Dogs have become a vital part of almost every family. While each dog will host a different personality, there are some breeds that are so unique that they are almost extinct. With over 190 established breeds of dogs, it’s impossible to know about them all. All breeds of dogs have something special to offer and the less common breeds are no different! The rarest breeds actually have some of the most exquisite and exciting features to offer. Below are 10 amazing, rare dog breeds that we bet you didn’t know existed, and if you did, you probably don’t know some of their particular features.
A Puli pup is known for their long, lush, corded locks that mirror dreadlocks. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) they are smart, loving, family-oriented and hardworking. Due to their thick coat, they appear much bigger than they actually are. The weight of these beautiful pups only range from 25 to 35 pounds with a height ranging between 16 and 17 inches. A unique fact about this breed is that much like their lush locks, they are quite bouncy through lively play. They offer boundless energy and their personalities can vary from playful to dominant. Pulis are known as one of the smartest dog breeds due to their self-confidence and leadership skills.
The Bergamasco is another thick fur breed in which their coat resembles a sheep. The lush fur is made of three types of hair, mostly in grays, making for a matted appearance. Their coat also changes as it grows; depending on their grooming their fur can be fluffy, scruffy or dreadlocks much like a Puli. Their fur characteristics fit perfectly with their herding and watchdog personalities. Bergamasco’s are gentle with their flock (children and family) but always aim to protect them. A fun fact about the Bergamasco breed is that they nearly became extinct during World War II due to the small demand for sheep, which meant fewer herding dogs. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the first Bergamasco sheepdog made it out of Asia and Europe to the United States, where the breed still remains very rare.
Labeled as a hunter with a keen sense of sight and smell, the Bedlington Terrier is actually a friendly pup with a strong need for human interaction. Much like a terrier’s nature, this beautiful creature still loves to chase small animals and even outdoor cats when they come into site. The Bedlington breed has a distinct look when compared to other terrier breeds. They sport a unique coat, hare feet and a springy, distinctive gait. Their featured convey a gentle expression but they are still very much a terrier at heart with instincts to chase and fight wild animals such as foxes and badgers.
The Catalburun breed is a Turkish pointer famous for its distinct fork-like double nose. They are also only one of three breeds that offer a split nose. When the breed first became popular, researchers believed their unique nose structure gave the dog an advantage when hunting. However, it was soon realized that the double nose was just a cosmetic feature with no extra sniffing powers. Catalburun’s do not get along with other animals but love affection from children and owners. They are hardworking, loyal, protective and known for the stamina.
The Xoloitzcuintli breed can be hairless or coated and comes in three different sizes; toy, miniature and standard. These fascinating breeds are said to have descended from the first dogs to set their paws in North America. In Mexico, that are famous doctor dogs known for their great body heat and comforting people with arthritis and other joint issues. A calm demeanor with a great intelligence is two characterizes that Xoloitzcuintli are known for. Their face portrays their intelligence while the wrinkle in their forehead shows their attentiveness. A fun fact about this dog breed with a complicated name is that they are named from the Aztek Indian God, Xolotl.
The Caucasian Ovcharka is an ancient breed with ancestors from nearly 2,000 years ago. The breed had a slow start due to the females only being able to give birth once a year. The Caucasian Ovcharka breed is very similar to the shepherd and mastiff with shaggy fur and protective and predatory nature. They live their best life when guarding livestock, but they are perfect companions and show dogs. Being a guard dog, this breed tends to get yappy when strangers are around, or they are in unfamiliar territory. When breed characteristics are examined, these pups rank high for adaptability and affection, but they top the charts for being territorial.
Elegant, tall and classy are perfect descriptive words for the Azawakh breed. The legs on these gorgeous pups will go for days making their presence known and often being mistaken for a fawn. Unlike most hunting breeds, the Azawakh breed is catlike; cautious and guarded around strangers. They are known to bond closely with one owner and provide undivided affection. A unique fact about Azawakh’s is that they are descendants from Africa and despise cold and wet weather. Pet Guide also states a fun fact as to why this breed didn’t make it to North America. It is because these dogs cannot be purchased, but they have to be given as a gift.
The Borzoi breed is known for their fast-paced running of 35 to 40 miles per hour. They are tall, about 28 inches standing and heavy, weighing in at an average of 105 pounds. The Borzoi breed is closely related to the greyhound and resembles them with long, lean legs and a narrow body. Despite their fancy stature, Borzoi’s were bred to hunt – mostly wolves! Much of their hunting success comes from their impressive wide field of vision which allows them to spot their prey from miles away. These large pups are very family-friendly but need room to roam.
The gentle giant of dog breed was originally bred in Sothern Italy and is known as a very protective that requires owners who can command and direct their attention. The big pups have the ability to love unconditionally but it can take some training to fully gain their trust. They are extremely territorial and are prone to health issues, especially orthopedic problems. This roughly 120 to 175-pound breed can seem intimidating, but they are actually very lovable to a trained owner.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid breed is a showstopper and head turner with its lack of hair and odd statue. It’s incredibly uncommon to come across this fascinating breed because they are extremely rare, only having roughly 1,000 species in the world. If you happen to see or own one of these pups in your lifetime, it’s extremely important to keep them out of the sunlight. Playing in the yard for short periods of time is always recommended but due to their lack of hair, they sunburn very easily.
