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Dog breed popularity often shifts with trends, pop culture, and devoted breed enthusiasts. Some breeds once near extinction are now making impressive comebacks, happily trotting into today’s homes. Whether it’s renewed interest in heritage breeds, viral social media moments, or focused conservation efforts, these rare pups are reclaiming the spotlight. Many carry centuries of history but nearly vanished due to war, industrialization, or fading demand. Thanks to passionate dog lovers and breeders, these resilient canines keep their legacies—and irresistibly cute faces—alive and thriving.
Otterhound
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Once a noble hunter of otters in medieval England, the Otterhound faced near extinction after otter hunting was banned. Their distinct shaggy appearance and webbed feet made them incredible swimmers, but as their jobs became obsolete, so did their numbers. With fewer than a thousand worldwide just a decade ago, the Otterhound became one of the rarest breeds. Fortunately, breed enthusiasts and a growing curiosity around rare dogs have brought the Otterhound back into the conversation—and into more homes. Plus, their goofy, loveable personality is irresistible to anyone with a couch and a sense of humor.
Norwegian Lundehund
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If you like your dogs with a side of weird, the Norwegian Lundehund delivers. With six toes on each foot, the ability to bend their head backward to touch their spine, and a knack for climbing cliffs, this puffin-hunting marvel was nearly wiped out after World War II. At one point, only a handful of them remained. Today, thanks to preservation efforts and their jaw-dropping flexibility (literally), this quirky breed is returning to the limelight. They’re like the yoga instructors of the canine world—zen, bendy, and a little bit eccentric.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
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With a name straight out of a Jane Austen novel and a body like a stretched-out sausage in a powdered wig, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a breed of pure charm. Once highly prized among the British elite, their popularity was nearly extinct. But recently, fans of vintage dog breeds (and anyone who loves adorable topknots) have started to bring these little characters back. They’re spunky, loyal, and have just enough sass to make them memorable. They could host a tea party and win a bar fight in the same afternoon.
English Toy Terrier
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Sleek, black-and-tan, and full of energy, the English Toy Terrier was once the go-to rat catcher in Victorian England. However, with the decline of rat-pitting and the rise of newer toy breeds, they nearly vanished from the scene. Now, this tiny powerhouse is catching the eye of dog lovers seeking a stylish, historical breed packed into a petite package with lots of personality. Breed clubs and enthusiasts have made great strides in bringing the numbers back up, and it’s working. If James Bond were a toy dog, this would be him—suave, quick, and lethal to vermin.
Skye Terrier
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With long, flowing locks and a head shaped like a fuzzy wedge, the Skye Terrier once strutted its stuff alongside British royalty. Queen Victoria had a soft spot for them, but like many royal trends, the public’s interest faded. With their numbers dwindling dangerously low, Skye Terriers were in serious trouble. Thankfully, renewed breeding programs and public campaigns have helped this dignified yet stubborn breed bounce back. They’re independent, a little dramatic, and perfect for anyone who likes their dog with a side of diva.
Azawakh
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The Azawakh is a sleek sighthound from West Africa, known for its gazelle-like grace and noble demeanor. Long used by nomadic tribes to hunt and guard, this breed was virtually unknown outside its native region for centuries. When they finally made their way to Europe and the U.S., their rarity kept them in the shadows. Their exotic looks, athleticism, and deep loyalty have recently helped them gain traction with dog aficionados. They’re basically runway models with a security guard’s heart.
Cesky Terrier
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Created in Czechoslovakia by a clever breeder who wanted a terrier with fewer rough edges (literally and figuratively), the Cesky Terrier never gained mainstream fame. With its unique blend of calm demeanor, distinctive coat, and sturdy build, it remained a rare breed with a cult following. However, its reputation as a gentle yet playful companion is catching on. Dog lovers are rediscovering the Cesky as an ideal choice for families and those wanting a quieter terrier experience. They’re like hipster terriers—rare, low-key, and surprisingly cool.
Sloughi
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Elegant, aloof, and lightning-fast, the Sloughi has been zipping through North Africa for centuries. Similar in build to the Greyhound but with an exotic twist, this breed was prized for hunting and guarding. Political instability in their native regions and limited exports nearly wiped them out internationally. But their rise in niche dog circles and inclusion in official kennel clubs has brought them back from the brink. If dogs had red carpet moments, the Sloughi would glide past the paparazzi like they were born for it.
Lagotto Romagnolo
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Before Poodles became the go-to curly dog, the Lagotto Romagnolo was Italy’s original fluffy truffle hunter. For a while, their numbers dropped as truffle hunting declined and trendier breeds stole the spotlight. But with renewed interest in natural, working breeds and the growing foodie obsession with truffles, these sniff-tactic pups are making a tasty comeback. They’re cute, clever, and have a nose so powerful that they could probably find your lost car keys. Lagottos are curly bundles of utility and cuteness.
American Foxhound
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One of the United States’ oldest native breeds, the American Foxhound, once ran wild through colonial forests chasing down game. But with modern hunting methods and changing lifestyles, they faded into the background. These days, dedicated breeders and rural enthusiasts are working to keep this all-American hound alive and thriving. They’re gentle, goofy, and have the stamina of an ultramarathoner. If you’ve got a big yard and a love for patriotic underdogs, this is your canine match.
Chinook
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Once nearly extinct (we’re talking single-digit numbers in the 1980s), the Chinook is a New Hampshire-born sled dog known for its strength and sweet nature. It was bred for cold-weather transport but fell into obscurity as snowmobiles took over. A handful of passionate breed lovers saved them from vanishing altogether. Now, the Chinook is slowly clawing its way back into sled dog circles and adventurous households alike. It’s like discovering your grandpa was a superhero—strong, underrated, and full of stories.
English Setter
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With its feathered coat and graceful stride, the English Setter was once a show-ring darling and elite bird dog. But popularity declined with the rise of flashier breeds, and their numbers quietly dropped. Today, breed fanciers highlight the Setter’s gentle temperament, athleticism, and timeless beauty. The comeback is fueled by hunters and pet owners looking for an affectionate yet energetic companion. Plus, their speckled coats are basically wearable artwork.
Finnish Lapphund
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Originally used by the Sámi people to herd reindeer in frigid Lapland, the Finnish Lapphund was a cold-weather workaholic. As the need for reindeer herding waned, so did the Lapphund’s numbers. But recently, their fluffy coats, sweet expressions, and adaptable personalities have turned heads beyond the Arctic Circle. With their thick fur and teddy bear looks, they’re gaining fans around the globe. Think of them as the introverted fluffballs you didn’t know you needed.
They Came, They Barked, They Conquered (Again)
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These fabulous dog breeds refused to fade into history. These rare pups make bold comebacks, from puffin hunters to sled pullers and cliff climbers to truffle sniffers. With help from passionate breeders, social media buzz, and modern dog lovers with a taste for the extraordinary, these underdogs finally get their moment. So, the next time someone calls their Labradoodle “rare,” just smile and introduce them to a six-toed Viking dog that once scaled cliffs for breakfast—and probably still could, right after a nap.
Toledo, United States.
