Dogs have been loyal companions to humans for centuries. Due to numerous breeding efforts, there is a wide variety of dog breeds, some of which are quite rare or even endangered. The dog guide introduces you to ten of the rarest dog breeds.
Why are some dog breeds rare?
There can be various reasons why a dog breed is considered rare. Some breeds are indigenous, adapted to specific regional conditions.
Certain breeds, like the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, are relatively unknown because they are only recognized in specific countries and not by the World Canine Organization FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale).
Other dogs have demanding care requirements, making them appealing to only a few dog enthusiasts.
Additionally, crossbreeding has led to deformities and diseases, resulting in certain breeds being legally prohibited in some areas.
It is essential to research laws, costs, requirements, and potential health issues specific to a breed before deciding to bring a dog into your life.
Azawakh
A dog breed that is rarely kept in the United States is the Azawakh. The origins of these African sighthounds lie in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
These desert dogs are named after the Azawakh Valley, located between Mali and Niger. Azawakhs were traditionally kept by the African Tuareg Berber people as hunting, guarding, and protection dogs, earning them the nickname Tuareg Sighthounds.
Azawakhs are characterized by their narrow, lean bodies with relatively long limbs. These fast and resilient animals can effortlessly cover very long distances in the desert heat and dryness.
Those who own an Azawakh have an intelligent, reserved, loyal, and highly sensitive companion who adapts to the mood of its surroundings and requires a lot of exercise.
Note: It’s important to consider that the typical body shape and general appearance of the breed have developed due to low fluid intake and malnutrition. If the dog is well-nourished, it may deviate from the specific breed standard.
Bedlington Terrier
One of the rarest and most expensive dog breeds in the world is the Bedlington Terrier, also known as the Rothbury Terrier, originating from the United Kingdom. The breed’s name comes from the town of Bedlington in Northumberland, where these dogs were primarily bred.
To be eligible for breeding, Bedlington Terriers must undergo health testing as the breed is prone to copper toxicosis.
Initially, Bedlington Terriers were companion dogs for miners, later used for hunting. Nowadays, they are highly popular in aristocratic circles. Their distinctive coat trim developed through participation in competitions and exhibitions.
As a courageous, obedient, and loyal dog, the Bedlington Terrier requires a lot of care, affection, consistency, and training. Otherwise, they may exhibit behavioral issues.
Bergamasco Shepherd
Bergamasco Shepherds originally hail from the Italian province of Bergamo and are not only a rare dog breed but also one of Italy’s oldest.
Their shaggy coat protects them from cold, wet weather, and even wolf bites. The resemblance to a sheep, along with their reliability and obedience, makes Bergamasco Shepherds ideal guardians of a herd.
A Bergamasco Shepherd is not suitable for purely indoor living. Those who can provide sufficient space and freedom for the dog will find a sociable and lovable family dog. When properly stimulated, cared for, and trained, these dogs can form a very close bond with their owners.
Those interested in a Bergamasco Shepherd should be prepared for long waiting times and considerable distances, as there are currently only a few breeders of this rare dog breed worldwide.
Mexican Hairless Dog
The Mexican Hairless Dog is one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas and one of the rarest globally. The dogs are also called Xoloitzcuintle or simply Xolo.
The Aztecs believed that these dogs were the earthly representatives of “Xolotl,” the god of lightning, death, and misfortune. They thought these dogs protected the living and accompanied the deceased through the underworld.
What makes the Xoloitzcuintle so rare is its history. When settlers arrived in Central America, they consumed the flesh of the Xolo. When Mexico officially recognized Hairless Dogs as a breed in 1956, the Xoloitzcuintle was almost extinct. The breeding of these dogs is restricted by specific guidelines for mating hairless and coated animals.
Mexican Hairless Dogs are good guard and family dogs, intelligent, affectionate, and highly adaptable.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a guard and protection dog. Despite its external appearance, the massive, robust, and muscular molosser can react quickly and fiercely defend its territory.
In the Roman Empire, Neapolitan Mastiffs were used as fighting dogs, later serving as herding and farm dogs in Southern Italy. The Neapolitan Mastiff gained fame through the “Harry Potter” film series as Hagrid’s dog named Fang.
Bold, self-determined, and with a pronounced protective instinct, the Neapolitan Mastiff is not a dog for beginners. Due to poor breeding, these dogs are susceptible to joint, skin, and eye problems.
Those considering such a dog should inform themselves about legal regulations beforehand. In some German states, the Neapolitan Mastiff is considered a fighting dog.
Puli
The dog breed Puli originates from Hungary, with its actual roots likely in the Asian region. Outside of Hungary, there are only a few breeders, making them one of the rare dog breeds.
A Puli is an excellent herding, guarding, or watchdog with a charming, gentle, obedient, loyal, child-friendly, intelligent, and very affectionate nature.
City dwellers who prefer a slow pace and love relaxation should not choose a Puli. This robust shepherd dog has a constant urge to move and requires a lot of activity in all weather conditions.
Beneath the thick coat lies a slim and muscular dog. Dog sports like agility are ideal to meet the needs of this spirited and confident dog.
Those who acquire a Puli are best suited to provide a house with a large yard and plenty of nature. Since these animals are highly bonded to their owners, they should ideally never be left alone for long periods.
Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is one of the oldest and purest dog breeds globally, yet they are extremely rare – these dogs existed for a long time only in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
The most distinctive feature of the Thai Ridgeback is its hair ridge. This strip of fur runs symmetrically along the middle of the back against the direction of hair growth.
As a Thai Ridgeback can be quite independent and lively with a strong hunting instinct, it should only be owned by experienced dog owners.
With proper training and socialization, the Thai Ridgeback is also suitable as a family dog, being loyal, child-friendly, curious, and intelligent.
The Thai Ridgeback is also suitable for many allergy sufferers.
Tibetan Mastiff
The probably oldest dog breed in East Asia is the Tibetan Mastiff. The large dogs from the Himalayas are also called Do Khyi, Tibet Dog, Tibetan Dog, or Tibetan Mastiff.
The Tibetan Mastiff is considered the most expensive dog breed globally, making breeding financially unprofitable in many countries. Due to high acquisition and maintenance costs, the Tibetan Mastiff is a status symbol for prosperity in countries like China.
A Do Khyi is characterized by pronounced territorial behavior, innate protective instinct, loyalty, and attentiveness, making it an excellent watchdog.
If the intelligent and self-determined dog is not properly trained and socialized, it may behave very aggressively towards visitors.
Ownership is recommended only for experienced dog owners with a solid financial foundation.
Czech Terrier
Czech Terriers, or Cesky Terriers, are a young and therefore relatively unknown dog breed that is rarely bred outside their home country, the Czech Republic. Sometimes these dogs are also called Bohemian Terriers.
These dogs were specifically bred for hunting foxes and badgers. Cesky Terriers have become companion dogs. If not used for hunting, it’s essential to train the dogs to control their hunting instincts.
Atypical for terriers, Czech Terriers are calm, sensitive, and gentle, making them good family dogs. However, it must be considered in their care that they don’t like being alone and require a lot of exercise and stimulation.
Czech Terriers are loyal and easy to train, making them suitable for beginners as well.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
What looks like a wolf is a crossbreed of German Shepherd and Carpathian Wolf. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog closely resembles the wild predator.
Wolfdogs serve as herding and driving dogs. The robust animals react quickly, are highly efficient, can orient themselves well, and possess an excellent sense of smell. Representatives of this breed are usually distant to anything new and have a pronounced instinct to flee.
A particular characteristic is that they bark relatively little and quietly, but howl quite loudly and wolf-like.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs are not family dogs. Their intelligence and strong hunting instinct make them demanding in terms of care.
Consistent training and socialization are crucial for this rare dog breed.
In addition to these ten rare dog breeds, there are other breeds that are not so commonly found worldwide. If you are looking for an extraordinary dog, it is advisable not to let appearance be the sole deciding factor.
