The Skye terrier used to be synonymous with nobility. Many royals have had one by their side through the centuries, but the breed receded as we moved away from nobles. Thankfully, there are efforts to bring the breed back to its former glory.
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a dog whose heritage dates back to medieval times when it was used to jump into lakes and rivers to hunt ducks. It may be mistaken for a poodle mix today, but it is its breed. It is one of the oldest water retrievers and was once nearly extinct.
The Norwegian Lundehund's numbers started to drop when its purpose—hunting puffing along the cliffs of Norway—was abandoned in favor of other fishing techniques. The breed is exceptionally unique, with its defining characteristics being six toes on each foot.
The Mudi is a Hungarian sheepdog that few people know about. Only a few thousand of these majestic dogs still exist today. Like most other herding dogs, they are reliable, obedient, and clever. They are the perfect pet for active people who love affection during downtime.
Corgis may be a popular breed today, but their cousin, the Cardigan Welsh corgi, isn't in the same boat. They can be identified by their long tail and more angular features. They were invaluable to farmers until practices were changed and modernized. The Cardigan Welsh corgi is a vulnerable breed in the U.K.
The Scottish deerhound was a popular breed centuries ago in the Scottish Highlands. As the name implies, it was used to hunt deer. It can be mistaken for Irish wolfhounds and shares some physical features. Conservationists are working tirelessly to keep the breed from disappearing.
The otterhound is one of the most endangered dogs, with less than one thousand worldwide. It's the U.K.'s rarest breed, and it once helped fisherman fight off otters that competed with their catches. Since otter hunting was banned at the beginning of the 21st century, the breed has declined.