For many, dogs are a part of their everyday lives, whether it’s their pet, someone else’s, or they see one walking down the street. While some breeds are in high demand, like the lab or the golden retriever, some dog breeds are quite rare due to unpopularity or low populations. These ten rare dog breeds fall under these categories but are still great pets for dog lovers.
10. Lagotto Romagnolo
Our tenth selection is the Lagotto Romagnolo, originating from the Romagna sub-region of Italy and is known as the “truffle dog.” This is due to its keen sense of smell, making it a perfect candidate for hunting. The breed almost vanished in the 1970s due to cross-breeding to enhance their hunting abilities, but several dedicated breeders have been able to preserve the Lagotto Romagnolo.
9. Azawakh
Prized as guardians and hunting companions, the Azawakh originates from West Africa. The breed has a short coat in various colors and markings and is quite loyal to its owner. What makes the breed so rare? Strict export restrictions and high costs limit the reach of Azawakh, with one of these dogs costing up to $10,000.
8. Thai Ridgeback
Some rare dog breeds are located in remote environments, like our eighth selection the Thai Ridgeback. The breed gets its name from the distinctive ridge of hair running down its spine, which goes in the opposite direction of the rest of its coat. Thai Ridgebacks are rare due to their origin in the isolated islands of Eastern Thailand, making transport difficult along with limited breeding opportunities.
7. Stabyhoun
The Stabyhoun comes from Friesland, a province in the Netherlands, and is a medium-sized dog first used for hunting purposes. Nowadays, the breed is a gentle and affectionate companion, but their numbers remain quite low. This is due to cross-breeding and the popularity of other breeds, leaving this dog with fewer than 4,000 of them left.
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6. Mudi
Active and versatile, the Mudi is a Hungarian herding dog originally bred to help farmers with their work. They are talented hunters, rodent exterminators, herding dogs, and flock guardians. Their numbers decreased after World War II due to the popularity of other herding dogs.
5. Otterhound
Originally from England, the Otterhound is very capable on land and water due to its webbed feet and rough double coat. As pets, they are inquisitive and amiable but have become incredibly rare. With only a few litters born each year of the large breed, they are in danger of extinction in the future.
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4. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Most of the rare dog breeds on this list do not look like the Peruvian Inca Orchid, but they have a long history with humans. The breed has been around since before 750 AD and was once used for their warmth and was believed to have medicinal properties. They have since declined in popularity due to their appearance, which can sometimes be hairless with skin in various colors.
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3. Chinook
Chinook means “warm winter winds” in Inuit, which makes sense as this breed was developed in New Hampshire for sled racing and drafting, with a double coat to keep it comfortable in the cold. Chinooks nearly went extinct in the 1980s, dropping to a mere 28 dogs, but have since seen a resurgence in number.
2. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
Though this might not be the most appealing rare dog breed on our list, the Xoloitzcuintli has quite a rich history spanning over 3,000 years. The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican hairless dog, was considered sacred by the Aztecs similar to cats in Egypt. The breed almost disappeared in the 1950s but has been able to come back due to breeding efforts.
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1. New Guinea Singing Dog
Our rarest dog breed is the New Guinea Singing dog, native to the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea. They are known for their distinctive vocalizations, or “songs,” that feature complex harmonies and high-pitched howls. With less than 200 remaining today mostly in captivity, the New Guinea Singing dog represents the biodiversity of Earth.
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