13 Dog Breeds on the Brink of Extinction You May Never Get to Meet

Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years—guarding our homes, working alongside us in the fields, or simply curling up at our feet. Over generations, humans have bred hundreds of dog types, each with unique traits tailored to specific tasks or regional lifestyles. But while some breeds like the Labrador Retriever or French Bulldog flourish in modern society, others are quietly vanishing, their numbers dwindling to the point of near extinction.

The reasons are varied and often heartbreaking: shifts in urban living that favor smaller, low-maintenance pets; changes in hunting and farming practices that render working breeds obsolete; and a focus on trendy designer dogs over heritage lines. Many of these endangered breeds once held immense cultural or practical importance but now struggle with shrinking gene pools, limited awareness, and lack of demand.

Some of the breeds on this list may be unfamiliar, while others were once household names now fading into obscurity. From the rugged hills of Scotland to the deserts of Africa, these 13 dog breeds come from all corners of the world, each carrying a legacy that’s too precious to lose.

As we celebrate the diversity and history of man’s best friend, it’s worth shining a light on those at risk of disappearing forever. These are the 13 dog breeds on the brink of extinction — and why they deserve our attention before it’s too late.

1. Otterhound: The Waterdog With Webbed Feet

Distinguished by their shaggy coats and powerful swimming abilities, Otterhounds were originally bred to hunt otters in medieval England. Their rough double coats and webbed feet made them excellent water hunters.

Today, fewer than 800 Otterhounds exist worldwide, making them rarer than giant pandas. Their decline began when otter hunting was banned in the UK in 1978, removing their primary purpose.

These friendly giants possess extraordinary scenting abilities – they can track scents underwater! Despite their hunting heritage, Otterhounds are gentle family dogs with boisterous personalities who need plenty of exercise and regular grooming to prevent matting.

2. Norwegian Lundehund: The Six-Toed Puffin Hunter

Sporting six toes on each foot and joints that bend in unusual ways, Norwegian Lundehunds evolved with these unique features to climb steep cliffs when hunting puffin birds on remote Norwegian islands. Their extraordinary flexibility allows them to fold their ears closed and bend their head backward to touch their spine!

With fewer than 2,000 remaining globally, these alert, spitz-type dogs nearly vanished after World War II when only six individuals survived. A dedicated breeding program saved them from extinction.

Lundehunds suffer from digestive issues that make them challenging to keep healthy, contributing to their rarity. These loyal, energetic companions require owners who understand their special dietary needs and distinctive behaviors.

3. Dandie Dinmont Terrier: The Living Teddy Bear

Named after a character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel ‘Guy Mannering,’ the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is instantly recognizable by its distinctive ‘topknot’ of fluffy hair and elongated body. These charming dogs have expressive eyes that seem to convey deep wisdom.

With only about 300 puppies registered worldwide annually, the Dandie faces a critical population crisis. Originally bred to hunt badgers and otters in the border region between Scotland and England, these tenacious little dogs have a proud history dating back to the 1700s.

Despite their small stature, Dandies possess impressive courage and determination. Their independent nature requires patient training, but they form deep bonds with their families while maintaining a dignified, almost aristocratic demeanor.

4. Skye Terrier: The Loyal Dog of Mary Queen of Scots

Famous for its dramatic floor-length coat and unwavering loyalty, the Skye Terrier’s most celebrated story involves Mary Queen of Scots’ dog hiding under her skirts during her execution. These dignified dogs originated on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, where they hunted foxes and badgers from rocky dens.

Modern registration numbers have plummeted to fewer than 30 puppies annually in the UK. Once popular with British nobility, including Queen Victoria, these elegant terriers have fallen out of fashion despite their remarkable qualities.

The breed’s hallmark features include a long body that’s twice the height, a graceful gait, and expressive eyes peering from beneath a curtain of fur. Skyes form intense bonds with their owners and can be reserved with strangers.

5. Sussex Spaniel: The Golden-Liver Hunter With Ancient Roots

Recognizable by their rich golden-liver colored coats and somber expression, Sussex Spaniels actually have cheerful, affectionate personalities that contrast with their somewhat melancholy appearance. These sturdy hunting dogs originated in Sussex County, England in the 1800s for working in dense undergrowth.

During World War II, breeding nearly stopped completely, and the entire modern population descends from just five dogs. Today, fewer than 50 puppies are registered annually in their native UK, placing them on the vulnerable native breeds list.

Unlike other spaniels, Sussex were bred to bark while hunting – a trait that persists in modern dogs. Their shorter legs and heavier build make them less speedy but more methodical workers, with a distinctive rolling gait that’s immediately recognizable to breed enthusiasts.

6. American Foxhound: America’s Overlooked Native Breed

Despite being one of America’s first native breeds and the state dog of Virginia, the American Foxhound faces a population crisis with purebred numbers dwindling. These athletic, musical hounds descend directly from dogs brought by European settlers in the 1600s, with George Washington himself playing a key role in developing the breed.

Capable of running for hours with tremendous stamina, these sweet-natured dogs were bred for pack hunting foxes across vast territories. Their distinctive baying voice carries for miles, a useful trait in their hunting days but challenging in suburban settings.

While mixed-breed foxhounds remain common in hunting packs, purebred examples with documented lineages have become increasingly rare. Their independent nature and exercise requirements make them unsuitable for casual pet owners.

7. Sloughi: The Arabian Greyhound of the Desert

Moving with the elegant grace of flowing water, the Sloughi (pronounced ‘SLOO-ghee’) has hunted alongside nomadic tribes across North Africa for thousands of years. These desert sighthounds possess remarkable speed and endurance, historically used to chase gazelles and hares across vast sandy landscapes.

Political instability in their native regions of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya has contributed to their declining numbers. Traditional breeding practices were disrupted when many countries banned hunting with sighthounds.

Sloughis form intense bonds with their owners while remaining naturally aloof with strangers – a survival trait from their desert heritage. Their sensitive nature means they respond poorly to harsh training methods. With their sleek bodies, expressive dark eyes, and dignified bearing, they embody the ancient partnership between humans and hunting dogs.

8. Pyrenean Mastiff: The Gentle Giant Shepherd Guardian

Towering guardians with hearts as big as their massive frames, Pyrenean Mastiffs have protected sheep flocks in Spain’s mountainous regions for centuries. These imposing dogs often weigh over 200 pounds, yet possess remarkably gentle temperaments with family and livestock.

Following Spain’s economic crisis and changing agricultural practices, traditional shepherding declined dramatically. The breed nearly disappeared until conservation efforts began in the 1970s, though worldwide numbers remain below 4,000 today.

Unlike many guardian breeds, Pyrenean Mastiffs typically show little aggression unless their charges are threatened. Their thick white coats with distinctive gray or brown markings help them blend with sheep while withstanding harsh mountain conditions. These majestic dogs move with surprising grace despite their size and make thoughtful, calm companions.

9. Glen of Imaal Terrier: The Quiet Terrier With Mighty Strength

Hailing from the remote Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow, Ireland, these sturdy little terriers were bred to hunt badgers and foxes, turn spits in kitchens, and even silence barking dogs by flipping them over (a task called ‘wheeling’). Despite their small size, they possess remarkable strength in their muscular bodies.

Unlike most vocal terriers, ‘Glens’ are notably quiet dogs – a prized trait when hunting vermin underground. Their wiry coats in blue or wheaten colors require hand-stripping rather than clipping to maintain proper texture.

With fewer than 300 puppies registered annually worldwide, finding a Glen puppy often involves lengthy waiting lists. These devoted companions combine the tenacity of working terriers with surprising gentleness toward their families, making them adaptable to both country and city living.

10. Azawakh: The Elegant Desert Runner From Africa

Appearing almost otherworldly with their dramatic silhouette, Azawakhs were developed by nomadic tribes in the Sahel region of Africa including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These sighthounds have an incredibly lean build with visible bone structure and musculature – a natural adaptation to their harsh desert environment.

Political conflicts and climate change in their homeland have threatened traditional breeding practices. In their native regions, they’re valued not just as hunters but as symbols of prestige and beauty.

Azawakhs form intense bonds with their families while remaining naturally suspicious of strangers. Their thin skin lacks insulating fat, making them sensitive to cold weather. Despite their delicate appearance, these dogs possess remarkable athleticism, capable of reaching speeds up to 40 mph in short bursts to capture game in sandy terrain.

11. English Toy Terrier: The Miniature Mouser With Royal Connections

Once a common sight in English homes and stables where they excelled at controlling rats and mice, English Toy Terriers now face extinction with fewer than 80 puppies registered annually in their homeland. These elegant little dogs with their glossy black coats and rich tan markings descend directly from the original Old English Black and Tan Terrier.

Queen Victoria kept several of these nimble ratters, contributing to their brief popularity among the upper classes. Despite their toy size, they retain the alertness and courage of working terriers in their compact 8-12 pound bodies.

Easily confused with the similar Manchester Terrier, the English Toy variety has more refined features and a distinctive ‘candle flame’ ear shape when alert. These charming companions combine terrier spirit with surprising sensitivity toward their owners.

12. Cirneco dell’Etna: The Ancient Sicilian Rabbit Hunter

With a history dating back over 2,500 years, the Cirneco dell’Etna (pronounced ‘cheer-NAY-ko’) appears on ancient coins and pottery from Sicily. These elegant sighthounds hunted rabbits across the rocky slopes of Mount Etna, developing incredible agility and keen senses.

Archaeological evidence suggests they descended from dogs brought by Phoenician traders, evolving in isolation on Sicily. Their distinctive amber or flesh-colored noses match their chestnut coats – a unique feature among sighthounds.

Despite their ancient lineage, Cirnechi (plural form) remain virtually unknown outside Italy, with global registration numbers hovering around 200 annually. These athletic dogs possess remarkable hearing and can detect rabbit movements under volcanic rock. Unlike many sighthounds, they hunt primarily using scent and sound rather than relying solely on vision.

13. Stabyhoun: The Versatile Dutch Farm Dog

Prized for their remarkable versatility, Stabyhouns (pronounced ‘stah-BAY-hoon’) served Dutch farmers as hunting dogs, guard dogs, and even helped pull milk carts to market. Their name combines the Dutch words for ‘stand by me’ and ‘dog’ – perfectly capturing their loyal nature.

Found almost exclusively in the Friesland province of the Netherlands, fewer than 7,000 exist worldwide. Their striking black, brown, or orange and white coats make them instantly recognizable to breed enthusiasts.

Unlike many hunting breeds, Stabyhouns were developed to be exceptionally gentle and quiet in the home – a trait modern owners treasure. They excel at retrieving waterfowl and tracking wounded game while maintaining a calm demeanor indoors. Dutch breeding organizations carefully monitor all pairings to maintain genetic diversity in this small population.