German shepherds, Beagles, Poodles, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers are household names at this point and you are bound to see some of these breeds around the neighborhood and in the dog park. But have you ever seen or heard about the Azawakh, the Komondor, the Ibizan Hound, or the Bergamasco Sheepdog? Chances are you haven’t. That’s because they’re among the rarest and unique dog breeds in the world.
Some of these breeds are currently battling extinction while others have been around since ancient times helping our ancestors with hunting and providing protection. But almost all of these breeds have a rich history and pretty unique characteristics. These dogs come in a wide variety of sizes and heights. Some of them are normal medium-sized dog breeds while others like the Otterhound are huge in size. There are also a few rare toy dog breeds like the Biewer Terrier.
Read on to discover some of the world’s rarest and most unusual unique dog breeds.
Best Rare and Unique Dog Breeds:
According to AKC, here are some of the unique and rarest dog breeds in the world –
Otterhound
The Otterhound is one of the rarest hound and unique dog breeds around. Only about 1,000 of these shaggy, web-footed dogs exist worldwide. Originally from England, the Otterhound was bred to hunt – you guessed it – otters. They have a keen sense of smell and love playing in the water. Their dense, rough coat is water-resistant and helps protect them while swimming.
Otterhounds make great family pets. They’re playful, patient, and affectionate with kids and other dogs. However, their size – up to 115 lbs – and energy level mean they need space. An Otterhound won’t be happy cooped up in an apartment!
While Otterhounds don’t need as much exercise as some hounds, they still require daily activity. Long walks, swimming, and playtime are musts for this breed. Their coat also needs frequent brushing and bathing to prevent matting and tangles.
Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier is one of the rarest and most unique dog breeds. With its long, flowing coat and dignified expression, the Skye Terrier makes a striking companion.
The Skye Terrier originated on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, where it was used to hunt foxes and badgers. Bred to be fearless and tenacious, the Skye Terrier is an energetic and playful breed. However, its coat requires frequent grooming to prevent painful mats and tangles. The Skye Terrier comes in a variety of colors including gray, black, cream, and wheaten.
Standing 9 to 10 inches tall, the Skye Terrier is a small but sturdy breed. Despite its diminutive size, the Skye Terrier has a big personality and needs daily exercise and attention. Skye Terriers can live 12-15 years, so they are a long-term commitment. However, for the right owner, the rewards of this spirited and amusing breed are great. If you want a walking work of art with attitude, the Skye Terrier could be the dog for you!
Komondor
The Komondor is a rare Hungarian livestock guardian dog known for its distinctive corded coat. This coat resembles dreadlocks and helps protect the Komondor from harsh weather and predators. Underneath all that hair is a powerfully built dog that can stand up to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 125 pounds.
Originally bred to guard livestock, the Komondor is a natural guardian. It is fiercely loyal and protective of its family and home. Early socialization and training are essential for this breed to learn appropriate behavior. Komondors can be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs if not properly socialized from an early age.
The Komondor requires daily exercise, but its coat also needs extensive care and grooming. The cords must be separated and cleaned regularly to prevent matting and skin problems. Bathing and drying the dense coat can take hours. For owners willing to commit the time, the Komondor can make a wonderful and unique companion. However, they tend to be a bit headstrong so they are not for inexperienced owners.
Norwegian Lundehund
The Lundehund is unlike any other breed. With its fox-like appearance, six fully functioning toes on each foot, and the ability to bend its head backward, this breed is truly one-of-a-kind. Originally bred as a puffin hunter in Norway, the Lundehund’s extra toes and flexible joints allowed it to climb steep cliffs and maneuver over rocky terrain.
Today, only about 1,500 Lundehunds remain worldwide. Due to its small population, the Lundehund is prone to health issues and has been closely monitored to avoid inbreeding. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these peculiar pups, be prepared to give it plenty of attention and take it to regular vet checkups. Lundehund’s playful and energetic personality requires daily interaction, exercise, and mental stimulation.
While challenging to find and care for, the Norwegian Lundehund’s quirky characteristics and vibrant spirit make it a breed like no other.
Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is one of the rarest unique dog breeds in the world. Only about 5,000 Belgian Laekenois dogs exist worldwide. This breed originated in Belgium, where it was used as a guard dog to protect flocks of sheep from predators.
The Laekenois is a medium-sized dog breed. It has a rough, wire coat that is mahogany-colored, and a distinctive long muzzle and triangular, pointy ears. These dogs are very energetic, protective and loyal. They require daily exercise and attention, as they can become destructive if bored or left alone for long periods.
Azawakh
The Azawakh is a rare sighthound originally from West Africa. This elegant breed is one of the oldest on the planet, dating back as far as the 14th century.
Standing up to 33 inches at the shoulder, the Azawakh is a tall and lean dog with a short coat, long legs, and a thin tail. Their coat comes in a variety of colors including red, black, brown, or white.
While not overly affectionate, the Azawakh bond very closely with their owner and family. They are generally aloof towards strangers and other dogs. This breed requires patient, experienced owners as they can be stubborn and require firm, consistent training and socialization from an early age.
The Azawakh is a natural athlete who needs plenty of daily exercise. They excel at lure coursing and make great jogging companions. After exercise, they are happy to lounge around but still require attention and mental stimulation.
Conclusion
Before bringing any one of these breeds home, you should make sure that you will be able to provide a suitable living space and devote the time required to exercise them. Some of these dogs can also have unique personalities and can be difficult to train. So if you are a first-time owner then avoid opting for a rare dog breed.
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