9 Adorable Dog Breeds That Are as Unique as They Are Rare

9 Adorable Dog Breeds That Are as Unique as They Are Rare

Think you recognize all the dog breeds in the world? Think again! Read on to discover the world’s rarest dog breeds here.

Pet dogs are ubiquitous in the United States.

Almost 90 million of them are kept in households all over the country! Walk down the street and through the park and you see happy hounds with their owners at every turn.

Most of the time, though, you come across the same breeds over and over again.

And don’t get us wrong. We love Labradors, Collies, Alsatians, Pugs, and Poodles as much as the next person. But there’s a whole host of dog breeds out there that most people don’t even know about!

We decided to look into the rarest dog breeds from around the world in a bid to change that.

Are you interested in purchasing yourself a brand new pooch and want a breed that’s a little less common? Let us help! Keep reading to discover 9 rare dog breeds that you’re sure to love.

1. Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is the perfect place to start.

To cast eyes on this beautiful breed is to understand immediately how it earned its name.

For one thing, its head and torso are mottled and speckled in various shades of white, yellow/orange, black, and brown. Combine this coat with its lithe and athletic shape, and the Catahoula bears a keen resemblance to the big cat from which it’s named.

This is a hound of some acclaim as well. The Catahoula Leopard is renowned as the state dog of Louisana! Versatile, intelligent, and active, they make great working dogs too.

2. Bergamasco Sheepdog

Few dogs stand out quite as much as the Bergamasco Sheepdog. The unique appearance of these ancient Italian pooches makes them one of the most unusual dogs breeds out there!

They boast a striking, dread-like coat of flowing locks that stretch almost to the ground.

These ‘flocks’ form when the hairs of their body weave together into tight matted layers designed to protect them from the cold. That was a big deal in the ice-cold alpine temperatures in which they were originally reared.

As pets, Bergamascos are fiercely loyal and lovable. They’re clever too, easy to train, and will guard the family as they did with their flocks in times of old.

3. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is another mightily impressive working dog.

Originally from Tibet, they were bred to protect property and cattle from predators. Naturally, then, these Mastiffs are big, strong animals that make intimidating guard dogs. However, they’re definitely friendly giants, with intelligent, kind-hearted temperaments.

They’re sure to make incredible additions to the family. Just make sure you’ve got enough space to house them and time to give them sufficient exercise!

4. Thai Ridgeback

Thai Ridgebacks are, as their name suggests, native to Thailand, in South East Asia.

Rarely seen anywhere else, they bare resemblance to the Rhodesian Ridgeback with which you may already be familiar. Both dogs have a similar stretch (aka a ‘ridge’) of hair on their backs that grows in the opposite direction to their coat.

You’d love the Thai Ridgeback for its intelligent, loyal, and protective nature. However, with oodles of energy, they’re sure to be a handful too.

5. Norwegian Lundehund

The Lundehund is a small, adorable, fox-like dog that comes from a Norwegian Island called Vaeroy.

It was actually bred to hunt puffins, which, way back in the day, were a vital food source for the islanders. Lundehunds were well-suited to the task! With 6 toes on their paws and a hyper-flexible neck, they could navigate the rocky terrain and catch the puffins with greater ease.

Hunting prowess aside, they make loving, loyal, and energetic pets.

6. Canaan

Canaans are an Israeli breed that would make ideal guard dogs.

Medium-sized dogs with pricked ears and a curved, bushy tail, they’re alert, territorial, and vocal in nature. Canaans are often touted as perfect companions on runs and hikes as well. Why? Because they’re fit and energetic animals that never tire when you’re out and about.

They need an alpha though, so be sure to assert yourself as the leader of the pack. Succeed, and you can expect a highly loyal and dependable dog that’ll be quick to warn you of anything untoward that’s happening.

7. Otterhound

Otterhounds are regal, noble-looking dogs that originally comes from England.

They get their name from the task for which they were bred: hunting otters! It’s forbidden these days, but otter hunting was a favorite pastime of the medieval English. And otterhounds made the perfect companion on the hunts.

They’re natural-born swimmers, with big, strong bodies and webbed feet to boot. A waterproof coat and sensitive nose made them an otter’s worst nightmare.

With their warm and lively nature, though, you’re sure to love them.

8. Azawakh

Azawakhs are another working dog with origins in foreign lands.

Coming from West Africa, Azawakhs are lean, lithe, and leggy members of the Sighthound family. That makes them ideal hunters, with impressive speed, eyesight, and a toughness that belies their elegant appearance.

They might be lethal in the Saharan Plains, but they’re incredibly affectionate hounds at home. Expect a loyal, loving, and independent member of the household that’ll love a good run around in the great outdoors.

9. Karelian Bear Dog

Last but not least is the Karelian Bear Dog. A national treasure in their home country of Finland, they make amazing big game hunters thanks to their confidence, boldness, and keen sense of smell.

Karelians are fearless, robust animals that would be ideal for anybody in need of a guard dog too. Bred for hunting, though, they can be aggressive and energetic, which can make them a handful at home.

Expect to deliver a significant amount of training to get these dogs to behave appropriately in and outside of the house!

Now You Know the World’s Rarest Dog Breeds

The wonderful world of dogs is more diverse than many people think!

In reality, there’s a huge number of uncommon dog breeds out there- each with its own unique features, attributes, and personality. Hopefully, the rarest dog breeds that we’ve highlighted in this post have demonstrated that fact.

Would you like to read more articles like this one? Browse the different categories on the website to learn more about a wide range of unique dog breeds.