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It has been estimated that there are over 190 varieties of dogs recognized all around the world. But we can’t exactly guess the number of dogs across the globe. Some are pretty and small, while some look fierce and gigantic. Explore the world of rare dog breeds with our top 10 list of unique and fascinating canines. From the Norwegian Lundehund with its six toes to the majestic Komondor with its mop-like coat, discover dogs that stand out for their rarity and special characteristics. Perfect for those seeking something different.
While walking across the street or while on a holiday, you might have seen some uncommon dogs and wondered about what breed they might be.
Some dogs are too large, almost reaching the height of their owners and some are too small that even fits in your teacup.
From Chihuahua to Golden Retriever, there are plenty of rare dog breeds to opt from while you want to select a pet for your home.
Click on the link below to learn about the special species of dogs.
There are some dogs that are unknown to most people. Let us have a look at some of the uncommon breeds around the globe.
In this article, I will be covering 10 such uncommon doggy breeds.
Let us see what they are:
Also Read:- Top 10 Affectionate rare Dog Breeds That Are Best For Your Family
1. Norwegian Lundehund
These cute little pups are one of the rare dog breeds and most unique species of dogs around the world.
The origin of these pets are dated back to the ice age and they have unique characteristics like 6 toes on their paws, along with adjustable ears and a flexible neck that can bend backward to touch the spine.
The color of this dog is double-shaded with black, grey, reddish, golden, white, and more. It has double-coated fur.
These originated from the Norwegian coast and are the best hunters. They are used to hunt Puffin birds along the coast.
He can navigate the high cliffs due to extra toes and flexible limbs. These became near extinct after world war II, but Norwegian breeders protected them and now they are found in small numbers.
Being fun-lover and affectionate, these Spitz can be one of the perfect companions that you can think of petting.
Husky, Chow Chow, and Shiba Inu also fall under the same species.
2. Lagotto Romagnolo
These dogs are fluffy, cuddly, and adorable and originated from the Romagna sub-regions of Italy during medieval times.
These are often mistaken for Poodle-cross and are used to catch ducks from the marshy lands.
These are considered to be one of the oldest breeds of water retrievers. It has woolly, waterproof covering fur, strong muscles, and a sharp sense of smell. Nowadays, they are being used to hunt truffles.
They are playful in nature and easily trainable and will love to spend their time with their owner.
It likes to sniff itself in the ground in search of truffles and like to splash in any puddle that it finds.
Lagotto were near to extinction during the 1970s but were preserved by an Italian group of breeders.
Poodles and Labradoodles are similar breeds.
3. Azawakh
These dogs are famous for their loyalty and are very protective in nature. These rare dog breeds have slender and extremely long legs. They have their origin from South Africa and, they have a strong sight that they use to discover their prey. They have trained to guard nomads’ tepees in desserts.
Azawakh are even called ‘idii n ileli’ by nomads which means ‘sighthound of the free people.
Azawakh was brought to the US in the 1980s and are added to American Kennel Club’s foundation in 1997.
They are extremely shy towards strangers. But when they are with owners they can overcome this reserved feeling and become comfortable companions.
Grayhound also falls under the same species.
4. Otterhound
It is one of the big but lovable canines and is from the UK or Great Britain. During the medieval age, it was used to save the fish industry in the UK from the otters and as fish hunting and marine hunting are banned in the UK, this rare dog breeds is becoming gradually disappearing.
It is recognizable by its beautiful mane of hair and its has webbed feet and waterproof coat and is an ideal swimmer. It has entertaining nature and now only 1000 dogs of this breed are there over the world.
This species is rarer than White Rhino. The color of this specie is black, black and tan, blue and cream, grey, and other colors. It also has a double coat.
They can be your good companion as they are fun-loving but need to be groomed and they do need regular exercise. It is very sensitive and calm in nature. It likes to have tasty treats and obeys you when you give it the food that it craves.
You have to bear with this canine friend, as he is a messy eater and loves to play in muddy puddles.
Bloodhound is a close relative to this.
5. Mudi
It’s a Hungarian-originated pup. Its name can be pronounced as Moody but acts quite opposite to its name. It is known for its highly active nature. Now only about 1000 pups of this kind exist on this earth.
It too became extinct during the 19th century, but somehow got recovered in number and it has pointy ears and a wavy coat of hair. It is now cross-bred with Puli and Pumi breeds.
Due to their high intellect power and swiftness, these are specially used for sheep and cattle rearing and are also used as watchdogs.
These being very active and high desire to explore will become perfect partners for those who love to enjoy the outdoors.
They liked to be cuddled up and need the affection of their owner and these watchdogs are extremely attention grabbers.
Border Collies are the close relatives of Mudi.
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6. Puli
These pups belong of Hungarian origin. They are very attractive with their beautiful and wavy dreadlocks. These are also used for herding rare dog breeds.
They are loyal companions and need moderate exercise.
Keeping its dreads neat and clean will be time-consuming but he will be a perfect partner to play with.
The colors include black, white, and silver. It has a corded coat.
7. Pharaoh Hound
These canines have their origin in ancient Egypt. They are very sportive, tend to be athletic, highly energetic, and need to be independent.
Pharaoh Hound is loyal to the family but tends to be reserved with strangers. They need less grooming but require high exercise.
It has a short and glossy coat with chestnut, red golden, and tan colors.
8. Lowchen
The breed may be of European origin. This canine loves outgoing and it is also affectionate towards its owners. It is also referred to as the little lion dog.
Lowchen has a hair coat that constantly grows and needs to be groomed and to be brushed and trimmed for maintenance.
It has long flowing Mane, with black, blue, chocolate, etc.
Maltese and Bichon Frise also belong to the same family.
9. Komondor
It is a dog with a protective corded coat that looks similar to a mop.
Komondor is a Hungarian breed used for guarding sheep. It is very brave and powerful.
It likes to be independent. Komondor is highly defensive but sometimes acts very stubbornly.
It needs consistent training and needs guidance.
It has a white colored coat.
Also Read:- Everything to Know About the English Cocker Spaniel
10. Canaan Rare Dog Breeds
These dogs are from ancient Israel and are used extensively for rearing livestock.
They are very smart, sharp, and athletic dogs that are best suited for dog sports.
Canaan dogs are disciplined dogs with sharp eyesight.
They are territorial dogs and are reserved for strangers. But however, they can be trained for socialization.
They have got medium-length double-coated fur with white, black, or brown color with or without patches.
Conclusion of Top 10 Rare Dog Breeds
You can see a wide range of pets all over, but some of them are very rare. There are mixed breeds of dogs.
Maintenance of some dogs may be highly expensive, because of which people tend to move away from such dogs.
People tend to pet dogs like Chihuahua, Corgi, Labrador, etc, which are familiar and easily maintainable. But there are some other varieties of dogs that are on the endangered list, you can try to make them your pet.
They are also cool, attractive, and affectionate partners, but somehow are neglected due to which they are entering the endangered lists.