When we think of bringing a furry friend home, often the most popular dog breeds come to mind. But the American Kennel Club recognizes more than 200 dog breeds.
Some of them are so unique that you may never have heard about them. Popular dog breeds may steal the spotlight most of the time, but unusual breeds often boast distinct behavioral and physical traits and fascinating histories.
Dog breeds become rare due to various reasons. For example, some rare dog breeds have battled extinction, while others are lesser known because of geographical confinement. While you might not get a chance to see these pooches around the block, you’ll be happy to learn about them.
Have a look at these unusual dog breeds you’re unlikely to meet.
Unusual Dog Breeds You’re Unlikely to Meet
1. Xoloitzcuintli
Xoloitzcuintli, also known as Mexican hairless dog, has got its name from the Aztec god ‘Xolotl.’ This highly intelligent, calm, and compact dog was originally bred for companionship and is great with kids. However, you should always supervise them around kids so that these pooches do not get hurt.
It is an ancient and rare dog breed that was on the verge of extinction. According to WebMD, Xoloitzcuintli became endangered due to interbreeding with breeds from Europe. They are extremely sensitive to heat and cold.
Xolos are graceful, loyal, and even-tempered dogs who require a fair amount of exercise to stay healthy and active. They are receptive to training and adapt well to a variety of households. Xolos are prone to skin lacerations, especially in hot weather. So, make sure to apply sunscreen before taking them out.
2. Azawakh
Azawakh dogs are ancient sighthounds hailing from West Africa. They are independent, intelligent, and loyal dogs, but do not show affection as openly as some other breeds. Azawakhs are devoted to their family but suspicious of strangers.
This rare dog breed was not seen outside Africa before the 1970s, explains Purina. Originally bred as a camp guardian and hunting dog, the Azawakh is an elegant and lean dog with a graceful gait. They are calm indoors but have tremendous energy and endurance.
Azawakhs bond firmly with their owners and are very protective of them. Due to their wariness towards strangers, they make excellent guard dogs. However, they have a strong prey drive, so if you are planning to adopt an Azawakh, make sure you have a fenced yard.
3. Lagotto Romagnolo
Having a fluffy coat, the Lagotto Romagnolo was originally bred in Italy to retrieve waterfowl. These affectionate, lively, and smart dogs are one of the rarest breeds in America, but near and dear to their native region.
They became almost extinct due to crossbreeding in the late 1900s. Logottos are energetic dogs who make excellent companions for active families. They are quite intelligent and eager to learn new things, which makes them highly trainable.
Lagotto Romagnolo has got keen nose, so they excel at scent work and search-and-rescue tasks. They need regular physical and mental stimulation, but do not require extensive exercise. Looking like teddy bears, Lagottos are very social and get along nicely with other dogs and even strangers.
4. Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund was bred for hunting puffins, but has become a rare dog breed now. The reason for being near extinction is the development of new methods for hunting puffins. They are no longer bird hunters, but make loyal companions.
According to Pet Health Network, there are 1,500 to 2000 in the world now as a result of a careful breeding program. These athletic dogs are affectionate to their owners and have a well-balanced temperament.
The Norwegian Lundehund was able to navigate rocky cliffs with its flexible limbs and extra toes. They are quite agile and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods. Lundehunds have a short coat that does not require high maintenance.
5. Thai Ridgeback
Originally bred as a hunter and guardian in Thailand, this breed is loyal, intelligent, and agile. Like Rhodesian Ridgebacks, they also have a distinctive ridge of hair on their back that grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat.
While common in its native land, the Thai Ridgeback is rare in the rest of the world due to its geographical isolation. They possess strong protective instincts and make excellent guardians. Thai Ridgebacks tend to be reserved towards strangers and have an independent streak.
Due to this, they are better suited for experienced owners and require proper training and socialization to become well-behaved pets. According to the American Kennel Club, Thai Ridgebacks are tough canines with excellent jumping ability and strong survival instincts.
6. Mudi
Mudi is a versatile farm dog hailing from Hungary. They were bred for exterminating rodents and herding and guarding flocks. Mudi is relatively rare outside its native land, but they are quite athletic with strong work ethics.
These medium-sized dogs are full of energy and stamina. Mudik excel in agility and obedience and require daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They tend to be “one person” or “one family” dogs and may be a bit suspicious of strangers.
Mudik are very vocal dogs and try to grab your attention by barking, especially during play. These smart dogs need to be engaged in stimulating training sessions, but they have an independent streak. Reward-based training using treats and toys works best.
7. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchid is a hairless sighthound that comes in three different sizes. Affectionate and energetic, this breed is rare due to its genetic traits. This ancient dog breed has its history dating back more than a thousand years in Peru.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid requires daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They make excellent watchdogs and are protective of their family. Inca Orchids are hairless, so you need to apply sunscreen before taking them outdoors.
These canines are agile, smart, and swift, and excel at lure coursing and agility. They are full of personality and make lively and interesting pets. PIOs also make good apartment dogs and do well with indoor play sessions and a walk of around 20 to 30 minutes.
8. Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard dog is a relatively rare dog breed found in Louisiana and Gulf Coast areas, but is hard to find in other parts of the United States. It is nearly impossible to find a Catahoula Leopard dog outside the United States. These spotted dogs were traditionally employed to hunt wild boar.
They are territorial by nature and are suspicious of strangers, but form strong bonds with their owners. Catahoula Leopard dogs are incredibly loyal to their humans and are very protective of them. With proper training and socialization, they make excellent guard dogs and wonderful companions.
Regular exercise is needed to provide mental and physical stimulation. Lack of adequate stimulation can lead to destructive behavior. Catahoula Leopard dogs have an independent streak. Proper training and socialization help turn them into well-behaved pets.
9. Kooikerhondje
Kooikerhondje is a popular hunting dog in the Netherlands, but it is a rare dog breed in the United States. Kooikers became nearly extinct in the late 1930s due to a decline in traditional hunting methods and socioeconomic pressures of World War II.
This small Spaniel-type dog has beautiful, silky white and orange fur. The coat is surprisingly low-maintenance and needs to be brushed only once a week. Kooikers have a loyal, affectionate, and playful temperament.
They make alert family companions and have a sensitive nature. Kooikers are wary of strangers in the beginning, but make fast friends later. They likely do well in homes with other pets. Kooikers are good-natured and confident dogs full of personality.
Conclusion
We are all familiar with popular dog breeds, but there are various breeds we may have never heard about. These unique or rare dog breeds are unusual to find in certain parts of the world due to their geographical isolation or historical background.
Being lesser known does not mean their personality lacks something. Many of them outshine popular breeds in their behavioral or physical traits. They are immensely loyal to their owners and make wonderful companions.
If you are a potential dog owner looking for a rare dog breed, one of the breeds mentioned in this article may be the right fit for you.
