Ever notice how certain dog breeds seem to disappear from dog parks while others suddenly appear everywhere? Just like fashion trends, dog breed popularity shifts dramatically over time.
Some once-beloved breeds are becoming increasingly rare sights in our neighborhoods, while newcomers are stealing hearts across the country.
1. The Forgotten Charm Of Smooth Fox Terriers
Once the darling of dog shows, Smooth Fox Terriers have nearly vanished from family homes. These spunky little hunters were wildly popular in the early 1900s, even starring as the famous RCA Victor dog.
Today, fewer than 400 new puppies register annually in America. Their high energy and strong prey drive make them challenging for casual owners, pushing them into relative obscurity despite their clever personalities and distinguished white coats.
2. Otterhounds: The Endangered Water Dogs
With fewer than 800 Otterhounds left worldwide, these shaggy swimmers face potential extinction. Originally bred to hunt otters in medieval England, these gentle giants sport rough double coats and webbed feet perfect for aquatic adventures.
Their booming voices and friendly dispositions contrast sharply with their endangered status. Conservation efforts struggle as few people recognize this ancient breed with its bear-like appearance and easygoing temperament.
3. Dandie Dinmont Terriers Disappearing Act
Named after a character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel, these distinctive terriers with “topknots” of silky hair are vanishing before our eyes. Their unique appearance – long bodies, short legs, and poufy heads – once made them aristocratic favorites.
Now they’re among the rarest breeds worldwide. Only about 100 puppies register annually, placing them on the vulnerable breeds list. Despite their loyal, determined personalities, few people recognize these pepper-and-mustard colored charmers anymore.
4. Skye Terriers: The Royal Dogs Facing Extinction
Queen Victoria’s beloved breed now teeters on the brink of disappearance. With their flowing coats that nearly touch the ground and distinctive ears that can stand erect or fold, Skye Terriers once graced royal courts.
Today, they’re among the world’s rarest dogs, with fewer than 30 puppies registered annually in America. Their loyalty earned them fame – one Skye named Greyfriars Bobby guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years – but hasn’t saved them from obscurity.
5. The Fading Elegance Of Irish Red And White Setters
These stunning hunters with splashy red-and-white coats actually predate their more famous cousins, the solid red Irish Setters. Farm dogs throughout rural Ireland for centuries, they nearly disappeared during World War I.
A handful of dedicated breeders saved them from extinction, but they remain uncommon. Their energetic, affectionate nature and striking appearance haven’t translated to mainstream popularity, making sightings increasingly rare despite their friendly, trainable personalities.
6. Curly-Coated Retrievers Losing Their Following
Among the oldest retriever breeds, these dignified dogs with tight, curly black or liver-colored coats are increasingly uncommon sights. Originally developed as versatile hunting companions in England, they excel in water and field work.
Despite their intelligence and relatively low-maintenance needs (their curls naturally repel dirt!), they’ve been overshadowed by Labradors and Goldens. Independent thinkers with a touch of aloofness, they’ve never gained the massive following of their retriever cousins.
7. Clumber Spaniels
These heavyset, low-slung spaniels with soulful eyes were once the favored hunting companions of British royalty. Their distinctive white coats with lemon markings and methodical hunting style set them apart from flashier sporting breeds.
Today, you’ll rarely spot these gentle giants of the spaniel world. Their easygoing temperament and surprising silence while hunting (unlike most vocal spaniels) haven’t prevented their decline in popularity, with only a few hundred puppies registered annually.
8. Sealyham Terriers: Hollywood’s Forgotten Stars
Once the glamour dogs of Hollywood – owned by stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Humphrey Bogart, and Alfred Hitchcock – these sturdy little white terriers have nearly vanished from public consciousness. Created by Captain John Edwards in Wales to hunt otters and badgers, they’re fearless despite their small size.
Their distinctive beards and eyebrows give them character, but fewer than 75 puppies register annually worldwide. Even winning Best in Show at Westminster in 2009 couldn’t revive their fading popularity.
9. Sussex Spaniels: The Endangered Hunting Companions
That rich golden-liver coat and somber expression are becoming increasingly rare sights. Sussex Spaniels, developed in Sussex, England in the 1800s as hunting dogs, nearly went extinct during World War II when only seven individuals remained.
Their unique ability to bark while tracking game once made them valuable hunting partners. Despite their cheerful disposition and moderate exercise needs, they remain one of America’s rarest breeds, with only about 60 puppies registered yearly.
10. The Vanishing Bloodhound
Those droopy eyes and wrinkled faces that once dominated pop culture in shows like “The Beverly Hillbillies” (remember Duke?) are becoming rare sights in American homes. Despite their legendary scenting abilities – they can track trails over 300 hours old! – Bloodhounds have fallen out of fashion.
Their size, drooling tendencies, and strong-willed nature make them challenging pets. Though still employed by law enforcement, these gentle giants with their distinctive baying voices are increasingly uncommon as family companions.
11. Bernedoodles: The Fluffy Mountain Crosses Taking Over
These Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle crosses have exploded in popularity, combining the Bernese’s gentle temperament with Poodle intelligence and low-shedding coats. Their teddy bear appearance and family-friendly nature have made them instant celebrities.
Available in three sizes and various color patterns, they’ve captured hearts nationwide. Though not recognized by major kennel clubs, their Instagram-worthy looks and adaptable personalities have secured their place as one of today’s most coveted designer breeds.
12. Mini Aussies: The Downsized Herders Everyone Wants
Miniature Australian Shepherds have skyrocketed in popularity as urban dwellers seek the Aussie’s intelligence and striking looks in a smaller package. These energetic little herders typically weigh under 35 pounds but pack all the work ethic and intelligence of their larger counterparts.
Their gorgeous merle coats and bright eyes make them social media darlings. Officially recognized as Miniature American Shepherds by the AKC in 2015, they’ve quickly become one of the fastest-growing breeds in registration numbers.
13. The Cane Corso Renaissance
These Italian mastiffs have surged from obscurity to becoming one of America’s fastest-growing breeds. Nearly extinct in the 1970s, Cane Corsos (pronounced KAH-nay KOR-so) have made an astonishing comeback with their imposing presence and guardian instincts.
Their muscular bodies and devoted nature appeal to families wanting both protection and affection. First recognized by the AKC only in 2010, they’ve already climbed to the 21st most popular breed – a meteoric rise for these ancient Roman war dogs.
14. Cavapoos: The Teddy Bear Dogs Everyone’s Adopting
These Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mixes have become the must-have dogs for first-time owners and apartment dwellers. Their teddy bear faces, moderate exercise needs, and affectionate nature make them perfect companions for modern lifestyles.
Available in various colors and sizes, they typically inherit the Cavalier’s sweet expression and the Poodle’s non-shedding coat. Though prices have skyrocketed with demand, their popularity continues to surge as more families seek these adaptable, loving companions.
15. The French Bulldog Phenomenon
From relative obscurity to America’s second most popular breed in just a decade, Frenchies have conquered the dog world. Their bat ears, smushed faces, and compact bodies make them perfect for urban living and social media stardom.
Despite high price tags and potential health issues, these clownish companions continue gaining followers. Their minimal exercise needs and adaptability to apartment living fuel their popularity, particularly among millennials and celebrities who appreciate their portable size and outsized personalities.