Did you know there are around 190 recognized dog breeds in the world? And there are a lot more that are not recognized. Yes, the number is almost around 200! Yep, 190! And given this massive variety of breeds, even the most dog-savvy folks are likely to come across breeds they’ve never heard of. After all, not all dogs are as popular as the mighty Chihuahua or the big softie Golden Retriever or the sleek Boston Terrier, and there are some rare breeds that you must know about.
Below you will find a list of some of the rarest dog breeds around the world. Read on and see how many of these exciting breeds you already know about.
Contrary to its name that is pronounced ‘moody’, this Hungarian breed of dog is famous for it’s buoyant and bright nature. With only a few hundred in existence, this rare breed of dog is generally confined to its homeland in Eastern Europe.
It is believed that this unique breed of dog originated in the 1800s through the cross-breeding of the two famous Pumi and Puli breeds. The resulting Mudi has pointed ears, and a wavy-haired coat and is extremely sharp due to their high intellect. These qualities make Mudi ideal as an active watchdog that can often be used to take care of the herd of animals.
If you have high energy and want to enjoy the company of a playful, active dog, then Mudis can be your perfect partner. To thrive, Mudis don’t just need activity but they also need a lot of love and affection from their owner, along with frequent one-on-one interactions.
Another unique and rare breed of dogs is the Norwegian Lundehund. This cute little breed that originated from the islands near the Norwegian coast was originally developed as a hunting dog to hunt Puffin birds that are often found along the coastal cliffs. Hunting along the cliffs enabled the swift dog to develop the right skills to hunt along the rocky surfaces.
If you look at the physical characteristics of this breed, you would be surprised to notice the six toes on each front paw and a neck so flexible that it can bend backward and touch the spine. And these are some of the physical traits that make Norwegian Lundehund so unique.
The loyal and protective Azawakhs, are considered to be the most unusual predator. Unlike other breeds of dogs, this unique and rare breed of dogs can identify prey with sight rather than scent. This elegant looking, fawn-colored breed of dog originated from the Sahel region of Africa, where it served as a watchdog to protect the nomad’s portable tents. As a result, the nomad’s in Africa called Azawakh the ‘idii n’ illeli’, which translates to ‘sighthound of the free people’. While Azawakhs are loyal to their owners, they can be shy when around strangers.
The sleek and graceful canine was introduced to the Americans in the 80s, and in 1997, it was added to the American Kennel Club’s Foundation.
As suggested by its name, the Brazilian Mastiff, also known as the Fila Brasileiro, comes from Brazil. This rare breed of dogs that was created as hunting and guarding partners is famous for its aggressive nature and outstanding tracking ability. This breed of dogs is incredibly loyal to the owners but extremely suspicious of the strangers. The dogs are so loyal that there is a saying in Brazil “as faithful as a Fila,” to honor their loyalty that people often use it as a compliment.
Not all rare dogs come from America and Europe. Some unique breeds originate from Asia as well, including the Thai Ridgeback. This rare breed of dogs comes from Thailand and flaunts a ridge along it’s back just like the Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This ridge is nothing but a strip of hair that grows in the opposite direction against the rest of the coat, and so far, there are only three breeds that are known to possess this physical trait. If you look at the characteristics of Thai Ridgeback, the dog enjoys independence and outdoor adventures. If you are someone with little or no experience with dogs, then a Thai Ridgeback might not be the right choice.
While little is known about the history of this breed, this rare breed is becoming increasingly famous around the world.
The UK’s most Vulnerable Native Breed, the British Otterhound, is another rare breed of dogs. With just 24 puppies born in the country last year, and less than 1,000 dogs around the world, this breed of dog is on the verge of extinction. Known for their fabulous curls of hair and fun-loving nature, the Otterhounds were bred to guard the fishing industry against the otters, and so they got their name Otterhound. However, as the otter-hunting was banned within the UK, this special breed of dog begin to disappear drastically.
Like the cousin, Bloodhound, Otterhounds are extremely determined and have a keen eye for details, especially on the treats. With a lovely, sensitive nature, the Otterhound is a great company, especially for an outdoorsy owner who can tolerate the muddy mess of the Otterhound.
Originated when the German Shepherds bred with Carpathian wolves, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog came into existence. The experimentally breeding was done to create better military dogs in 1982 by Czechoslovakia, and today this breed is the national breed of Slovakia.
Today, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs can adapt well and can easily live with families and other pet animals.
There are numerous other rare dogs that you can learn about and improve your knowledge of dog breeds.
by Bobby J Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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