A Breed Endangerment Crisis
While there are many breeds we will likely always see around, there are almost just as many who are in danger of dying out soon. The extinction of specific dog breeds may seem unimportant compared to that of species extinction, but as mentioned in my other post, ‘What is a Breed?’, they are culturally and functionally important. They serve as protectors, hunting partners, and more — they remind us of our roots and of history.
Breeds that might be the perfect fit for people’s lifestyles are now being overlooked due to people not knowing they exist. In my case, for the past year I’ve been looking for a great alternative to Dobermans looks and health wise, that was smaller yet had a similar temperament — I was lucky enough to hear about the Manchester Terrier which fits that to a T. Others, however, may not have been as fortunate in their search, forcing them to make choices that don’t suit them. In this post I will be going over how a breed becomes endangered, why it matters, how to help them, and a short list of endangered breeds that may fit the average home.
How Does It Happen?
Sometimes it comes down to a breed being in the right (or wrong) place at the right (or wrong) time. For example, the Picardy Spaniel is a gundog with great looks and temperament (just as the Golden Retriever is), but unfortunately, the breed was developed in a part of northern France that was ground zero for two world wars.
Some other reasons for breed endangerment can go beyond being the collateral damage of war:
- Their original purpose no longer is relevant or is outdated/illegal.
- The breed isn’t fit to be owned by the general public or city-living people.
- Their breed community starts to gatekeep the breed out of fear of the breed becoming popular with unethical breeders.
- Too many dogs within the breed are affected by a life-threatening health issue or lacking gene pool.
- Preservation efforts are lacking in some way, such as breed mixing.
- Fear mongering/stigma or rampant misinformation on a breed, or lack of proper promotion.
There are times though where a breed becomes endangered due to another breed replacing them and their job. Evidence uncovered by trained Bloodhounds are acceptable in a US court of law, but they are seldom used as scent dogs now. Instead, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, and German Shepherds are used due to being more versatile, healthy, low maintenance, and accessible, although they were both originally herding dogs. There are an estimate several thousand Bloodhounds globally but in 2021 only 727 have been registered in the United States via the AKC (American Kennel Club), in 2023 only 54 were registered in the United Kingdom via UK’s The Kennel Club.
Claire Elliot Matthews is a breeder of Akita Inu and the endangered Hokkaido Ken, and on their website they wrote how numbers are deceiving when it comes to endangered breeds: “It is critical to remember that humans control the breeding of domestic dogs, who by and large reproduce far less often than wild animals do. In the wild, animals will breed every breeding season they’re capable of, and most individuals who do not have debilitating issues will reproduce. By contrast, the vast majority of dogs are never bred at all, and even those who do reproduce are not bred as often or as long as they’re able. Dogs breed and exist solely at the whim of humans, and larger population numbers compared to wild animals can therefore be deceptive.”
More specifically, they get into how the Hokkaido Ken is in danger of extinction (which can apply to other breeds):
“…let’s assume we manage to stabilize the breed at a constant 250 born per year and use that to estimate the population size. How many Hokkaido would that give us? Well, Hokkaido live about 15 years on average. So looking ahead to 15 years from now, when most of the dogs alive today will have been replaced by future generations, that would give us 15 × 250 = 3,750 living Hokkaido. Again, this will remain constant as long as the birth and death rates are constant, since new pups will be born to replace those that die.
Seems like we could manage with that, right? However, it is important to remember that those are not 3,750 diverse, unrelated individuals. With an average litter size of 4 puppies, the 250 Hokkaido born per year are actually the result of 60–65 litters. The majority of pups born each year have siblings who are extremely genetically similar to themselves. That means that, effectively, the number of new genetic combinations — even without considering how inbred the parents are or whether it was a repeat breeding — is only 60–65 per year and that the effective population of individuals with distinct genetic combinations is only 25% of the living population.
Also keep in mind that those are not 3,750 breeding dogs. Breeding age is typically from 2 to 7 years old, which means that roughly 60% of the Hokkaido population will be unbreedable in any given year due to being too young or too old. Of the remaining 40% who are of breeding age, the vast majority will not be bred that year. If we generously assume 10% of all breeding-age Hokkaido are bred each year, that means our active breeding population for any year is only 4% of the living population. (In truth, the number of breeding-age dogs who are bred each year is probably much less than 10%.)
This means that the 250 dogs per year are coming from only 4% of the population, and 4% × 3,750 = 150 breeding Hokkaido. If you adjust for full siblings having effectively the same genetics, those 150 dogs are really the equivalent to just 38 distinct individuals. 7 years from now, all of the breeding Hokkaido will be dogs born in the previous 2–7 years from those 38 “individuals”. Another 7 years will see it reduced by the same amount again. In other words, the gene pool narrows considerably every year even with a constant birth rate keeping the total population numbers up.
Stopping the decline in births is therefore not enough. The only way to save the breed at this point is to dramatically increase the births and increase the percentage of breeding-age dogs who are bred each year. We do also need to increase the number of new genetic combinations by eschewing repeat breedings, make sure at least one pup from each combination goes on to be bred, and de-prioritize breeding the full siblings of dogs who have already been bred repeatedly. But before we can worry about any of those secondary (though very important) concerns for diversity, we must get the birth rate up. We’re losing a ton of genetics every single year that it remains constant or declines.”
How You Can Help
If you want to be a part of protecting and preserving a breed (particularly an endangered one), there is a lot you can do varying from just educating people about the breed and the importance of preservation, to responsibly breeding them yourself! (More on how to become an ethical preservation breeder in future posts.) Keep in mind, this effort may be very difficult in some breeds more so than others depending on the overall attitude of that community. Some breeds many only be sold to certain homes that plan to use them for working purposes such as hunting, for example.
Your best resource when it comes to researching a breed is the national parent breed club and their representatives such as the American Manchester Terrier Club. Visiting dog shows and working trials is a great way to make connections too, and will allow you to meet good representations of these breeds in real life. You can look up these events on kennel club calendars such as the American Kennel Club Event Search page.
Endangered Breeds for Average Homes
The breeds in this list are generally great for both individuals or family homes with medium energy requirements (unless stated otherwise). Some may be more suited to homes with fenced yards, but all dogs can do well in an apartment or condo if their needs are fulfilled properly — although noise may be a problem for some.
So, without further ado, here is a list of breeds you may have not heard of that generally make a great fit for the average home (as long as their needs are met).
Barbet
Easily mistaken for poodle mixes, this breed (pronounced “bar-bay”) is a French water retriever that is finally regaining popularity after it almost went extinct during war. These dogs are for anyone who can commit to learning their grooming requirements and wants something with a different temperament to a Poodle.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 21–24.5 inches (males), 19–22.5 inches (females).
- Ideal Weight range: 30–60 lb.
- Barbet Club of America
Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies are actually closely related to Border Collies but they are less energetic and far more suitable as a dog for inexperienced owners. These dogs are for anyone who want an easygoing herding breed and can keep up with their grooming needs.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 21–22 inches (males), 20–21 inches (females).
- Ideal Weight range: 45–55 lb.
- Bearded Collie Club of America
Bolognese
This breed is an ancient breed related to the Bichon Frise that originated in Italy. As a companion breed, they are not high energy and want to stick close to their people. This is a great option for seniors and generally calm households.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 10½ to 12 inches (males), 9½ to 11 inches (females).
- Ideal Weight range: 5.5–9 lb.
- American Bolognese Club
Black and Tan Coonhound
Unlike other dogs on this list, these dogs aren’t the most obedient and will go after prey animals without hesitation. This breed is for people who desire a larger hound with firm training regimes and access to a fenced-in area for off-leash exercise.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 25–27 inches (males), 23–25 inches (females).
- Ideal Weight range: 65–110 lb.
- American Black and Tan Coonhound Club
Briard
Another shaggy French breed that nearly went extinct due to wars, these are for people who love grooming and want a large shaggy dog with the heart of a herding dog.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 23–27 inches (males), 22–25.5 inches (females).
- Ideal Weight range: 55–100 lb.
- Briard Club of America
Cesky Terrier
This breed is described as the most relaxed of terrier breeds by the parent club! They are reserved with strangers but sweet and loyal, with a “large breed temperament in a small breed body” that are equally happy to go on a long walk or sit on the couch watching TV.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 11½ inches (males), 10½ inches (females).
- Ideal Weight range: 13-22 lb.
- American Cesky Terrier Fanciers Association (ACTFA)
Clumber Spaniel
The largest of the AKC’s flushing spaniels, these fellows are as sweet and easygoing as they look. I had the honor of meeting one at a dog show, and while they’re personally not a breed for me (because of drool), they are a great choice for novice owners! Their coats are silky and a bit long, and they drool quite a lot, so expect to be doing frequent clean-up with them!
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 18–20 inches (males), 17–19 inches (females).
- Ideal Weight range: 70–85 lb (males), 55–70 lb (females).
- Clumber Spaniel Club of America
Collie (Smooth)
Not to be confused with a smooth/short-haired Border Collie, the Smooth Collie is the short-haired version of the beloved Rough Collie which are known for their ability to get along with everything while still prioritizing their family (or person). These are a great alternative for those who enjoy Rough Collies but want less coat maintenance. I actually wrote a short guide on this breed here. Small fun fact: My Rough Collie’s parents are both Smooth Collies!
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 24–26 inches (males), 22–24 inches (females).
- Ideal Weight range: 60–75 lb (males), 50–65 lb (females).
- Collie Club of America
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dandies (or DDT) are part of that special group of dogs that were bred to be long and uniquely shaped for their jobs. Unlike both Corgi breeds and the Dachshund however, a DDT has more moderate energy with the addition of a typical terrier attitude.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 8–11 inches.
- Ideal Weight range: 18–24 lb.
- Dandie Dinmont Club of America
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Another long terrier, this breed has probably one of the most unique purposes I’ve ever heard of. The parent breed clubs describe them as generally quiet, hardy, adaptable, easygoing, good with children, and sensitive.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 12½–14 inches.
- Ideal Weight range: Up to 35 lb.
- Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America
- The Glen of Imaal Terrier Association (UK)
Löwchen
Nicknamed the “Little Lion Dog”, they are described as having a lot of attitude and are a great option for those allergic to dogs that want a hardy, low maintenance companion (reminder that hypoallergic breeds can still cause allergies in some people). Their coats grow all over and can be styled however you like!
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 11–13 inches.
- Ideal Weight range: Approximately 15 lb.
- Lowchen Club Of America
Manchester Terrier & English Toy Terrier
This is a breed I plan to get as they are considered low maintenance and often described as “terrier-lite”! The Toy Manchester Terrier is only recognized as that name in North America and is called the English Toy Terrier everywhere else. Like their relatives, they are reserved with strangers, are easy to train, and like to stick to their people. They can do just fine with 30 min-1 hour of exercise a day but are content lazing around during bad weather. Like many other breeds, they are most fulfilled when their mental needs are met, rather than just physical.
- Ideal Weight: Less than 12 lb (Toy) or 13–22 lb (Standard)
- American Manchester Terrier Club
- English Toy Terrier Club (UK)
- The British Manchester Terrier Club
Norwegian Buhund
These dogs are not for every family but being eager to please, gentle, and vocal, these dogs are certainly a great option to consider especially for an active family. The breed club describes them as a sensitive breed (as most herding breeds are) and like other breeds, shouldn’t be allowed to be bored too often unless you love destructive behaviors.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 11–13 inches.
- Ideal Weight range: Approximately 15 lb.
- Norwegian Buhund Club of America
Norwich Terrier
Like other terriers, these adorable scruffballs have a typical terrier attitude and shouldn’t be trusted off-leash in open areas. These dogs are fearless, slightly less vocal than other terriers, easy to train, outgoing, and adaptable to both rural and urban living. Their double coats are weather resistant which according to the breed club, requires thorough combing several times a week and stripping about every 8–10 weeks.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: Not more than 10 inches.
- Ideal Weight range: Approximately 12 lb.
- Norwich Terrier Club of America
Otterhound
Like other hounds, this breed has a beautiful deep bay and they love for you to hear it (which you can listen to here). They have a double coat that requires thorough grooming, which you can read about on Otterhound University’s website here. This breed is described as easygoing, clownish, sensitive, and stubborn — just keep in mind they are prone to boredom. They are a great choice if you want a large family lap dog with the heart of a hound.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: Up to 24 inches (females) and 27 inches (males).
- Ideal Weight range: Approximately 115 lb (males) and 80 lb (females).
- The Otterhound Club of America, Inc.
Petit basset fauve de Bretagnev
One of the smallest French scent hounds, these dogs are nicknamed “Fauves” and described as affectionate, social, sweet natured, loving, and amiable. The breed clubs states they minimally require a good brisk walk twice daily but are happy to do more. Their coats are lower maintenance compared to other dogs of a similar coat (combed weekly with a fine tooth comb, then brushed with a boar bristle brush), but they still require your time in looking their best as any other breed does.
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 12.5–15.5 inches.
- Ideal Weight range: Approximately 23–39 lb.
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America
Skye Terrier
The last breed on this list is another terrier! This breed has a typical terrier attitude, off-leash activity outside of a fenced yard is not a good idea. Fearless, good-tempered, loyal and canny, this breed is friendly with its people and reserved/aloof with strangers. Gleanntan Skye Terriers describes them as serious, dignified, and introspective than most terriers, as well as laid-back indoors, easy to exercise (content with walks and play sessions).
- Ideal height measured at the withers: 12.5–15.5 inches.
- Ideal Weight range: Approximately 23–39 lb.
- Skye Terrier Club of America
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