Certain dog breeds don’t make it to viral videos or TV shows, but somewhere in the quiet corner of the house, they are curling up at the feet of their owner. Such lesser-known dog breeds don’t need any recognition to prove their loyalty and extreme devotion to their owner.
In favor of their more famous rivals, these breeds, having a gentle nature, often fail to grab the attention. But in reality, such devoted dog breeds offer unique characteristics and unparalleled companionship. These loyal partners enrich the lives of those they consider family with extreme devotion.
Moreover, it is also expected that such rare breeds might show extreme affection for only one member of the family rather than the whole family. The person with whom they develop a strong emotional bond is their whole world, and they feel happy besides them.
In this blog, we will discuss the most loyal, lesser-known dog breeds of the canine kingdom.
Lesser-Known Dog Breeds Who Are the Most Devoted to Their Owners
1. Xoloitzcuintli
Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Xolo and the Mexican Hairless dog, is a rare dog breed that is intelligent, peaceful, and a small breed.
While their baldness, admittedly, isn’t for everyone, the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America says Aztec tribes revered them for their healing properties. Moreover, the Xoloitzcuintli has now been designated as the Official Dog of Mexico.
Xolos remain quite rare in the U.S., so you may not have met one in real life, despite their long history and reputation. It was one of the earliest dogs to be domesticated by human populations and has existed in Mexico for more than 3,500 years, according to National Geographic.
Xolos are often reserved and wary of strangers as they are working dogs. It’s important to socialize and properly train your Xolo puppy so they don’t grow up suspicious of new people.
While they form strong bonds with their pet parents. As with most primitive breeds, their intelligence allows them to interact with people in a near-human type of friendship. Moreover, kids who know how to properly interact with pets can be great friends of Xoloitzcuintli, as they are extremely playful dogs.
Moreover, they keep an eye on every move of their owner, not just out of love, but they also try to guard their owners. So, they make a great protective companion.
2. Canaan Dog
The Canaan is one of the oldest breeds recognized, and it is the national dog of Israel. This dog belongs to a group of canines known as the pariah dogs. Pariah dogs, or Pye-dogs, are a group of dogs that are found in Asia and Africa.
They make great family dogs as they are energetic, attentive, and intelligent pets with a playful streak. These devoted dog breeds display an extremely affectionate nature for their owners.
Moreover, these extremely loyal and sweet-natured breeds crave the attention that they try their best to keep all members of the family together in a specific place to spend quality time with them.
It is believed that their behavior possibly originates from their protective instincts, as they were historically employed as guard dogs to guard military camps and other settlements.
Canaan dogs thrive when they are taken outside to play, although they do well inside the house. They love to explore the world with their owner at their side, as these pups have attentive temperaments.
3. Estrela Mountain Dog
Estrela Mountain Dog is considered to be one of the oldest breeds originating from the Iberian Peninsula. Moreover, it is a Portuguese mastiff-type dog as per PetMD.
The sturdy and strong Estrela Mountain Dog is loyal and affectionate with their owners. However, they make excellent guard dogs as they are wary of strangers. They are always watchful and defending their home against strangers. They need socialization and training to be comfortable and well-mannered around new people.
They make excellent companion as they are fiercely loyal to their person. However, they need a definite leader and may accept other members of the family. For families with small children, unless this dog is raised with children, the Estrela Mountain Dog is not recommended.
Estrela Mountain Dogs are best for pet parents who have experience with independent working dogs.
4. Icelandic Sheepdog
This rare dog breed is considered Iceland’s only native dog breed that has been featured on postage stamps. It is popularly known as “Viking” dogs because of their historical employment as herders and flock protectors for ancient Icelandic farms.
In the mountainous regions of Iceland, this hardy, athletic, sharp, and intelligent breed was developed to guard livestock. Today, the Icelandic Sheepdog is one of the most loyal dog breeds.
They mostly enjoy spending time around their family, as they are affectionate, loving companions. But males are somewhat more affectionate and cuddlier than females, who are more independent. They love to explore outdoors and play with people and other dogs.
Even though they will announce new activity and visitors with a loud, confident bark but they greet strangers enthusiastically.
5. Norwegian Lundehund
This endangered Spitz species neared extinction during World War II but was miraculously recovered by Norwegian breeders and thankfully remains in small numbers today. The Norwegian Lundehund has been living in the remote corner of Norway.
These dogs are sometimes referred to as Lundies or Puffin dogs, with the latter nickname reflecting the dog’s heritage as a capable Puffin retriever for Norwegian hunters. Moreover, their unique characteristic is their fox-like appearance and 6 fully developed toes on each foot.
These fun-loving dogs and excellent family companions were originally bred to hunt puffins on the rocky island of Vaeroy. A nice walk around the block or a game of fetch will keep them happy, as they enjoy many companion activities.
This breed is alert, active, loyal, and protective. Although they can sometimes be wary of new people, they aren’t overly aggressive or shy.
6. Tosa Inu
It is the largest and most rare dog breed. The Tosa Inu is sometimes called the “sumo wrestler of the dog world”. Although they are still used as fighting dogs in dogfighting, legally, because of their feisty nature and disposition, Tosas are restricted in some countries, requiring responsible ownership and early socialization.
While these gentle giants exhibit patience and can be quite affectionate with their families, they’re not excessively playful. Moreover, they are extremely intelligent dogs, willing to do anything to please their owners. The Tosa Inu can be gentle and protective with children if raised with them.
This rare breed has a calm and reserved temperament, but they are naturally wary of strangers, which can make them excellent watchdogs.
7. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Dating back more than a thousand years in Peru, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is an ancient breed. They are known for their hairless body. Ancient pottery and artifacts often feature these unique dogs, showcasing their importance in society.
Peruvian Inca Orchids make a great watchdog. They are highly devoted to their owners. A good thing about them is that they require minimal grooming and need moderate exercise.
These dogs are known for being incredibly affectionate and protective. They make great companions and are good with families. They can be shy around strangers but are generally friendly and playful with their owners.
Conclusion
Turning loyalty into a way of life, these pups are experts. Each day, their constant closeness fills with warmth, love, and joy. You’re never truly alone with these lesser-known dog breeds, not even on a quick trip to the fridge.
Their devotion makes every moment brighter and reminds you how lucky you are to have such a loyal friend always by your side. These are the lesser-known dogs that need minimal exercise and are a good choice for people with busy lives.
