As their name recommends, the rarest dog types worldwide are, in reality, quite hard to come by. Yes, we’ve all become aware of Labradors , French Bulldogs and the loveable and faithful German Shepherds . But how about the muscular Azawakhs, the active Mudis or the hairless Xoloitzcuintlis?
However, much like their more typical canine equivalents, a number of the rarest dog types can still use continuous cuddles, friendship and love to pass their days by having fun with the best dog toys .
To learn more about the rarest dog types worldwide today and where you can discover them, we’ve put together a list of the leading 25 furry buddies that truly are among a kind.
25 of the rarest dog types
1. Telomian
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Small-to-medium in size, protective of their owners and of an athletic build, Telomians are just discovered in separated jungle towns near the Telom River in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia .
Legend has it that these dogs were initially reproduced by the native individuals of Malaysia to manage little bugs such as rats, mice and other little jungle animals, like snakes.
2. Norwegian Lundehund
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Dating back to the Ice Age, the Norwegian Lundehund is classified as one of the rarest dog types worldwide — and for good factor. This pooch was reproduced to scale rocks, slippery crags and dig burrows to hunt Puffins along seaside cliffs.
Due to this, it established some special attributes consisting of 6 toes on each paw, the capability to crane its neck back to its spinal column and fold its ears closed.
3. Azawakh
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Resembling a Greyhound or Whippet in look, thanks to its high, slim and muscular stature, the uncommon Azawakh breed stems from West Africa and gets its name from the close-by Azawagh Valley. Originally utilized as hunting dogs for little video game, these dogs have an increasingly faithful bond to their human buddies.
4. Lagotto Romagnolo
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Known for their curly locks, the Lagotto Romagnolo can be traced back to the 7th century B.C. when they were utilized to obtain waterfowl in the large marshlands of northern Italy .
At the time, their thick curls assisted to keep them warm while swimming in the cold waters. But as interest decreased in these hunting techniques, at one point, these curly-haired cuties almost went extinct.
5. Otterhound
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Despite their capability to hunt otters like no other (thanks to their webbed feet and very delicate notes), Otterhounds are among the UK’s rarest dog types. They’re spirited, friendly and simple to train , however after otter hunting ended up being prohibited in the UK in 1981, these shaggy-haired dogs fell out of favor.
6. Mudi
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Intelligent, active and alert, the medium-sized Mudi is a Hungarian farm dog that is still utilized today for rounding up sheep and livestock. When it’s not assembling persistent animals, this breed is utilized as a search and rescue dog in some parts of the U.S. and Finland.
It’s remained in presence because the 19th century and is said to have actually progressed naturally from crosses of the Puli, Pumi and German Spitz types.
7. Peruvian Inca Orchid
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Thought a Peruvian Inca Orchid was a flower? Think once again. This ancient breed of dog, belonging to Peru, dates as far back as 750 A.D. when it was believed to have actually been kept as a family pet in both pre-Inca times and as part of the Incan empire.
But what these appeals do not have in hair, they offset in endearment, as they’re protective of their family and are exceptionally affectionate dogs .
8. Chinook
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Good at sledding, terrific with kids and excited to please, the Chinook dog is one loveable buddy. So it’s a marvel why this New Hampshire-bred-and-born canine was called as the world’s rarest dog breed in 1965 by the Guinness Book of World Records. In reality, Chinooks were on the brink of termination by the 1980s, so a breeding program was put in location to secure their status.
9. Xoloitzcuintli
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More typically referred to as the Mexican Hairless Dog (or Xolo for brief), this ancient hairless dog breed go back more than 3,000 years when it became part of the Aztec empire. Back then, these bald and stunning animals were buried along with their owners ‘to help guide the soul as it journeyed to the underworld’.
Although they are still thought about an uncommon breed today, they have actually seen a revival in appeal as they’re perfect family pets for those adverse fur.
10. Thai Ridgeback
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Highly smart, strong and including an inherent capability to hunt, Thai Ridgebacks are thought to be among the world’s very first dog types, however they are still hardly ever found beyond Thailand . Key attributes consist of: spotted blue/black tongues and a ridge on their backs (thanks to hair growing in the opposite instructions).
11. Stabyhoun
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Stabyhouns are nationwide treasures in their native Dutch province of Friesland. The breed was very first found in the Netherlands in the 1800s when it came from as a multiple-purpose farm dog. But in other places, this happy-go-lucky dog is terrific with kids, energetic and really active.
12. New Guinea singing dog
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Best understood for its special growls and barks, the New Guinea singing dog is a very uncommon breed that, since recent, was believed to be extinct. A couple of numerous these animals are kept in captivity all over the world. But the last recorded wild sighting of the New Guinea singing dogs remained in 2018, when they were discovered roaming in the mountainous areas of Central Papua.
13. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
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Weighing no greater than 24 pounds these unique-looking dogs may be little, however they sure are mighty. Originally reproduced in England to hunt vermin, they have a big head covered with a soft and feathery hair of white hair and a long upper body with brief legs.
Like numerous other types noted in this guide, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed almost went extinct throughout the Second World War. While breeders have actually striven to raise the variety of Dandies, they still stay lovely limited.
14. Kai Ken
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First found in 1929 in the mountainous areas of Kai, near Mount Fuji, to this day, it’s still quite uncommon to discover a Kai Ken beyond Japan. Traditionally, this strong, rapid and nimble breed of dog was utilized to hunt video game and is today extremely considered as a credible guardian who’s very committed to its owner.
15. Skye Terrier
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How adorable is this little charmer? Belonging to the Terrier dog family, Skye Terriers go back to the 14th century and are Scottish-reproduced and born. Over the years, diminishing varieties of Skye Terriers have actually been blamed on little understanding of the breed.
While others recommend that their long and luscious coat functions as a deterrent, as it appears like all those locks would take a great deal of work (although this isn’t real).
16. Löwchen
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Nicknamed the ‘little lion dog’ (and it’s clear to see why), the Löwchen very first emerged onto the scene in the 15th century, when they were kept as buddy dogs in significant European nations, such as France , Belgium, Spain and Germany by upper class.
Non-shedding, little and including a hair of hair, these caring animals enjoy absolutely nothing more than cuddling up.
17. Catahoula Leopard Dog
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Striking in its look, the uncommon Catahoula Leopard dog is best understood for its scattering of mottled spots which appear on its coat, generally in clusters of red, black or gray spots — and it’s this leopard-like result which provides it its name.
Today, in its home state of Louisiana, these flexible working dogs are utilized for hunting, rounding up and as guard dogs.
18. Bedlington Terrier
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Characterized with a unique lamb-like look, Bedlington Terriers were in fact initially reproduced to hunt and have actually because been utilized in dog racing and dog sports.
These unusual-looking dogs are spirited, cuddly and smart and are, in reality, among the most affectionate dog breeds around so be prepared to cuddle up.
19. Bergamasco Shepherd
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With their signature greatly matted coats, a Bergamasco Shepherd needs to be among the most unique-looking dogs in this line-up. Calm, client and a real leader, for countless years the Bergamasco Shepherd has actually been utilized to herd and guard flocks in severe cold environments.
In the 1960s the Bergamasco teetered on the verge of termination and though they stay uncommon today, there is an International Bergamasco Sheepdog Association to help secure its interests.
20. Tibetan Mastiff
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Best referred to as a fluffy four-legged giant, the hardly seen Tibetan Mastiff is a breed of mountain dog that is most comfy living in high elevations, thanks to its thick and luscious coat which will withstand extreme environments.
They are difficult employees and family protectors and due to their size (they can weigh as much as 150lbs) they are prohibited in specific nations.
21. Finnish Spitz
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Red and gold in color, foxy-faced and including a swishing tail, Finnish spitz dogs are the nationwide dogs of Finland and produce an excellent family animal since of their dynamic and faithful nature.
Although popular in the EU, ‘Finkies’, as they are understood for brief, are still thought about an uncommon breed in the U.S. after they almost ended up being extinct in the 19th century.
22. Turkish tip
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Turkish Pointers may be uncommon, a lot so that even today they are not a formally acknowledged breed, however they are immediately identifiable.
More previously referred to as Tarsus çatalburuns, these hunting dogs have a split nose, which is an uncommon hereditary quality shared just by 2 other types: the Spanish Pachón Navarro and the Bolivian Andean Tiger Hound.
23. Cesky Terrier
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These relatively little, smart and muscular terriers are the nationwide dog of the Czech Republic.
Created by geneticist František Horák in the late 1940s, these full-of-energy brief four-legged buddies are a cross in between a Scottish Terrier and a Sealyham Terrier. Most owners groom their Cesky to flaunt their strong upper body, leaving long hair on the stomach and legs.
24. Swedish Vallhund
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You may not have actually become aware of a Swedish Vallhund previously. But that’s since these bushy-tailed cuties have actually just remained in the U.S. for around 50 years. The dynamic and positive breed of dog came from Västergötland, Sweden and in spite of their little size, they were utilized to safeguard and herd animals.
25. Berger Picard
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If there’s one dog that includes a persistent streak it’s a Berger Picard.
For centuries, these French rounding up dogs have actually been understood for their independent nature and wonder about of complete strangers. And, as holds true for numerous other dogs in this list, both World War 1 and World War 2 was accountable for diminishing varieties of Berger Picards. Their limitless energy, dexterity and tough build make them perfect for active owners.
Want to read more about your canine buddy’s heritage? Check out our veterinarian’s guide to address; what breed is my dog?