Rare dog breeds
There are a huge number of different breeds of dogs. Among them there are those that have rarely been heard of. These dogs can be large or very small. Interestingly, all dogs have a 99.85% identical genetic code. And only 0.15% of their genome distinguishes them from each other.
Peculiarities
How well known a particular dog breed is can be influenced by various factors. For example, often designer breeds or only bred ones are little known to the whole world. Also, as a result of poor selection, dogs may have weak immunity, as a result of which few people want to have such a pet, because he will need special living conditions and careful care. Sometimes the breed can be quite in demand in the territory of a certain country or region, but remain unknown to the rest of the world.
Top unusual breeds in the world
Consider the most interesting and little-known dog breeds.
Tibetan mastiff
Dogs of this breed resemble a fur ball in their appearance. They are widespread in Tibet, where they are used to protect monastic estates, houses and farms. Their coat is very dense, weigh 45-80 kg, and their height is 78 cm. This helps them to easily endure severe winters.
Currently these dogs are actively used to save people. They can be found anywhere in the world. But despite the popularity, the breed remains insufficiently widespread and, as a result, rare.
Dandy dinmont terrier
Such terriers are the result of Scottish selection of the 18th century. They are a cross between Skye and Scotch terriers.... Thanks to their short movable legs, they are excellent at catching badgers. They are not very popular today. According to some data, approximately 100 individuals of this breed are registered in the world annually.
Leonberger
There is a legend that these dogs were bred specifically for the German city of Lyonberg, as they look like the dog depicted on the city coat of arms. There are about 8 individuals of these giant pets in the world.
Such a breed is the result of selection of three breeds - Newfoundland, St. Bernard and Pyrenean Mountain Dog.
They used to be considered a great gift for royalty and the elite. Their weight often reaches 80 kg, and their height is 80 cm.
Their coat is incredibly fluffy. Despite their menacing appearance, they are surprisingly kind, affectionate and welcoming. These dogs quickly become attached to their owner and readily protect him.
If you want to purchase such a pet, then you need to be prepared for long daily walks.
Portuguese water dog
These dogs were created in Portugal to perform the following tasks:
- protection of fish nets and traps;
- protection of food products;
- delivery of letters between ships.
In the 1930s, these dogs were on the verge of extinction and survived only thanks to a Portuguese businessman who started breeding them. Such dogs are distinguished by curly hair and an amazing ability to cry. At the moment, this breed remains quite rare.
Small lion dog (levhen)
The name of this breed comes from the German word "lion cub". Its history begins in 1442. They liked to depict these dogs in paintings and tapestries with members of the high societies of Germany and France.
These dogs look very elegant and are considered very loyal. Now they are considered very rare.
Small Belgian Dog (Brussels Griffin)
It is a decorative breed with a characteristic flattened muzzle. During the two world wars, this species has suffered serious damage, so now it is quite difficult to find such dogs. These are the descendants of terriers that were bred to catch various small rodents.
These are very small cute dogs, while they are very charming creatures, they are very fond of affection. And their facial expressions are striking to the eye, because they are very similar to human.
They quickly become attached to their master, but they can be wary of the rest of the family.
Their main advantage is considered cleanliness. They are also easy to train and able to get along with other pets.
New Guinea Singing Dog
Sometimes these dogs are called "dogs of the Stone Age" because they lived in isolation from the outside world for almost 30 thousand years. The breed was discovered in 1950 in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. They are called singing dogs because they like to huddle together and have "performances."
Even in the Stone Age, people tried to tame them, but they never succeeded.
At the moment, about 100 individuals of this breed live at home, this is due to the fact that the process of their domestication is still incomplete. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep such individuals at home, especially if you have children.
Shooitzcuintle or Mexican hairless dog
Cynologists are convinced that individuals of this species lived in the days of ancient Mexico. Even on the works of art of the ancient Aztecs, you can find images of dogs without hair. These dogs are quite easy to tame, so they quickly became used by people during hunting and in the household. Lacking wool, they easily survive in warm countries and regions.
Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian wolfdog
These dogs are similar to real wolves. They have the characteristics of German shepherds, they always listen to their master and are kind to him. However, nature did not deprive them of wolf signs - they like to pack.
Bergamskaya shepherd
This species was created to work in pastures in the Alps. Dogs have a thick coat that does not require special care and does not shed. She looks like real dreadlocks.Even the eyes of the dogs are covered with dense wool, and only the nose sticks out of it.
Large dogs are always loyal to their master, and in the company of new people they can behave extremely shy.
The breed of these dogs is judged by their color. They should have a gray coat. Puppies of other colors are considered marriage and are not allowed to breed.
Small Vendée Basset Griffin
These dogs are known as excellent helpers who helped the French aristocracy while hunting. They are now also considered great friends and companions. Interesting that the length of these unusual dogs is 50% longer than their height.
Lancashire Hillier
These adorable dogs are the descendants of the Corgi and the Manchester Terrier. They have pronounced shepherd instincts inherited from their ancestors. They are also considered excellent pets.
Moody
Mudi dogs are especially friendly, strong, quick and quick-witted. They have a cute appearance thanks to their wavy wool, which is exactly the same as that of a sheep. Such rare dogs will become a real treasure for any dog breeder.
Swedish Walhund or "Viking dog"
The "Viking dog" appeared over a thousand years ago. Walhund was used in the Scandinavian countries for the following tasks:
- ensuring the safety of pastures;
- catching rodents;
- security.
Their voice is clear enough, and a ferocious roar can frighten anyone.
Over the years, they have been trying to turn them into worthy pets. And now they are affectionate, caring and loving pets and praise.
Slovak Chuvach
If you instructed such a dog to protect something, you can be sure of the safety and security of territories, other animals or things. In appearance, they are quite harmless and cute, although they have a powerful torso.
Neapolitan mastiff
Neapolitan mastiffs were in demand in Roman arenas in ancient times, and now they are often used for police and intelligence service, where such dogs are an indispensable element of the functioning of these organizations. Such dogs look very dangerous and menacing, but this is only at first glance. The owners of such pets know that 70 kg "monsters" are the real embodiment of love, affection and devotion.
Bedlington terrier
These dogs have an amazing external resemblance to lambs. The seemingly cute and harmless animals have very powerful jaws, which makes them useful for hunting rodents. They were also sometimes used for dog fighting while the activity was legal. Now they are trying to make them more kind and domestic. That's why, if you want to acquire such an individual, it will be necessary to train it carefully and for a long time.
Flanders Bouvier
In the past, these dogs proved to be ideal soldiers during wars, they looked for the wounded and helped to pull out the stuck carts. There is a legend that a dog of this breed bit Hitler.
Otterhound
These dogs were very popular in the 19th century in the United Kingdom for hunting otters. However, after the number of otters in this region declined, the popularity of the dogs fell. The existence of about a thousand such dogs has now been confirmed.
Catahula Leopard Dog
These dogs were specially created in North America for use in pastures and hunting. There is no reliable information about the origin of this breed. Many dog handlers believe that they are descendants of Indian dogs and red wolves.
Individuals have an interesting color, reminiscent of a patchwork blanket. They are considered very friendly and affectionate creatures, and are also easy to train.
This breed is especially in demand in the United States of America. In 1979, by decision of the Louisiana state government, its coat of arms was changed, and now it houses the catahula leopard dog.
Swedish Lapphund or Swedish Spitz
These dogs have been in demand for many years for the protection of reindeer on pastures in Lapland. Now it is almost impossible to find an individual of this breed. For example, in America there are only 5-10 registered dogs of this breed.
Saluki
Saluki is considered one of the most ancient breeds. Its roots can be traced back to Ancient Egypt. They were revered animals for their beauty, as well as the favorite pets of the elite and pharaohs. They were even mummified in pyramids with their masters. And in religious countries, where many breeds of dogs are considered "unclean", Saluki have a special status.
Karelian bear dog
This hunting breed was created in Finland. These dogs are her national pride. They are mainly used while hunting. The dog must distract the bear, and at this time the owner will sneak up behind. When properly trained, these dogs are loyal and truly good friends.
Catalburun
These dogs are quite famous and in demand in Turkey, but little known in the rest of the world. They have a special nose that is characteristic of only two other breeds of dogs. This nose makes them surprisingly sensitive hunters.
Chinese Crested Dog or Manchu Dog
The homeland of such dogs is the mountainous region of China. Among the locals, they are known as Tai-Tai.
These dogs attract the eye with their appearance, because they are almost completely bald. Wool grows only in the area of the legs, head and tail. In addition to their non-standard appearance, such dogs have sensitive charm, agility, they are also very active and love to play.
They require special care and cannot live in hot or cold conditions. This is due to the lack of hair, and hence the lack of shedding.
If you are allergic to wool and would like to have a pet, you can safely purchase a Chinese crested dog. They are odorless and non-allergenic. Also, do not be afraid of fleas - such dogs simply do not have them.
Interestingly, the International Federation of Cynologists has not yet recognized this dog breed.
Barbet or French Water Dog
These dogs were bred in the 1920s. Water dogs are medium in size. The name of the breed comes from the French word, which literally means "beard". They got this name due to their small beard.
They possess good-natured disposition, quite obedient, active and sociable. Such dogs love new people and play with them with pleasure. They are recommended to start in families with children.
Avazak
The homeland of these dogs is considered the region of the Niger River and the Azawak Valley, and they were first introduced to Europe in the 1970s. They have the ability to understand the boundaries of their territory, which is a hallmark of all greyhounds. They are not recommended to be kept in apartments as they need space.
Ecuadorian dog breed
Cynologists are convinced that these dogs are the rarest among naked dogs. Their average life expectancy is 12 years. They are distinguished by quick wit, high intelligence and mobility. They are easy to train.
Civini
This breed is the result of crossing a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, as a result of which it is sometimes called a Chihuahua. Dogs are distinguished by non-standard external drive, namely short hair and long ears.
These dogs don't like being picked up, especially when walking. They are especially mobile and love to play.
Another distinguishing feature is their weak immunity, so such pets need careful care.
Civinis can be aggressive towards other animals. But, as a rule, other pets do not pay attention to them, which is due to the small size of the civini.
Russian Toy Terrier
These dogs are the real pride of Russian breeders. Until 1990, such dogs were considered elite and expensive dogs, and their export abroad was strictly prohibited. They were originally used as companions and for catching rats.
These dogs are extremely small, their height is 20-25 cm, and their weight ranges from 2-3 kilograms. These are graceful miniature creatures with a lean physique and long hairy ears.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Such dogs are especially in demand in regions where there is a problem with bears. Their weight is usually 50-90 kg, they have surprisingly high intellectual abilities. All this helps them to successfully defend their owners and their lands. These dogs are especially common in Georgia.
The rarest dog species in Russia
In Russia, dogs are no less popular pets, so many breeds have become widespread in our country. However, many of the species of dogs listed in the list of rare breeds are difficult to find in Russia. The exception is Russian breeds, namely Russian Toy Terrier and Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
The TOP 7 rare sobach breeds are listed below.