Some dogs don’t just live alongside us; they feel with us. In every wag, nuzzle, or soulful gaze, there are breeds whose emotional depth seems almost human. While many are familiar with popular companions, there are rare dogs whose ability to sense and mirror our moods is truly extraordinary.
Some lesser-known breeds possess unique behavioral traits and distinct physical features. These rare dog breeds form deep emotional bonds with their owners. They are not just a pet; they carry with them the light of love, life, and sentiments.
Their empathetic nature enables them to understand what others feel without any verbal communication. These pooches offer therapeutic benefits, anxiety relief, and comfort in social settings. They serve as excellent emotional support animals.
Eagerness to please and a highly trainable nature make them ideal family pets. These sensitive souls form bonds that go beyond loyalty, offering comfort in sadness, joy in celebration, and steady love in between.
Here are some rare dog breeds with highly emotional natures.
Rare Dog Breeds with Highly Emotional Natures
1. Otterhound
Otterhounds are big and boisterous canine companions who were bred for otter hunting in Medieval Europe, an activity that is now outlawed. One of the rarest dog breeds in the world, Otterhounds are known for their shaggy coat, webbed feet, and acute sense of smell.
Otterhounds are incredibly affectionate dogs with a gentle nature. Properly trained Otterhounds do well with kids and other pets and make excellent family dogs. Their friendly demeanor and adaptability make them an ideal emotional support dog breed.
They offer unwavering loyalty and are dedicated to protecting their home and family members. Despite their large size, they try to wiggle their way into your lap, explains PetMD.
Otterhounds are blessed with overflowing energy, which contributes to their playful nature. They make fun-loving companions for outdoorsy people and families with kids.
2. Finnish Spitz
While the Finnish Spitz is common in Finland, limited breeding makes it less well-known in other parts of the world. Nicknamed as Finns or Finkies, they look like foxes in appearance and are known as “Barking Bird Dog.” They have strong barking tendencies.
The Finnish Spitz is an extremely intelligent breed with high trainability. They learn quickly and are eager to please their owners. Finkies get easily attuned to your mood and establish deep emotional connections, making them wonderful companions and emotional support dogs.
These playful and curious dogs can easily divert your attention from the worries of life and make you smile. These high-energy pooches have a friendly nature and require plenty of activity for good physical and mental health.
3. Mudi
Mudi is an all-purpose farm dog from Hungary. The loyal nature of this agile breed means they are highly protective of their owners, but not overly aggressive.
Mudi are relatively rare outside their native land. It is estimated that only a few thousand Mudi are left in the world, as noted by the Mudi Club of America.
Research reveals that dogs can differentiate between happy and sad faces of their owners, explains the American Kennel Club. And Mudi is one of those breeds that form deep emotional bonds with their owners.
Their affectionate nature and calming presence will help reduce their owner’s anxiety and stress. Being a herding dog, Mudis are alert and incredibly sensitive; they pick up subtle cues from their environment.
These traits, combined with high emotional intelligence, enable them to detect changes in their owner’s emotions.
4. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a unique and rare dog breed that differs a lot from other terriers in temperament. They were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms and still possess the independent and hard-working spirit of their ancestors.
Their elongated bodies, short legs, silky coat, and a topknot of hair make them look like a cross between a Dachshund and a Shih Tzu. Meet Dandie Dinmont, a rare gem of the dogdom, in this video:
Hill’s Pet describes Dandie as an alert watchdog that is much calmer than other terrier breeds. Despite being independent and courageous, these pooches establish deep emotional bonds with their owners due to their serene nature and sensitivity to human emotions.
However, Dandies have a surprisingly loud bark, and their stubborn streak requires a patient trainer. They are not snappy and make excellent pets for children.
5. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Polish Lowland Sheepdog, also known as Polski Owczarek Nizinny (PON), is a rare herding dog breed. However, these pooches are now gaining popularity thanks to their charming appearance and strong-willed personality.
Shaggy coat, lively temperament, and mop-like appearance are distinguishing traits of these dogs. PONs are highly intelligent, incredibly intuitive, and loyal dogs who can quickly sense the sentiments of their human companions.
PONs are affectionate dogs with a protective nature. To be precise, their temperament is a unique blend of free will and loyalty. They form deep emotional bonds with their owners. If they notice their dog parent is sad or depressed, they offer emotional support through their comforting presence.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs typically establish a deep bond with one person. Their high energy levels and playful nature will instantly lift your mood. PONs are athletic and require lots of exercise for good physical and mental health.
6. Pyrenean Shepherd
This lesser-known breed has a dynamic personality, enthusiasm, and mischievous manners. These whip-smart canines come in two coat varieties: smooth-faced and rough-faced. The Pyrenean Shepherd was bred to work as a sheepdog in the Pyrenees mountains.
Pyrenean Shepherds have an adaptable nature and are receptive to their owner’s emotions. Their watchful nature enables them to read their owner’s feelings and form a deep emotional connection with them.
Their devotion and strong attachments make them one of the best emotional support dog breeds. Pyrenean Shepherds are highly intelligent and loyal companions equipped with empathy. They understand their owners’ emotional needs and are ideal for providing emotional support.
7. Cirneco Delletna
Originally bred to hunt rabbits in the rugged terrains of Mount Etna, Cirneco Delletta is a visually distinctive breed with little availability outside Italy. Cirneco Delletna are devoted companions, having lots of affection to offer.
Their loving nature and high emotional intelligence mean they give you a shoulder to cry on and reduce anxiety. Qualifying as an emotional service dog, Cirneco Delletna provides constant companionship. Having an even temperament, these pooches offer a calming presence to their humans.
These low-maintenance house dogs are a perfect fit for active owners who can keep up with their high energy levels. Cirnecos are so sensitive that they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Cirneco’s short and smooth coats require minimal grooming. Brush your Cirneco’s hair only once a week. They are easy to train; success in training comes through positive reinforcement methods and food-based rewards.
Conclusion
While some dog breeds are popular across the globe, certain breeds are lesser known to the world. However, their rarity does not reflect any loophole in their personality or appearance. In fact, they outshine many other breeds in providing emotional support.
Their intelligence, gentle temperament, and ability to detect changes in their owner’s moods make them a perfect fit for individuals looking for a furry friend to share their worries with. These breeds also make wonderful service dogs.
Remember, these empathetic pooches are too sensitive and require lots of love and regular exercise to stay happy and content.
