Dogs have been humans’ loyal companions for thousands of years, but while everyone knows about breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds, there are some rare and fascinating breeds that fly under the radar. These breeds have rich histories, unique characteristics, and captivating backstories that make them truly special. Let’s explore the 20 rarest dog breeds in the world.
1. The Enigmatic Azawakh
The Azawakh is a majestic sighthound originating from the Sahel region of Africa. Revered for their elegance and grace, these dogs are often compared to a living piece of art. Azawakhs are known for their slim, athletic build and their ability to run at impressive speeds. They have historically been used by the Tuareg nomads for hunting and guarding purposes. Their temperament is affectionate yet reserved, forming deep bonds with their family while remaining aloof with strangers. This breed requires ample exercise and loves to stretch its legs in wide-open spaces, making them perfect for active families.
2. Meet the Affectionate Bergamasco Shepherd
The Bergamasco Shepherd, with its distinct matted coat, is a breed that hails from the Italian Alps. Known for its intelligence and independence, this herding dog has been a reliable companion for shepherds for centuries. The Bergamasco’s coat is truly unique, consisting of three types of hair that naturally mat together to form felt-like flocks. This serves as both protection from harsh weather and a deterrent to predators. Despite their rugged appearance, they are gentle giants at heart, known for their loyalty and calm demeanor.
3. The Playful Canaan Dog
Hailing from the Middle East, and Israel’s National Dog, the Canaan is an ancient breed that has adapted seamlessly to modern life. Originally used as herding and guard dogs by the Bedouins, Canaans are agile, intelligent, and versatile. They are known for their strong survival instincts, having lived semi-feral for centuries. These dogs are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in various environments, from bustling cities to quiet rural areas. Their playful nature and eagerness to please make them wonderful family pets, though they do require consistent training and socialization.
4. The Gentle Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear, with its soft, cotton-like coat, is a breed that exudes charm and charisma. Originating from Madagascar, these small dogs were once the companions of royalty. Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, Cotons are often described as “velcro dogs” due to their desire to be close to their human companions. They are intelligent, eager to learn, and make excellent therapy dogs due to their gentle disposition. Although their coat requires regular grooming, their delightful personality more than makes up for the extra effort.
5. The Elegant Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian breed renowned for its truffle-hunting prowess. With a keen sense of smell and a curly coat that protects against the elements, these dogs are perfectly suited for foraging in the forests of Italy. Beyond their truffle-hunting skills, Lagottos are affectionate and energetic, thriving in environments where they can engage both their minds and bodies. Their friendly nature and intelligence make them versatile family pets that excel in various dog sports and activities.
6. The Rare Kooikerhondje
Originating from the Netherlands, the Kooikerhondje is a breed with a rich history as a duck decoy dog. With their striking orange-red and white coat and feathered tail, they have a distinct appearance that sets them apart. Kooikers are known for their cheerful and lively demeanor, making them wonderful companions for active families. They are highly trainable and excel in agility and other dog sports. Despite their rarity, they have a devoted following among those who appreciate their unique history and vibrant personality.
7. The Unique Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a breed with some truly remarkable traits. Known for their ability to hunt puffins on steep cliffs, these dogs possess six toes on each foot and the ability to bend their necks backward to touch their spines. This flexibility and agility make them exceptional climbers. Lundehunds are small and energetic, with a playful and curious nature. While they may be challenging to train due to their independent streak, their loyalty and unique characteristics make them a breed worth exploring for those who appreciate a bit of quirkiness.
8. The Spirited Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid, also known as the Peruvian Hairless Dog, is a breed that stands out due to its lack of fur. This ancient breed has been a companion to the indigenous people of Peru for centuries. Known for their lively and affectionate nature, these dogs form strong bonds with their families. They are intelligent and agile, making them well-suited for various dog sports and activities. Due to their hairless nature, they require special care to protect their skin from the elements, but their loving demeanor makes them a rewarding companion.
9. The Majestic Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is a breed that has been around for centuries, often used as a guard dog and hunting companion. Known for the distinctive ridge of hair along their back, these dogs have a striking appearance. They are highly intelligent and independent, often displaying a strong protective instinct toward their families. Thai Ridgebacks are loyal and make excellent companions for those who can provide consistent training and socialization. Their unique combination of strength and grace makes them a captivating breed for those seeking something out of the ordinary.
10. The Imposing Pyrenean Shepherd
Originating from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, the Pyrenean Shepherd is an ancient herding breed known for its agility and intelligence. Despite its long history as a working dog, it remains relatively rare outside of France, where it is still valued for its herding prowess.
Pyrenean Shepherds come in two coat varieties—rough-faced and smooth-faced—both requiring regular grooming. Despite their exceptional herding abilities and affectionate nature, they remain a rare breed, largely overshadowed by more well-known shepherd dogs.
11. The Classy Bedlington Terrier
With its distinctive lamb-like appearance and soft, curly coat, the Bedlington Terrier is a breed that originated in Northumberland, England, during the 18th century. Originally bred for hunting vermin in coal mines, these dogs were also used for racing and poaching due to their speed and keen hunting instincts. The breed was named after the mining town of Bedlington and quickly gained favor among both working-class hunters and aristocrats.
Bedlington Terriers have a unique, arched back, which contributes to their speed and agility. They are hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Despite their charming temperament and unique look, Bedlington Terriers are quite rare today, with limited numbers outside the UK and select breeders maintaining their lineage.
12. The Active Sloughi
The Sloughi, also known as the Arabian Greyhound, is an ancient sighthound breed that traces its origins to North Africa, particularly Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Revered by the Berbers and Bedouins for their hunting prowess, these elegant, swift dogs were primarily used to chase down gazelles, hares, and other fast-moving prey. Sloughis are known for their deep loyalty and sensitivity, forming strong bonds with their families while maintaining an independent and somewhat aloof nature. With their short, smooth coat and lean, muscular build, they resemble other sighthounds like the Saluki and Azawakh but have a distinct heritage. Due to strict breeding practices and their limited presence outside North Africa and Europe, Sloughis remain a rare and lesser-known breed.
13. New Guinea Singing Dog
The New Guinea Singing Dog (NGSD) is one of the most primitive and mysterious dog breeds in the world. Native to the remote mountains of Papua New Guinea, these dogs were once believed to be extinct in the wild until rediscoveries of small populations in recent years. They are named for their unique vocalizations, which include high-pitched howls and harmonic “singing” that sets them apart from domesticated breeds. Thought to be genetically similar to ancient pariah dogs, NGSDs are highly intelligent, agile, and semi-wild in nature. Unlike traditional pets, they are not commonly kept as domestic companions, making them one of the rarest breeds in existence, with only a handful residing in conservation programs and zoos worldwide.
14. The Working Farm Dag: The Mudi
A highly versatile and energetic herding breed, the Mudi originates from Hungary and has been an indispensable farm dog for centuries. Known for its intelligence, agility, and ability to control large herds with minimal guidance, the Mudi is often described as a “thinking” dog that works independently. Their wavy or curly coat, which comes in various colors including black, white, and the striking merle pattern, is both functional and visually distinctive. Despite their exceptional skills in herding and dog sports, the Mudi remains one of the rarest Hungarian breeds, overshadowed by the more well-known Puli and Pumi. Dedicated breeders and enthusiasts work to preserve the Mudi, but their numbers remain low, particularly outside their native Hungary.
15. The Rare Sled Dog: Chinook
Developed in the early 20th century in New Hampshire, USA, the Chinook is a rare and remarkable sled dog breed. It was originally bred by Arthur Treadwell Walden, a polar explorer, who sought to create a strong yet gentle sled-pulling dog that combined the endurance of huskies with the trainability of working breeds. Chinooks were crucial for Arctic explorations, but as sled dog use declined, so did their numbers. By the 1980s, they were nearly extinct, with only a handful of breeding pairs left. While preservation efforts have slightly increased their population, Chinooks remain one of the rarest dog breeds, with only a few hundred in existence today. Their affectionate nature, loyalty, and impressive strength make them ideal working dogs, but their rarity keeps them largely unknown to the general public.
16. The Cute Stabyhoun
The Stabyhoun, originating from the Friesland region of the Netherlands, is a versatile hunting and retrieving breed that has been in existence for over 400 years. Traditionally used for hunting small game and retrieving waterfowl, these dogs are also known for their ability to track and work on farms. With their black-and-white or brown-and-white coats, Stabyhouns have a distinctive look that sets them apart from other sporting breeds. They are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and eager to please, making them excellent family companions. Despite their many desirable traits, Stabyhouns are considered one of the world’s rarest breeds, with only a few thousand individuals, primarily in the Netherlands, and very few outside Europe.
17. The Game Dog: Clumber Spaniel
Named after Clumber Park in England, the Clumber Spaniel was developed in the 18th century as a favored hunting companion of British nobility. Unlike the typical spaniel breeds that are lightweight and energetic, Clumber Spaniels are heavier, low-slung, and deliberate in their movements, making them excellent for flushing game birds from thick underbrush. Their dense, feathered coat, droopy eyes, and long ears give them a distinct and noble appearance. Clumbers have an affectionate and laid-back temperament, making them wonderful companions. However, their rarity stems from their declining use as hunting dogs and their relatively small gene pool. Breeders continue to preserve the Clumber Spaniel, but they remain an uncommon sight even in their native England.
18. The Shepherd Dog: Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest of the four recognized Belgian Shepherd breeds, which also include the Malinois, Tervuren, and Groenendael. Bred primarily for herding and guarding livestock, Laekenois dogs originated in the Antwerp region of Belgium and were prized for their rough, wiry coats, which offered protection against harsh weather conditions. Unlike the more commonly seen Malinois, Laekenois have a scruffy and rugged look, but they share the same high intelligence, work ethic, and loyalty. Their numbers declined sharply after World War I and II, during which many were lost. Today, efforts to revive the breed have helped increase their population slightly, but they remain one of the rarest herding breeds in the world.
19. The Little Hunter: Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Originating from the Scottish Borders, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a unique and charming terrier breed that dates back to the 1700s. Named after a character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Guy Mannering, this breed was traditionally used for hunting otters and badgers. Dandies are characterized by their long, low-slung bodies, large expressive eyes, and a signature silky topknot on their heads. Despite their brave and affectionate temperament, Dandie Dinmont Terriers have seen a significant decline in numbers. Today, they are considered one of the rarest terrier breeds, with small breeding populations working to keep them from vanishing entirely.
20. The Water Hunter: Otterhound
The Otterhound is an ancient English breed developed specifically for hunting otters in rivers and lakes. With its webbed feet, keen sense of smell, and dense, water-resistant coat, the Otterhound was highly valued by hunters during the Middle Ages. However, with the decline and eventual ban on otter hunting in the UK, the breed’s population plummeted. Today, the Otterhound is one of the most endangered dog breeds, with fewer than 1,000 individuals worldwide. Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them excellent family pets, but their rarity and large size mean they are not commonly seen outside specialized breeding and conservation programs.
In conclusion, while these rare and lesser-known dog breeds may not be as popular as some of their canine counterparts, they each bring something unique and special to the table. From their fascinating histories to their distinct appearances and temperaments, these breeds offer a wealth of diversity for dog lovers to explore. Whether you’re drawn to their loyalty, intelligence, or simply their unusual traits, these breeds remind us of the incredible variety found in the world of dogs.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
