The American Kennel Club recognizes more than two hundred dog breeds. Some of them are quite popular, while others are relatively lesser known. Rare dog breeds may not be in the spotlight, but they often possess fascinating history and traits.
Many of them possess unique personalities that set them apart from other members of the canine kingdom. Some rare dog breeds are also among the longest living dog breeds. They may not be commonly known because of their geographical isolation and historical background.
However, they are very healthy and tend to stay with their owners in their local region for many years. Long-lived dog breeds experience fewer health problems compared to other breeds and make loving family pets for several years.
Here are some rare dog breeds with long lifespans and unique personalities.
Rare Dog Breeds with Long Lifespans and Unique Personalities
1. Lowchen
One of the rarest dog breeds in the world, the Lowchen is an affectionate and outgoing pooch with a petite frame. Its playful nature and unique fur make it irresistibly cute. Recognized by its lion-like mane, the Lowchen was originally bred to be a companion.
This intelligent yet silly fellow is quite alert to its surroundings and protective of its loved ones. Lowchens have a tendency to become vocal, so Purina highlights the need for training to overcome this problem.
The Lowchen is a small breed with a big personality. They are quite easygoing and calm dogs who make excellent companions for older pet parents. These small dogs can accompany you for a good 15 years. It means they have a long lifespan compared to many other breeds.
Lowchens are generally healthy dogs, but are prone to common canine diseases. They are likely to suffer from conditions like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. However, reputable breeders screen their stock for such health conditions.
2. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog breed native to the border of England and Scotland. Having short legs, long bodies, and silky hair, these canines are one of the rare and endangered dog breeds in the world. Fewer than 300 Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppies are born worldwide each year.
According to PetMD, Dandies are friendly dogs who make great family pets. They can be taken anywhere, thanks to their small size. They will happily stay home and snuggle on the couch with you, but also enjoy being trusted with a job.
One of the longest living dog breeds, Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. They are generally healthy and not prone to many specific health issues. However, pet parents should look for a few things, such as glaucoma and lymphoma.
They are also prone to Cushing’s disease, in which the adrenal gland overproduces some hormones. Regular exercise and vet visits ensure a healthy pup. Their rough and thick double coat requires regular grooming.
3. Finnish Lapphund
One of the oldest dog breeds, the Finnish Lapphund has a friendly and outgoing personality. This alert and agile, medium-sized breed can be somewhat wary of strangers. Unless you live in Finland or happen to have reindeer that need herding, you may not be aware of this breed, explains the AKC.
Geographical confinement is one of the primary reasons why the Finnish Lapphund is a rare breed. Sometimes called a “thinking breed,” these pooches do well in dog sports and can also perform as therapy dogs, tracking dogs, and search and rescue pups.
Finnish Lapphunds can stay with you to celebrate their 15th birthday. They are generally brimming with health, but are prone to some health issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Finnish Lapphunds love their family and are good with kids.
Their intelligence helps a lot in shaping their personality. Thanks to their long history as herding dogs, they have a tendency to bark. But you can teach your Lappie not to bark excessively with proper training.
4. Cesky Terrier
Also known as Czech Terriers, Cesky Terriers possess the temperament and personality of a typical terrier. This rare dog breed is feisty and tenacious in its work. These adventurous and clever canines make wonderful family pets.
Originally bred as hunting dogs, these bearded pooches have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years with good general health. However, they are likely to suffer from Scottie cramp, due to which they can face locomotive problems.
Sadly, only 600 Cesky Terriers are living in America right now. Cesky Terriers need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and receive adequate physical and mental stimulation. They are friendly with people and other dogs, but need to be socialized from an early age.
It helps avoid wariness towards strangers. This calm and obedient dog has a long coat, which requires regular clipping and grooming to look clean and tidy.
5. Canaan Dog
This medium-sized dog is one of the ancient breeds out there. This alert and vigilant dog is docile with its family but does not trust strangers easily. That’s why it makes an excellent watchdog. These rugged and agile dogs are a great fit for hunters, runners, and experienced owners.
Canaan dogs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. They don’t have the boundless energy like most other herding dogs. However, they are not content to stay inside all day. These intelligent dogs need proper training and early socialization to behave well around unfamiliar people.
One of the healthiest dog breeds, Canaan dogs tend to suffer from a few health issues, which may include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, dental disease, and progressive retinal atrophy. The dog’s ears should be regularly checked for infection, and teeth should be brushed regularly.
6. Sussex Spaniel
Sussex Spaniels are extremely loyal and affectionate dogs hailing from Sussex, England. They can be easily recognized by their golden liver coat and stocky build. These slow and steady hunters are one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.
Having deep chests and heavy bones, Sussex Spaniels lead a relatively healthy life. Despite being a rare dog breed, they experience only a few health problems in life. These may include pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency and hip and elbow dysplasia.
Pet parents planning to adopt a Sussex Spaniel should prepare themselves for a loving companionship of around 13 to 15 years. Sussex Spaniels do well with other pets but do not long their company, so they are better suited as the only pet in the house.
7. Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a loyal, alert, and energetic fellow, making it to the list of the longest living dog breeds. Their unique personality traits include playfulness, an independent nature, and wariness towards strangers. They live the longest, up to 15 years.
They are generally healthy but can develop conditions like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye disorders. Norwegian Lundehunds have a well-balanced disposition. They are not overly affectionate, cuddly, or hyperactive.
Norwegian Lundehunds bark to inform their owners if they sense anything unusual. They are one of the rarest dog breeds because they have a very small population in their homeland, Norway. Once, they were kept as hunting dogs to retrieve puffins, but they fell out of popularity when puffin hunting was outlawed.
Conclusion
While some dogs like Golden Retrievers and Labradors are quite popular, others are lesser known to the world. They make it to the list of rare dog breeds due to many reasons, such as geographical isolation or outlawed hunting practices.
Like popular dogs, rare dogs also have unique personality traits. They are incredibly loyal, loving, and make wonderful family dogs.
However, they can develop some health issues in lif,e such as dental diseases, heart diseases, and joint problems. Regular veterinary care and checkups can help increase a dog’s life expectancy.
