Some dog breeds were dangerously close to disappearing for good, whether it was due to changing times, loss of purpose, or just plain bad luck. But thanks to dedicated breeders, random twists of fate, and, in some cases, Disney movies, these breeds made an epic comeback. From nearly extinct to thriving, these dogs have stories as interesting as their looks.
St. Bernard
The St. Bernard’s numbers plummeted after avalanches and harsh winters devastated their population in the 1800s. Monks at a Swiss hospice began crossbreeding them with Newfoundlands to revive the breed, ensuring their survival and their legendary role as rescue dogs.
Irish Wolfhound
Once used to hunt wolves and protect livestock, Irish Wolfhounds nearly disappeared in the 19th century when wolves were hunted to extinction. The breed was brought back by careful breeding with other large dogs like Great Danes, reviving their majestic stature.
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibet’s isolation and changing times almost wiped out the Tibetan Mastiff. Thanks to Western travelers who fell in love with the breed’s unique traits, Tibetan Mastiffs were brought to other countries and carefully bred, helping them thrive outside of their native Tibet.
Dalmatian
After the invention of motor vehicles, Dalmatians were no longer needed as carriage dogs, and their population dwindled. However, their resurgence came when they were featured in the Disney movie 101 Dalmatians, reigniting public interest in the breed and boosting their numbers.
Lundehund
Norway’s Lundehund, bred to hunt puffins, faced extinction when puffin hunting was banned and a distemper outbreak decimated the population. Dedicated breeders saved the breed by maintaining a small but steady breeding program, bringing this agile dog back from the brink.
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog, was nearly extinct due to colonization and the rise of European breeds. Thanks to dedicated preservation efforts by breeders in Mexico, this ancient breed was revived, eventually earning recognition by major kennel clubs worldwide.
Otterhound
The Otterhound’s job of hunting otters became obsolete when otter hunting was banned, nearly causing the breed’s extinction. Thanks to passionate breeders, the Otterhound was kept alive, though it remains one of the rarest breeds today.
Greyhound
Greyhound racing once boosted the breed’s numbers, but as the sport declined, so did their population. Rescue and adoption efforts have played a major role in saving retired racing Greyhounds, turning them into beloved family pets and bringing the breed back into homes worldwide.
Leonberger
The Leonberger breed was nearly wiped out after both World Wars due to food shortages and lack of demand for large working dogs. A few dedicated breeders in Germany worked tirelessly to bring them back, re-establishing their lineage and saving the breed from extinction.
Shih Tzu
After the fall of China’s imperial dynasty, the Shih Tzu nearly vanished, as they were primarily palace dogs. A few surviving dogs were smuggled to England and bred carefully, leading to the re-establishment of the breed and its rise as a beloved companion dog around the world.
You Can’t Own These 10 Dog Breeds In Certain Countries
When it comes to owning a dog, some breeds come with a lot of baggage—so much so that they’re banned in certain countries. These bans usually stem from concerns about aggression and safety. While you’ll recognize some names on this list, others might be more surprising. See which breeds’ reputations precede themselves around the world.
Read it Here: You Can’t Own These 10 Dog Breeds In Certain Countries
10 Quirky Dog Breeds You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
There are so many dog breeds out there that it’s easy to overlook some of the more unique ones. If you’re a dog lover looking for something different, you’re in for a treat. These quirky breeds have some unusual traits that set them apart from the rest. From dogs with extra toes (yes, seriously) to those with funky fur, here are a few dog breeds you’ve probably never heard of but will definitely find fascinating. Looking at the diversity in breeds, it’s amazing they’re all the same species!
Read it Here: 10 Quirky Dog Breeds You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
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