There are more than 200 dog breeds, and it is very difficult to learn about them all. When we think of a dog, popular breeds like Labrador and French Bulldog usually come across our minds. There are some lesser-known dog breeds as well that usually go unnoticed.
Rare dog breeds may not be so popular, but they possess fascinating physical and behavioral traits. Their unique temperaments set them apart from some common breeds. Like popular breeds, they also make loyal and loving pets.
Dog breeds become lesser-known due to many reasons. One of the main causes is geographical confinement. Some of these breeds may be high maintenance, so people tend to opt for an easier dog breed.
Here are some little-known dog breeds that will change your life.
Little-Known Dog Breeds That Will Change Your Life
1. Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large dog breed from the Estrela Mountains of Portugal. This livestock guardian breed was originally bred to guard homesteads and herds. At the same time, Estrella Mountain Dogs also make loyal family pets.
Relatively rare outside their native country, Estrela Mountain dogs love children and their families. They are distrustful of strangers, but incredibly loyal to their owners. Estrela Mountain dogs possess sharp herding instincts and make wonderful guard dogs.
Their thick double coats protect them from external elements. They need moderate daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Exercise should include training, dog games, and puzzle solving. Estrela Mountain Dogs also love participating in dog sports and activities like scent work.
Estrela Mountain Dogs are a better fit for experienced dog owners due to their independent nature and strong protective instincts.
2. Icelandic Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a friendly and playful nature. A herding dog breed you’ve probably never seen in America, Icelandics are enthusiastically devoted to their humans. In the 19th century, this breed almost became extinct due to a plague of canine distemper.
More than half of the population of the Icelandic Sheepdogs died from this disease, and this led to a ban on the importation of these dogs. In the late 20th century, the breed was again on the verge of extinction, and only 50 Icies were left in the 1950s.
Their number increased over time, and they are not near becoming extinct, but are still considered a rare breed today. This Nordic Spitz-type dog enjoys outdoor activities and makes a great companion on long walks or hikes.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are lively, intelligent, and eager-to-please dogs that can be trained easily. They love being the center of their family and become unhappy if left alone for extended periods.
3. Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a loyal and energetic dog that was originally bred as a hunting dog. These athletic canines were used to raid puffin nests for their handlers. The ban on puffin hunting is one of the main reasons why Norwegian Lundehunds have become rare.
These friendly canines are one of the dog breeds you’ve probably never seen, especially if you live outside Norway. Another reason why they have become a rare dog breed is a distemper outbreak during World War II.
Dedicated breeders made efforts to repopulate the breed, but only six purebred Norwegian Lundehunds remained in Norway by the 1960s, explains the American Kennel Club. Today, there are only 1500 to 2000 Norwegian Lundehunds in the world.
Norwegian Lundehunds are fun-loving and smart problem solvers. They are the happiest when they get an opportunity to engage in some sort of physical activity on a daily basis and make great family pets.
4. Tosa Inu
Tosa Inu, also known as Japanese Mastiff, is a patient, composed, and bold canine with lots of courage. They are normally calm and quiet, but exhibit a vigilant demeanor. Tosa Inus are incredibly loyal to their family, but are reserved towards strangers.
They were originally bred as fighting dogs. Bans and strict controls in many countries limited this dog’s ownership. That is why the Tosa Inu has become a rare dog breed today. These obedient pooches make excellent watchdogs.
Having a powerful and muscular breed, Tosa Inus are calm by nature. However, they also need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation, like all other dogs. Exercise can come in various forms, such as chasing a ball rolled along the floor and learning new tricks.
Tosa Inus have an inherent desire to please their loved ones, so they can be trained easily. They respond best to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
5. Peruvian Inca Orchid
These agile, swift, and smart dogs were originally bred in Peru as elegant sighthounds. Despite being an ancient breed, their numbers are dwindling due to various factors. These factors may include small litter size and a high puppy mortality rate due to their genetics.
There is also a lack of awareness of the breed outside Peru. These well-balanced dogs have a loyal and affectionate personality. Peruvian Inca Orchids make ideal pets for owners who can provide them with attention and care.
These devoted canines form strong bonds with their owners, but tend to be reserved towards strangers. They get along nicely with children of all ages, but have a sensitive side as well. They may not tolerate the kids who are not respectful of their space.
6. Canaan Dog
The Canaan dog is a medium-sized herding dog breed hailing from Israel. Human expansion led to the loss of their habitat, due to which they have become rare. These rugged and agile dogs are quite affectionate and sensitive.
Canaan dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are very protective of them. However, they tend to be reserved towards strangers. While they were bred for herding, Canaan dogs are not overly energetic. They need a couple of walks every day.
These pooches also like to join their owners on a hike, jog, or run an agility course. Canaan dogs are smart, savvy, and confident by nature. These brainiacs require plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Otherwise, they can start barking excessively or become destructive, explains PetMD.
7. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is a rare dog breed due to geographical isolation in Eastern Thailand for many years. These intelligent and fiercely loyal dogs tend to form strong bonds with their owners. However, they are typically wary of strangers, so early socialization is a must.
Thai Ridgebacks tend to exhibit a cat-like behavior. They are better suited for experienced owners who prefer a pet with strong character. These pooches are recognized by a ridge of fur on their back growing in a direction opposite to the rest of the coat.
Having strong survival instincts, a high prey drive, and unmatched intelligence. Thai Ridgebacks make very loyal companions, explains Royal Canin. Due to their independent nature, training can be a bit challenging. They need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Exercise can include daily walks and activities like swimming, hiking, retrieving balls, and flying discs. They also excel at dog sports like obedience and rally.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers are quite popular, while others are lesser known. Some rare dog breeds you’ve probably never seen include the Thai Ridgeback, Canaan dog, Tosa Inu, and Norwegian Lundehund.
Dog breeds become rare due to several reasons, such as geographical isolation or limited breeding. However, despite their rare occurrence, they may outshine many popular breeds in behavioral and physical traits.
