies originated in Scotland and England during the 18th century and were bred as herding dogs. There are two Collie breeds: the Rough Collie, with long hair, and the Smooth Collie, which has shorter hair. The Smooth Collie is said to have retained more of its working instincts compared to the Rough Collie.
According to Collie Chatter, while Smooth Collies are not as common as some other breeds in the USA, they are by no means on the verge of extinction. However, in the UK, Smooth Collies are considered an endangered breed. The UK Kennel Club recognizes them as a separate breed from Rough Collies, contributing to their endangered status.
The Smooth Collie is friendly and good-tempered, making it a great family dog. These dogs are alert and active, requiring plenty of mental stimulation and entertainment. They enjoy training and can excel in canine competitions, but they are just as happy working alongside their owners in any capacity. Smooth Collies can be sensitive and prone to excessive barking, so they need gentle, calm handling and consistent training to thrive.
6. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a majestic and enormous breed that seems straight out of medieval legend. Once useful for hunting, they were also cherished as household pets and loyal companions. In the 1700s, Irish Wolfhounds hunted Ireland’s wolves to extinction, causing a drastic decline in demand for the breed. According to Pet Health Network, the breed would have likely gone extinct if not for the efforts of Captain George Graham.
Despite their intimidating size, Irish Wolfhounds are relaxed family companions who crave love and affection. They are incredibly brave and would literally die for their loved ones. However, their strong prey drive can lead to aggression towards other animals, making it essential to keep them inside when the cat is out and always behind a fence or on a leash.
Irish Wolfhounds are very trainable, but their independent nature means they won’t always wait for instructions. While they can adapt to various levels of activity, they still need regular exercise. Without sufficient exercise, they can develop health issues and become more difficult to train.
7. Skye Terrier
Skye Terriers hold a special place in history, known for their elegant long coats and distinctive appearance. Originating from the Isle of Skye in Scotland, this breed is famed for its loyalty and tenacity. Though they were immensely popular during the Victorian Era, Skye Terriers have seen a dramatic decline in numbers.
The current trend of small designer pooches, like Doodles, has not favored the Skye Terrier, making them one of the UK’s most endangered dog breeds and ranking near the bottom of the AKC’s breed list in popularity.
According to HillsPet, Skye Terriers are adoring, affectionate, and loyal to those they choose to love. However, they do not bestow such devotion on just anyone. They are eager to please their family and those they hold in high regard, but they can be standoffish with strangers.
Known for their willful nature, Skye Terriers are not submissive, timid, or fearful. They are alert, protective of their people and territories, and tend to bark frequently. This combination of loyalty and independence makes them a unique and challenging breed to own, requiring dedicated and understanding pet parents.
Conclusion
The preservation of vulnerable dog breeds such as the Curly Coated Retriever, Glen of Imaal Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier is crucial for maintaining the diversity and heritage of recognized breeds. Many of these rare breeds face declining numbers due to changing trends and a preference for more popular dog breeds. The American Kennel Club and other organizations play a vital role in promoting awareness and encouraging the adoption of these endangered breeds.
By choosing to adopt a vulnerable breed, pet owners can help ensure the survival of these unique and valuable dogs. Understanding the needs and characteristics of each dog breed is essential for providing a loving and supportive home. Together, we can help protect vulnerable dog breeds and preserve the rich history and variety of our canine companions.
