9 Dog Breeds That Helped Expand the American West—But Are Rare Today

The Norwegian Elkhound may not be a name you associate with the American West, but these sturdy, wolf-like hunters were brought over by settlers who needed a dependable tracker. Elkhounds proved invaluable for hunting elk, bear, and other large game in the wild, sprawling frontier- especially in the Rocky Mountain regions. Their thick coats made them well-suited for cold weather, and their loyalty to their humans was legendary. They were fearless, focused, and could follow a scent for miles. Nowadays, they’re a rare sight outside of breed-specific circles, but they once stood proudly at the edge of many a western hunting trail.

Spanish Water Dog

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Originally used by Spanish settlers for herding and retrieving, the Spanish Water Dog found surprisingly useful on western ranches where cattle and sheep needed management. Their intelligence and versatility meant they could herd livestock daily and keep the camp free of pests at night. Their curly, waterproof coats protected them from harsh elements, making them ideal partners in the often-unforgiving frontier weather. Though they’ve had a quiet resurgence in some working-dog circles, they remain rare in the average American household. But once upon a time, they were the all-in-one ranch hand with four paws and a purpose.

Scottish Deerhound

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Tall, lanky, and built like a shaggy supermodel, the Scottish Deerhound was used on large ranches and open plains to track and bring down deer and even coyotes. These dogs were prized by wealthier landowners in the West who wanted something elegant yet functional for hunting and guarding property. Despite their gentle temperament, they were fearless in the field and could cover enormous territory. With the decline in big-game hunting and the rise of smaller, more adaptable breeds, Deerhounds became less common. Still, their paw prints once crossed plenty of dusty frontier ranches.

Dogo Argentino

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Though not native to the U.S., the Dogo Argentino found its way into ranching communities in the West, where its muscular build and bravery made it perfect for guarding livestock against mountain lions and wild boar. Their fearlessness and strength gave ranchers peace of mind in remote, predator-prone areas. Dogos were often used in regions where fencing was poor and danger lurked beyond every hill. Today, they’re rarer due to breed restrictions and their need for experienced owners, but their working history in tough environments is undeniable. When the West needed muscle, Dogos delivered.

Chinook

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Bred in New Hampshire but pulled westward for expeditions, the Chinook is an American sled dog with a gentle soul and a workhorse attitude. While they weren’t herders or hunters, they were crucial to hauling supplies and mail during frontier expansion into the colder, harsher parts of the American West and Alaska. Their strength and endurance made them invaluable in the days before snowmobiles and pickup trucks. Sadly, they’re now considered one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. But back then? If something heavy needed moving, the Chinook was your dog.

Toy Fox Terrier

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Small but mighty, the Toy Fox Terrier earned its keep on the homestead as a tenacious vermin exterminator. These dogs were lightning-fast, always on alert, and packed a fearless attitude into a tiny, bouncy frame. On the frontier, you didn’t want rats or snakes messing with your grain stores or sleeping quarters, and Toy Fox Terriers ensured that. Despite their small size, they were all business regarding protecting the home. Today, they’ve been eclipsed by more modern lapdogs, but they were tiny, tail-wagging security systems back then.

American Water Spaniel

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While not exclusive to the West, the American Water Spaniel was vital in pioneering life around lakes, rivers, and marshlands, especially in the upper Midwest and Great Plains. This breed was a hunting dog, water retriever, and all-around helper that thrived in rugged, waterlogged environments. Settlers relied on them to bring in dinner and keep the homestead alert. Their waterproof coat and webbed feet made them uniquely suited for the frontier’s watery challenges. These days, they’re rare even in their home state of Wisconsin, overshadowed by flashier retrievers with more modern branding.

Otterhound

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Otterhounds weren’t just made for hunting river otters—they proved surprisingly helpful in Western territories full of marshes, rivers, and rugged water-filled terrain. Their webbed feet and exceptional scent-tracking made them useful for frontier explorers, trappers, and hunters in water-heavy regions like Oregon and Northern California. With a booming voice and a playful heart, they were also fun-loving camp dogs who doubled as workmates. Unfortunately, their rarity and high maintenance needs made them less practical. But once, they padded down riverbanks alongside pioneers who didn’t mind a little slobber and a lot of loyalty.

English Toy Terrier

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Though small and genteel by today’s standards, the English Toy Terrier had a working past on the frontier as a ratter and faithful pocket-sized companion. These sleek little dogs fit in the arms of pioneer women and children, offering warmth, companionship, and the occasional dead mouse left as a gift. The English Toy Terrier brought class and calm to the homestead in a world of large cattle dogs and fierce guardians. As cities grew and tastes shifted, they fell out of favor. But they’ll always be part of the canine cast that helped tame the wild west—just in a fancier collar.

They Herded, Hauled, and Probably Took Your Sandwich

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These dogs didn’t wear capes, but they sure wore out their paws helping shape the frontier. They herded cattle, chased off varmints, guarded wagons, and maybe even supervised a stew. While many of these hardworking breeds are rare today, their legacy still echoes through wide-open plains and stories told on creaky porches. So the next time your dog chews your boot or begs for half your sandwich, remember—they’re channeling a four-legged pioneer who once helped build the West, one bark and muddy pawprint at a time.