You know the usual suspects… Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, Siberian Huskies. But vault the obvious for a second. Tucked away in far-flung places and dusty plateaus are dogs so unusual that most people only ever see them in specialty photos.
These are the dog breeds that few people know about… the kind that make you stop scrolling and think, “wait, is that a dog?”
They are not mainstream for a reason: some are ancient working dogs, some are regional survivors, and a few one simply built for tasks most modern families don’t need. For the right person, a rare breed is a lifetime of discovery.
We have rounded up seven such dog breeds that happen to be the rarest dog breeds around the world.
Dog Breeds That Few People Know About
1. Norwegian Lundehund
If you want a “wow” dog, the Norwegian Lundehund delivers in spades. You can take this one as the circus gymnast of the canine world. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), this dog is from Norway’s rocky island and was made for the purpose of puffin hunting.
Rare Dog? How?
Famous for six toes on each paw, legitimate extra traction for climbing rocky ledges.
Joints and neck flexibility that look unnatural (and yes, they use it).
Extremely rare; most people have only ever seen photos or a single proud owner at a specialty show.
Living with a Lundehund is not a casual thing. They were bred for hunting. For cliff work and puffin-hunting, which explains why they have odd and specific health needs and a personality that does not always translate to submission. But yes, they have full stars for being an affectionate dog.
If you want a dog everyone will ask about, and you have the patience for the breed-specific care, this one’s unforgettable. But don’t be surprised if the nearest reputable breeder is hours away.
2. Lagotto Romagnolo
According to PetMD, this curly ancient breed from Italy was born to sniff out truffles by using its sensitive snout. And, they are good water dogs. Lagotto Romagnolo looks like a teddy bear, but it works like a pro.
Rare Dog? How?
The only breed historically bred to sniff out truffles… yes, the expensive kind.
Thick double coat built for marshes (and yes, that coat means grooming choices; some owners prefer professional trims, others go for weekly brushing).
Love dog sports and obedience that uses the nose as much as the legs.
Lagotto Romagnolos are brilliant dogs and very trainable when you use positive training methods. They can be excellent, affectionate dogs for families that give them brain-challenging work. Truffle training, scent work, and agility.
Warning!! They dig. A lot. If you want a dog that will happily join you on hunts or sniff-and-search games, the Lagotto is the rarest dog breed and a treasure.
3. Kai Ken
Japan’s well-kept “Tiger Dog”. The Kai Ken is a brindle-coated rare breed with hunting roots that read like an adventure novel. They are a mix of German Shepherd and wolf-like features, which explains their muscular build and versatile hunting dog abilities.
Rare Dog? How?
Coat colors vary from subtle stripes to rich reddish brown brindle. Hence, the tiger dog.
Historically used to hunt large game in mountains and dense forests.
Built for versatility. Climbing, swimming, and tracking.
Kai Kens bond fiercely with family members and can be reserved with strangers. They are an intelligent breed with a stubborn streak.
But they reward owners who respect their instincts and give them purposeful jobs. You can take them as rare, mountain-trained, wonderful companions that are equally at home on a trail or in an obedience ring.
4. Otterhound
The Otterhound is a big, shaggy, comical, large hound breed… but rare as hen’s teeth. There are less than 1,000 left in the world. They used to be working lake dogs in England, and they still carry those water-scented instincts.
Rare Dog? How?
Webbed feet, oily coat, and a nose tuned for water-bearing scents.
Historically used to track otters, hence the name. And they have a booming, river-sweeping bark.
One of the rarest dog breeds today. Conversation-minded owners are the breed’s lifeline.
Otterhounds are fun-loving and a little chaotic in the best way. They need daily exercise, preferably with swims, scent games, or long walks where they can follow scents.
If your life includes water, a yard, and a sense of humor about drool and fluff, this rare dog will repay you with immense loyalty.
5. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Isn’t this dog looking like someone stitched together a playful historical cartoon? But… PDSA noted Dandie Dinmont Terriers were actually born to hunt the vermin, and they are a hardy and brave dog, despite being such little dogs.
Rare Dog? How?
Distinctive topknot; most people cannot name the breed, even though they’d recognize the look.
Bred to go to ground after badgers and other burrowing animals, so yes, Terrier tenacity is in-built.
Smaller footprint, but surprisingly bold personality. Not a yappy, nervous dog, but more of a cheeky, stubborn one.
For people who want a rare little dog with a big Terrier attitude and easy compatibility with other dogs (when socialized properly), Dandies are a delight. They are a classic example of a “rare dogs” category that’s approachable but deeply characterful.
6. Peruvian Inca Orchid
If “striking” had a canine form, it would be the Peruvian Inca Orchid. Hairless, elegant, and ancient… they are the kind of rare breed that turns conversations into mini-history lessons.
Rare Dog? How?
Hairless skin in many shades, which makes them low on shedding but higher on sun-care (yes, sunscreen, as advised by the AKC).
An ancient breed from pre-Columbian societies, they carry cultural history on their skin.
Gentle nature and known to bond closely with humans.
Peruvian Inca Orchids are low in coat maintenance (call it low-maintenance grooming). But their care is specialized. They are hypoallergenic dogs.
If you are allergic to fur or want a dog that feels like an art piece on four legs, this rare dog fits. They reward owners who understand their unique needs and who appreciate quiet and deeply affectionate companions.
7. Azawakh
Tall and elegant, the Azawakh is a West African sighthound born to be the guardian of the nomads. It is a medium-sized dog that looks like it belongs in a sculpture rather than a living room. They have minimal grooming needs because of a short, sleek coat.
Rare Dog? How?
Bred by West African nomads as desert dogs for hunting and guarding
Extremely fast, built to chase large game across open sand.
Elegant, aloof with strangers and fiercely loyal to the inner circle.
Azawakhs are not couch potatoes. Give them the room to move and a job to do… a long run, a sprint, or a structured exercise, this even-tempered dog will be calm and graceful at home.
Without an outlet, they can be anxious. That independence and keen sense of physical energy release is part of the breed’s old-school charm.
It’s why they remain one of the most striking rare breed choices and great companions for people who want something truly unique and energetic.
Conclusion
There’s a galaxy of rare breeds out there beyond the Venn Diagram of “popular” and “practical”. The dog breeds that few people know about are weird, wild, and deeply rewarding if you are the kind of person who falls in love with personality over popularity.
These dogs can be the livestock guardian, be the high-energy rescue dogs, or sign up for military work; they will always be devoted.
If you decide to take the plunge, do your homework. Look for a reputable breeder. Prioritize positive training for your puppy, as they can sometimes tend to feel separation anxiety. And be honest with your time for daily exercise. Do it right, and you will be living with a piece of living history… a dog that is as rare as it is real.
