Rare Dog Breeds You Should Know About

Discover Extraordinary Dog Breeds! In this article, we'll introduce you to a diverse selection of rare dog breeds that you might not have encountered before. Each of these breeds has its own unique characteristics and fascinating stories to tell.

Azawakh

The Azawakh is a slender and elegant sighthound from West Africa, specifically Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Its short, fine coat comes in a variety of colors including red, sand, fawn, brindle, parti-colored, blue, black, and brown. This breed is distinguished by its athletic build, typical of sighthounds known for their speed and keen vision. The Azawakh is an experienced hunter, often pursuing gazelles across the Sahara.

Bergamasco Shepherd

The Bergamasco Shepherd is an Italian breed historically used as a herding dog for sheep and cattle in the Alpi e Prealpi Bergamasche. While its exact origins are unknown, genetic studies indicate connections to other European breeds. Known for its distinctive matted coat, which provides protection and insulation, the Bergamasco is a resilient and versatile working dog, well-suited to the rugged mountainous terrain of its homeland.

The breed was first introduced at a dog show in Milan in 1881 and was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1956. Bergamascos are medium-sized, robust dogs known for their striking, long coat. This coat features matted curls on the back and wavy ringlets on the front. Their coat colors can range from gray to black, with hues of tawny or reddish-brown.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed originating from the swampy areas of the Delta del Po in the Romagna region. Initially a hunting dog, it is now primarily used for truffle hunting. The breed gained popularity in the 19th century, receiving provisional recognition from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1995 and full recognition in 2005. Lagottos are small to medium-sized dogs with a dense, woolly coat in various colors. They have a lifespan of around 15 years but may be prone to neurological disorders such as cerebellar abiotrophy and idiopathic epilepsy.

Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is a breed native to Thailand and one of the three breeds known for having a distinctive ridge of hair along their back. They are muscular dogs with short, smooth coats and a prominent ridge of hair running down their spine. While robust and healthy, Thai Ridgebacks can develop dermoid sinus and are prone to hip dysplasia.

In terms of behavior, Thai Ridgebacks are intelligent and energetic, requiring proper socialization. They are best suited for experienced dog owners and need thorough training and secure handling to thrive.

Catalburun

The Tarsus Çatalburun, also known as the Turkish Pointer, is a rare breed from Turkey distinguished by its split nose. Originating from the city of Tarsus in the Mersin province, this breed has been used for hunting wildlife for centuries. Tarsus Çatalburuns have an excellent sense of smell and are known for their pointing abilities. They are intelligent and obedient, making them suitable for various roles such as drug and explosive detection, as well as search and rescue operations. In terms of health, they may be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, allergies, and hypothyroidism.

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is a breed native to Mexico with a history spanning around 3,500 years. This ancient breed has been a loyal companion to humans for centuries. Xoloitzcuintlis come in various sizes and coat types: some are completely hairless, while others have a short, sparse coat. Their unique appearance and long history make them a fascinating and distinctive breed.

The Xoloitzcuintli is known for its friendly and affectionate nature towards family members. This intelligent and dignified breed is well-suited as a watchdog due to its cautious demeanor towards strangers. Its loyal and loving temperament, combined with its unique appearance, makes the Xoloitzcuintli a remarkable companion.

Lundehund

The Lundehund is a rare breed specifically developed for hunting puffins. With its highly flexible shoulder joints, closing ears, six toes per foot, and up to eight pads, it’s perfectly adapted for navigating rocky terrains. Originating from the island of Værøy in Norway, Lundehunds are now rare but were originally used for puffin hunting. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, yet they also exhibit independence and alertness. Although they are relatively easy to train, they tend to bark frequently. If you’re considering a Lundehund as a companion, be patient with training and remember that they are no longer used for puffin hunting due to conservation efforts.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO) is an agile, intelligent, and swift sighthound from Peru. Available in three sizes and in both hairless and coated varieties, this breed excels in hunting and various activities such as sighthound racing, rally, and agility. The hairless variant can have skin in a range of colors, while the coated variant is accepted in all colors. Known for their speed and versatility, Peruvian Inca Orchids are not only skilled hunters but also make excellent companions in a variety of canine sports.

PIOs are elegant and slender dogs, renowned for their distinctive hairlessness. They are loyal and protective of their family, making them excellent watchdogs. However, they may be wary of strangers. Caution is advised when supervising interactions with young children and small pets, as their reserved nature can sometimes lead to cautious behavior. Despite their sleek appearance, PIOs are affectionate companions who thrive in a loving environment.

Otterhound

The Otterhound is a rare English breed originally developed for otter hunting. Known for their large size, sturdy build, and distinctive double coat, Otterhounds have webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers. With only about 600 individuals worldwide, they are considered an endangered native breed. Their sensitive noses and deep, bass-like voice are notable traits. Although otter hunting was historically significant, it ceased in the UK in 1978 due to declining otter populations. Otterhounds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, ear issues, and bloat. Their lifespan averages just over 10 years, though some live up to 15. Conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve this breed due to its limited genetic diversity.

Bergmastiff (Estrela Mountain Dog)

The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large, robust mastiff-type breed from Portugal, standing about 65-72 cm (males) or 62-68 cm (females) tall and weighing between 30 and 50 kg. This breed comes in long or short coats, with colors including fawn, brindle, wolf gray, or black.

Known for their loving and devoted nature towards their family, Estrela Mountain Dogs can be reserved with strangers, making early socialization and consistent training essential. As a watchdog, they are alert and vocal. Despite their size, they are surprisingly agile and require a fence of at least 1.80 meters in height.

Originating from the Estrela Mountains in Portugal, the breed's origins are somewhat obscure but are believed to involve mastiff-like dogs brought by the Romans or by the invading Visigoths. The Estrela Mountain Dog is one of the oldest breeds in Portugal, historically used for guarding sheep and goats against predators.