The rarest dog breeds

The world of pets is incredibly rich and amazing: in addition to the breeds known to most people, there are also quite rare dog breeds. Some of them are little known outside their homeland, while others are on the verge of extinction. You can obtain others by waiting for several years or paying a substantial sum. We introduce you to the origins of these rare dog breeds, along with photos and names, as well as their key characteristics.

Kai-inu

Recognized as one of the rarest, oldest, and purest native Japanese breeds. Traditionally, their representatives were used for hunting in the mountains. Kai-inu has a dense, muscular build, pointed ears, and dark, often brown, fur with yellow stripes. This is a very smart dog, and also a loyal and devoted companion. It is known for its ability to climb trees. It is amenable to training, which is best started from childhood.

Azawakh

The breed was developed in Africa, in the Sahel region, to guard the wigwams of nomads wandering through the deserts. Long-legged, tall and elegant, the Azawakh hound has a beautiful coat of various colors, a harmonious body structure and is distinguished by graceful movements. The greyhound detects prey thanks to a highly developed sense of smell and a keen eye. It is characterized by independence and restraint, as well as a non-playful nature, but it shows affection to its owner and becomes an excellent companion.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The oldest water retriever in the world. Originating in medieval Italy, the Lagotto traditionally retrieved ducks from swamps by luring them with the white tip of its tail. Thanks to its keen sense of smell and waterproof coat, as well as its hunting skills, it has been involved in hunting waterfowl for centuries. Now the dog gets truffles. It has a strong, proportionately built body, covered with fluffy curly hair. The main colors are white, brown, gray, with spots of the same shades. Playful by nature and easy to train pet.

Otterhound

A rare aboriginal breed from Great Britain , currently under great threat of extinction. It was bred in the Middle Ages to protect the fishing industry from annoying otters (hence its name). Thanks to its webbed feet, it is an excellent hunter both on land and in water. This large, good-natured animal has a powerful neck, a long tail and wide, muscular paws. Known for its amazing hair and friendliness, this bloodhound has a sensitive and calm character and will become a wonderful companion for a single owner.

Pumi

The distinctive features of this Hungarian shepherd breed are high-standing ears with a drooping tip and curly hair. The Pumi ‘s muzzle looks square due to the peculiar growth of hair, and the owner of the stuffed and dense coat looks a little sullen due to the characteristic eyebrows. This is both a responsible and serious worker, capable of herding a whole flock of sheep, and at the same time a mischievous and cheerful dog, devoted to the owner.

Kooikerhondje

This spaniel from the Netherlands is an interesting dog breed. The Kooikerhondje was originally intended for hunting waterfowl, which it lured with the white tip of its tail. It is a fairly small sporting dog with white-red fur and a long, thick tail. One of the main recognizable features is the long black hair on the tips of the ears, the so-called earrings. It is distinguished by its good-natured disposition and guard skills. An active and alert sporting dog.

Finnish Spitz

A red breed of hunting dog with a fox-like muzzle, nicknamed the “barking bird dog”. Its roots go back to the dark-red aboriginal dogs from the territory of Finland and today’s Karelia. The Finnish Spitz is characterized by will and intelligence, as well as a loud bark at everything that the dog considers unusual. An excellent pet for the whole family.

Italian Spinone

A hunting dog breed from the Piedmont region of Italy, Spinone have incredible stamina, a charming, scruffy appearance, and a sweet nature. Strong and muscular, they are skilled hunters, pointing at game with their muzzles and pulling birds out of the water. In a home environment, they are calm, friendly, and obedient.

Thai Ridgeback

Until recently, this breed was almost unknown outside its native country. In addition to Thailand, its representatives live in Indonesia and Vietnam. The Ridgeback is very agile and active, has impressive jumping abilities. Another distinctive feature is the ridge of hair along the spine, growing in the opposite direction. It usually has one of four (red, black, blue, vanilla-pink) solid colors. An intelligent and tactful dog, a great friend for the whole family.

Norwegian Lundehund

Recognized as one of the rarest dog breeds due to its unique characteristics. Originating from the islands off the coast of Norway, it is adapted to hunting puffins along coastal cliffs. The agile Norwegian has developed ideal skills for scaling rocky cliffs: six toes on each front paw, adjustable ears, and a flexible neck that can be turned to touch the dog’s spine. This northern hunting dog has a wild-type coat of white and red, sometimes even crimson, with black patches. Thanks to its cheerful and affectionate nature, it has become an ideal pet for active families.

Stabyhoon

Originates from the Dutch province of Friesland. Initially, representatives of this breed lived on farms and were used for draft work. They also demonstrated their skills as swimmers and duck hunters. The coat is usually black and white or white and brown with patches, forming a collar on the chest, a fringe on the tail and feathering on the back of the legs. Smart and sociable dog is easy to train. For its affectionate nature and loyalty, it is loved by breeders.

Leopard dog

A versatile working dog that combines strength with agility and endurance. Also called the Catahoula , this breed traces its origins back to the puppies of Spanish settlers and Indians. What makes it distinctive and recognizable are the beautiful brown spots on its short coat, reminiscent of a leopard’s coat.

Hovawart

A strong dog originally from Germany is simply designed for security, guard, and also rescue and search work. It has a strong and muscular body, a powerful head and strong paws, long hair on the belly. The Hovawart is characterized by a stable character and an excellent protective instinct, it is not aggressive towards people and becomes a good companion.

Swedish Vallhund

This smart and energetic Swedish native is a shepherd breed with thick, fluffy fur and a thirst for life. It is believed that Vallhunds once accompanied Viking ships. This loyal and energetic pet gets along well with adults, children and animals. A real find for a family!

Xoloitzcuintle

Once a favorite pet of the Aztecs, today the Xolo is on the list of rare dogs. Despite its reputation as a “hairless” dog, for which it is also called the Mexican Hairless, the dog can have different types of fur. This is one of the oldest dog breeds on the planet. It is known as a loving friend for the whole family and a vigilant guard.

Smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherd

A hard-working herding breed descended from ancient sheepdogs from the harsh French Pyrenees. These sheepdogs have an athletic build, with long or medium-length hair. The color of the hair is varied: gray, striped, yellowish-brown and marble-blue colors are found. Affectionate and sweet dog, due to its restlessness and loud barking, is not intended for life in an apartment, but in the house it will become a real helper and protector.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

The breed, otherwise known as the Peruvian Hairless Dog , is an agile and intelligent sighthound native to the mountains of South America. They have a crest on their head, a small patch of hair on the bald crown, a sort of distinguishing feature. Also, contrary to their name, Peruvians can be completely covered in hair. They do not like strangers and are excellent watchdogs.

Bedlington Terrier

Representatives of this breed were originally bred for hard work in mines. Rare in most countries outside the UK. Outwardly similar to white curly sheep, but by temperament very brave and do not let themselves be offended. These sweet and pleasant dogs are brilliant housemates, vigilant watchdogs, versatile athletes and irresistible pets.

Biewer Yorkshire Terrier

The Biewer Yorkshire Terrier joined the list of the most unusual dog breeds in 1988. The distinctive feature of the young breed is its elegant long hair, more like human hair. Three colors predominate in the color of these rare purebred dogs: black, white and red. The Biewer York is known for its friendliness, playfulness and energy, which makes it an excellent pet.

Cesky Terrier

This breed of dog was bred in Czechoslovakia in 1948 to hunt animals living in burrows . Their main features are short legs, as well as a long head, bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard. Such a pet has curly and silky hair. Smart and curious Czech Terrier is an excellent home companion who loves long walks in the fresh air.

Chinook

An American breed of dog , designed for sled work, appeared in the early 20th century. The Chinook was created as an alternative to the Husky, it absorbed its best qualities: strength, endurance, adaptability to low temperatures. The Chinook is a muscular working dog, very strong and hardy, loving physical exercise and active movement.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

How the breed was developed in Scotland for the needs of farm life – for example, to catch rodents, and then to hunt burrowing animals. The ancestors of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier are Scottish terriers. A small dog with a unique appearance and hunting habits gets along well in an urban environment and is popular with breeders for its good nature and cheerfulness.

English Foxhound

The most famous English breed of hounds, used mainly for hunting. And although they are gentle and sociable, they are not intended for the urban environment – a fast and powerful dog needs regular training and high physical activity. But it will become an excellent partner for the owner on a hike and a bike ride.

Afghan Hound

One of the rarest dog breeds in the world, this instantly catches the eye: flowing locks, tall stature and wise eyes. This ancient breed looks like canine royalty and behaves just as nobly. The Afghan Hound is a hound, so it can break loose and follow its scent. It is cool with strangers and has its own mind.

Moody

Representatives of this breed, although “capricious” in name, are in fact cheerful and very active. The Hungarian Shepherd Dog is medium-sized, well-built. The body of the pointed-eared animal is covered with wavy hair, and the pet itself has high intelligence and agility. An excellent assistant and an effective guard dog.

Tibetan Mastiff

A rare large dog, genetically similar to wolves, especially popular in China. This breed is valued for its owners’ intelligence and unrivaled qualities as a guard. Prefers to sleep during the day and is active at night. Can be quite stubborn and sensitive to changes in its environment. Attentive to family members, kind to children.

Jamen Coolie

Farmers in Australia worked on the appearance of this breed , who wanted to breed the ideal shepherd dog. The result was a strong and hardy dog, independent in making decisions. It is medium in size, the coat has a blue, red, black or marble color. This obedient dog is a wonderful friend for the whole family and a guard for children.

Estrela Shepherd Dog

The breed of dog named after the mountains is extremely rare outside Portugal. The coat of large dogs can be long or short, and the most common colors are black, fawn, and shaded red. It has a calm disposition, and chooses one owner among family members – the most attentive to itself.

Catalburun

The Catalburun can be considered one of the strangest dog breeds due to its forked nose. This rare hound from Turkey is considered one of the best in the search business. It has a loose but strong build, thick skin and short, close-fitting hair, often of two colors. This pointer has an excellent sense of smell and great endurance, so it needs ample exercise opportunities, a spacious area. A calm and friendly companion for a person.

Sapsari

An ancient breed of dog from Korea, which is a cult for the Koreans themselves. According to legend, they have special mystical abilities that help protect the owner’s house from evil spirits. They have long, thick fur of blue, gray, yellow or brown colors and their shades. They have a strong build and large paws, the tail is curled over the back. Suspicious of strangers, devoted to the owner.

Tornjak

A herding breed that originated in the Balkan countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Large and powerful, almost square in shape, the Tornjak usually has a two- or three-color coat, with white predominating. It has a long mane of wool around its head and shaggy “pants” on its hind legs. The dog is serious, balanced, calm, but reacts quickly when threatened and is ready to fight.

Pungsan

Dogs of this rare breed from the DPRK are adapted to the mountainous terrain where they come from. They are strong and agile, and can exhibit the hunting habits of their ancestors, the North Korean wolves. They are usually white in color, have thick fur, and erect ears. This intelligent dog is considered a loyal friend to its owner.

Telomian

It is considered the only Malaysian breed that has spread beyond its homeland. Dogs of this rare breed were originally bred as hunting assistants and home guards. The physique of such dogs is powerful, but dry, with a strong and thick tail. Athletic and intelligent dog is considered an excellent guard and obedient pet.

Slaoui

One of the rarest dog breeds, which is unlikely to be found in Russia, is also called the “Arabian greyhound”. These are flexible and fast hounds, designed to hunt game in the deserts of North Africa. Due to their nature, they need regular active walks and space to run, so they are better suited for a private home. They keep their distance from strangers, are reserved, but are loyal and affectionate to their owners.

Golden Dox

This hybrid breed, which appeared by crossing a golden retriever and a dachshund, is also rare. From one predecessor it got long hair, and from the other – an elongated body. At the same time cute and energetic, the dog needs active games, it is grateful to its owners for the time spent together.