Rare canine breeds are the unicorns of the pet world. Their distinctive appearances and quirky personalities are sufficient to make any canine lover swoon. Whether it’s their peculiar coat patterns, distinctive physique shapes, or one-of-a-kind expressions, you gained’t have the option to withstand the allure of the rarest canine breeds.
When selecting the proper pooch to your family, there are a lot of issues to think about. Adopting a canine from a shelter is at all times factor to do. While shelter dogs’ behavior fluctuates as they acclimate to their new home, analysis exhibits homeowners usually stay happy with their furry pals. Plus, you could find some actually distinctive mixed breeds in shelters that you may’t elsewhere.
The quirky canines on our record are sometimes the results of centuries of cautious breeding, making a fusion of fascinating traits that set them aside from the extra common breeds. Plus, being uncommon means you’re a part of an unique membership while you welcome one into your home – you’re not only a dog owner; you’re a trendsetter.
When you’re out and about along with your distinctive pooch, you turn out to be an immediate magnet for dog-related small discuss. You’ll end up sharing tales, info, and tidbits about your four-legged buddy, and also you would possibly simply encourage others to discover the world of uncommon canine breeds. We are excited to encourage you to personal one of many rarest canine breeds which is why we have now created this superior record beneath. Do you have got a pooch that deserves a spot on this record? Leave a remark to tell us!
The List: Most Rare Dog Breeds, According to Experts
1. Norwegian Lundehund
The primary on our record of uncommon dogs will certainly make you smile! “In Norwegian, the term ‘lundehund’ literally translates as ‘puffin-dog’. This breed was developed to hunt puffin birds along the coast of Norway dating back to the times of the Vikings. One unique characteristic of the Norwegian Lundehund is the fact that the breed has six toes on each foot, all fully formed and muscled,” writes Highland Canine.
You gained’t consider what this canine can do. “Norway’s Lundehund was bred for the specific purpose of hunting puffins, and that’s allowed it to diverge significantly from other hunting dog breeds. But the fact is that the Lundehund may be older than most hunting dogs. The unique dental structure the Lundehund shares with the 5,000-year-old fossilized remains of the Varanger Dog suggests they split off from the rest of the evolutionary family tree a long time ago. You can more easily distinguish them from other dogs thanks to their unique six-toed feet. These unique paws help them navigate the treacherous cliffs and slippery crags where puffins are known to roost, and they can also be used to dig into the burrows that puffins call home. The development of new puffin hunting techniques nearly led to the extinction of this breed in the early twentieth century, though they have since grown to a population of around 1,400,” shares AZ Animals
Have you ever met a canine with further extremities? “This agile dog was able to navigate rocky cliffs thanks to its highly flexible limbs and extra toes. The lundehund is loyal and sensitive, forming a close bond with its family. It responds well to positive-reinforcement training,” notes The Spruce Pets.
2. English Foxhounds
Number two on our record is the English Foxhound. “Many rare dog breeds come from across the pond, such as the English foxhound, bred in England. They are used for fox hunting and tend to be much stockier than their American counterparts. The conformation of the English foxhound hasn’t changed much since they were first bred, around the 1700s,” writes RD.
With an English Foxhound, you’re not only a pet parent – you’re a curator of canines. “These social butterflies, weighing between 60-75 pounds, possess a distinctive hound temperament,” says Southwest Journal. “Being pack hounds, they thrive on interaction and companionship, whether with other animals or humans, making them particularly gentle with children. However, their prevalence as house pets is rare, largely owing to their relentless pursuit instincts, which dominate their behavior. English Foxhounds were originally bred for fox hunting, a pursuit activity wherein a pack of hounds and horse-mounted hunters relentlessly chased a single fox until it was exhausted.”
Get prepared for day by day doses of puppy paparazzi – everybody needs to snap a pic of your English Foxhound. “One of the four foxhound breeds, the English Foxhound is the rarest dog breed in the United States based on 2019 AKC registration data. The breed rose to prominence during the reign of Henry VIII in England. These dogs are best utilized for hunting, and despite their gentle disposition, are rarely used as house pets,” notes Highland Canine.
3. Azawakh
The third decide on our record of essentially the most uncommon canine breeds is the Azawakh. “The Azawakh is a West African sighthound that originated in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This slender hound has a refined appearance, but don’t be fooled. This is a hardy, long-lasting hunter who has been chasing gazelle over the blistering sands of the Sahara for over a thousand years,” shares AKC.
Watching your uncommon canine prance round the home is like having your individual private fashion show. “Though they’re sometimes mistaken for more popular types of sighthounds like the Italian greyhound and whippet, the Azawakh actually first emerged in West Africa as many as 8,000 years ago,” AZ Animals explains. “Their fine and beautiful coat can appear in a number of different colorations, but the lean but powerful musculature of the breed is always readily apparent. Originally bred as hunting dogs, this rare dog breed distinguishes itself from other sighthounds for its fierce loyalty to its human companions. Though they’ve been around for thousands of years, it wasn’t introduced to America until the 1980s.”
No want for Instagram filters when your pet is already a walking, barking murals. “This speedy sighthound is an ancient breed from West Africa used for racing and hunting. The Azawakh is a very independent, intelligent, and loyal breed that doesn’t show affection as openly as some other breeds, but is very devoted to its family and suspicious of strangers. These dogs need a great deal of daily exercise, and excel as running partners. They don’t require a great deal of grooming beyond an occasional brushing and bath,” says The Spruce Pets.
4. Otterhound
The Otterhound might appear like your hippie uncle, however he’s rather more than that. “Amiable and boisterous, the Otterhound is a large hunting breed originating in England. As its name suggests, the breed was developed for otter hunting. Because its quarry was found on land and in water, it differs from other hounds with its rough, double coat and webbed feet. Strong in body and mind, the Otterhound is an inquisitive breed with an exceptionally powerful nose,” says AKC.
Rare canine breeds include a built-in “wow” issue. “The otterhound is a big, lovable dog that was once used to hunt otters in medieval England,” explains The Spruce Pets. “With webbed feet and a waterproof coat, this breed is an ideal swimmer. Otterhounds can be boisterous and excitable, making them good for active families, but training is essential to keep them manageable. They need regular exercise and grooming but not an excessive amount of either.”
“King John maintained his own pack of otterhounds, and resident members of the breed could often be found in and around churches and larger estates as well,” shares AZ Animals. “Their rough coats and large, vibrant personalities made them ideal dogs for hunting otters. And while some hunters sold their pelts for a decent income, otter extermination was largely about competition between humans and otters for fish in nearby waters. Ironically, the efficiency of the otterhound nearly led to its extinction. Otter hunting was briefly banned in the United Kingdom in 1979 out of concerns that these activities were decimating otter populations. And while it would be discovered that pesticides were actually at the root of the problem, the otterhound population never quite recovered. The world population of this breed is estimated to be roughly a thousand, though there’s been a slow but steady incline in numbers over the past few years.”
5. Mudi
Rounding out our record is the Mudi, from Hungary. “This Hungarian herding dog is as active as it is versatile. It makes a talented hunter, rodent exterminator, herding dog and flock guardian, but as a pet the Mudi is happiest when given long walks or jogs and a large area in which to run free,” says Outside Online.
The Mudi is likely one of the most clever canine breeds on the planet. “Pronounced ‘moody’, this Hungarian-born breed is quite the opposite of its name and is known for its upbeat and highly active nature. With fewer than 1,000 in existence, the Mudi breed is rarely spotted outside of its Eastern European homeland. Pointy-eared with a wavy-haired coat, this unique canine is believed to have originated in the 1800s and naturally developed from crosses between the well-known Pumi and Puli breeds. Boasting a high intellect and swift stride, Mudis are often used to herd sheep and cattle, and are additionally praised for making effective watchdogs,” writes Pet Plan.
Thankfully, activists have labored diligently to make sure the survival of the Mudi canine breed. “Rarity can sometimes be an impediment to gaining official recognition from official kennel clubs, but the Mudi is proof that it doesn’t have to,” shares AZ Animals. “As the youngest of Hungary’s three types of herding dogs, the Mudi has gained some interest as a type of rescue dog in Finland and as a pet throughout North America. Despite its lineage dating back to the 19th century, the dogs were killed in large numbers during the Nazi invasion and occupation of Hungary during World War II. Conscious efforts at conservation have brought this breed back from the brink, and the population has risen to a few thousand.”
Which uncommon canine breed do you assume has essentially the most fascinating historical past? Let us know within the feedback!
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