After knowing about these rare gems, you’ll literally say “I forgot that you existed” to the labs, goldies and gruffy GSDs (Not to mention the mainstream puppies are so last season anyway) Hence dust off your sleeves, pull up your bootstraps and pack your bags for a trip around the canine kingdom. As this one is going to be woozy ride.
For starters just imagine how many dog breeds are there in this world? Is your answer 50, 100, 200. Nope you are not even close as if you ask Dominique De Vito, the author of The World Atlas of Dog breeds she’d give you an intriguing reply, “A book with every breed? It would need to be a set of encyclopedias by group these days.”
Because she alone has listed canine varieties of exactly 425 breeds in the world that too back in 2009 and even that meant excluding many breeds that didn’t qualify for her recognition, which meant the breed had to be registered with an official registering body.”
Shocked to know this information, we were bedazzled too but what can we say, these four-legged besties have been walking beside us for far too long to not have such huge numbers and varieties.
Rare & Powerful Dog Breeds with a Strong Will
We are quite sure; you must have never seen or heard about these diamonds in the rough that can beat your common GSD and Belgian Malinois by a landslide just by being present. Because neither is the number of dog breeds worldwide straightforward nor is there a kennel or club where every single type of puppy on the planet is listed with all his intricacies and history.
Hence, even if you are dog connoisseur or puppy enthusiast let’s be honest it will take a long while before you run out of dog to admire and adore. (But that’s good news hooman, atleast there is something left in this world to look forward to)
1. Norwegian Buhund
Meet the faithful companion of the seafaring Vikings. The powerfully built yet lithe dog with tremendous moral fiber, courage under fire, honorable, courageous, stubborn, determined, perseverant. A pup who can stare death in the face and never flinch from a job that had to be done. Never turn away from a challenge, that’s a buhund.
Wikipedia says for centuries these dogs were a fixture in rural Norway, with one or two in every farm in some regions, always present, always working, and so reliable that they blended in the landscape. But now that they have long resigned from their jobs for guiding Viking warriors, and kings to Valhalla.
These spitz like dogs with wedge shaped skulls and erect ears enthrall their human companions with their constant background buzz of barks, chortles, trills, yips, and yodels, always singing their Norse lullaby and transforming life into a bustling and vibrant party.
But beware of the cons these rare and powerful dog breeds with a strong will bring in your comforting and peaceful abode, which is hair everywhere, from your expensive furniture to clothes, rugs and floors. No matter how much vacuuming is done be ready to collect hairs by the handful.
However, if you love for your life to be an adventure then this Nordic Scandinavian breed will be an ideal partner for you who’ll literally open new vistas for their people. Not to mention these chatterboxes can keep your skies clear, work on a farm, herd and protect your flocks, zoom around the agility course and even be a warm nanny to your babies.
P.S. This Norwegian Buhund can truly do it all.
2. Fila Brasileiro
If this rare and powerful working breed was magically transported in the dreamworld of Disney classics, like Cinderella or Rapunzel then surely Mother Gothel and Lady Tremaine would certainly have had these puppies as their minions.
Because these dogs have a history of hunting down runaway prisoners and slaves, hence these pooches would certainly have kept their stepdaughters in check by hunting and holding down these beautiful future princesses if they ever tried to escape their towers or take carriage and attend some fancy schmancy ball.
Developed in the 15th century Brazil these immaculately agile, surprisingly fast, badly territorial and protective dogs used to protect their master’s property with vengeance and are known for harboring intense loyalty for their family and people.
Not to mention if you haven’t ever seen a multi-purpose breed that is intelligent, sensible and high reliable in not one but several tasks then meet this Fila Brasileiro who is exemplary in herding and guarding but also hunting. So much so that he can even track and hunt down the elusive jaguar.
P.S. Naturally suspicious and regal in every sense these dogs need whole lot of training, with a firm yet positive approach. Hence make sure you have plenty time on your hands before getting this strong willed companion.
3. Tornjak
The first thing you’ll notice about this massive, large guard dog is his size but let us give you a heads-up before your serendipitous meet cute. He also has the biggest heart, the most beautiful brown oval shaped eyes and an even striking particolored coat with a snow-white base and black and tan markings.
This dazzling ancient shepherd breed hails from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia and is renowned for its relaxed, even temperament and high protective instincts. Originally bred to protect flocks of sheep and this extremely rare dog breed is a high intelligent, highly trainable and very obedient dog full of dignity and self-confidence.
According to the AKC the Tornjak has a steady disposition, a friendly personality, and is extremely devoted to his family. More importantly very wary of strangers, courageous in the face of danger and fierce in guarding and protecting his flock.
The Tornjak is a remarkably swift guardian that only gets aggressive when warranted. However he does not get along well with other family pets like cats.
4. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Naturally independent and alert this lesser-known mountain dog hails from the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia and is a naturally protective excellent guardian that grows up to be a massive fluff ball.
Standing at a 100 pounds at minimum and blessed with a great height these energetic and calm dogs were meant to be a livestock guard dog that can protect flocks and properties from predators like wolves and bears.
However, these double coated pups that proudly stand amongst the rarest dog breeds will need a lot of obedience training with positive reinforcement techniques and early socialization for being a good house or family pet.
As Caucasian ovcharkas are not known for their patience and won’t bode well with small hyper children that aren’t compatible cohabitators with these agile quick learners. Caucasian Shepherds are neither happy about new people and strangers strolling casually in their perimeters nor are they a gentle giant.
However, with the right attention these big fluffy pooches do turn into highly affectionate, understanding and deeply devoted family members and bond closely with their people protecting them from all types of danger lurking in the shadows.
5. Perro de Presa Canario
This Canary Mastiff is quite noble in both character and appearance, is a confident yet a little distant. But also, docile puppy that hails from the notorious Canary Islands.
A picture of firm focus and ruggedness this dog with an enormous head, characteristic black mask and enormous jowls are literally and figuratively thick-skinned vigilant dogs with furrowed brows and a very daunting and scary reputation.
PetMD notes fairly active this epitome of mental and physical strength is a prized pick for herding and guarding cattle. This traditional working breed is also wary of strangers and has a high prey drive which does make them great companions and protectors for their owners.
However, these profoundly loyal presa Canarios don’t do well with other smaller pets at home. Consistent training and guidance along with daily exercise and mental stimulation activities keeps their mind and body in good shape.
6. Hovawart
A picture of grace with a sturdy build, long fur, fluffy tail and floppy ears these German Hovawarts are brave and versatile dogs with strong guarding tendencies. Extremely intelligent, free thinking and loyal companions that are tolerant, even tempered and exuberant just like a lab and an excellent companion like a golden retriever.
These Hovawarts when covered in black and tan glossy coat look like the descendants of rottweilers and goldens and even have the right blend of friendliness and protection running in their veins to prove to be a strong guard.
Aloof and reserved around strangers and extremely protective of their families. This guardian breed also thrives in a place where he doesn’t have other dogs or pets challenging him. Because hovawarts need a lot of time for embracing new people and try to dominate other pooches that they aren’t familiar with.
Not to mention this breed’s energy level is also on the high side. Hence these pups will need a lot of physical and mental exercise along with proper training and socialization they can become a great best friend for those who are seeking a friendly pup with strong protective instincts.
7. Tosa Inu
Banned in many countries and sadly still being used in underground dog fighting in many countries including their native country Japan. These pups are like those misunderstood vigilantes that are deemed wanted, due to being dangerous. But in reality, are quite affectionate, honest and intensely loyal in every task they do.
Also referred to as the Tosa Ken or Japanese mastiff, is strong-willed canine is not everybody’s cup of tea due to their strong hearted and dominating tendencies. But for a Tosa Inu enthusiasts and seasoned lover these massively powerful dogs are calm, quiet and obedient.
Because the Continental Kennel Club says only a truly understanding owner knows how to harness his innately watchful and protective instincts in the right way. Aggressive for the suspicious trespassers yet gentle and tolerant for respectful kids.
These Tosa Inus were purposefully built to be larger and stronger and happen to be the descendants of a notoriously resilient breed called the Shikoku Inu. Not to mention these Japanese Tosa Inus are rather agile and athletic yet low maintenance when it comes to exercise and grooming.
P.S. Other dogs that make powerful and rare guardians include the Pyrenean shepherds, hunting dogs like the Azawakh known for chasing gazelle in the hot arid weather of Africa, Finnish spitz with its golden red coat and signature yodeling bark and the famous beagle like English foxhounds.
Conclusion
The biggest con of these incredible rare and powerful pooches is their unavailability for adoption. But if we think about their exceptional attributes only then a person comes to realize that these rare gems are rare for a reason and rightfully so. Because to maintain their integrity, life quality and temperaments breeders have to extremely careful.
Neither are these dogs ideal for just anyone or everyone walking on this earth. Many pooches like the Fila Brasileiros, Tosa Inu, and Perro de presa Canario and Caucasian shepherd dogs need a whole lot of training due to their intimidating and overwhelming personas. Hence you better not pick these pooches as a first puppy for you or your family.
Just as we told you there are plenty of loyal companions living and breathing on this planet earth (approximately 900 million as of 2025) and a diverse variety of breeds to choose from. Hence evaluate your needs and lifestyle thoroughly before bringing in the right dog in your home.
