Here we have a Rare dog breed photo gallery list of 12 rare dog breeds and unusual dog breeds that you’ve probably never heard of before! Do you know of any other rare dog breeds? Leave your comments below!
1. Swedish Vallhund
Swedish Vallhunds are athletic dogs, excelling in obedience, agility, tracking, herding, and flyball, in addition to traditionally being a farm dog used for herding. The “small, powerful, fearless” breed comes in a variety of colours and with a variety of tail lengths, from bobtail (no tail) to a full curl tail.
2. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback was previously unknown outside of its country of origin, but it is now gaining popularity elsewhere. What makes it most unique? A ridge of hair, growing in the opposite direction of its coat, running along its back. Only two other breeds have the same feature.
3. Azawakh
This West African sighthound makes a fiercely protective companion and guardian, and an extremely intelligent lure courser. The breed is elegantly built and features a short coat in a wide variety of colours and markings.
4. Catalburun
Possibly because of severe inbreeding due to their rarity, the Catalburun is one of the only dogs in the world featuring a split nose and suspended ears. They were originally bred for hunting in Turkey.
5. Pachón Navarro
With a nose like the double barrels of a shotgun, the Pachón Navarro is an extremely rare Spanish hunting dog that was once believed to have superior sniffing skills. Now breeders know that the Pachón Navarro’s nose is just cosmetically different, they don’t offer any advantage over a regular pup nose.
6. Finnish Spitz
This agile and hardworking breed resembles a fox in many ways. The Finnish Spitz features erect ears, a dense coat, and a bushy tail, appearing in a range of colours from pale honey to deep auburn. The breed is known for its intelligent expression and brisk movement.
7. Otterhound
As its name implies, the massive Otterhound is very capable in the water. The scent hound has webbed feet and a rough, double coat, which also makes it a great hunter on land. Otterhounds excel as pets too, being inquisitive, boisterous, and amiable.
8. Norsk Lundehund
Originally used in Norway to hunt for Puffins, the Lundehund has six toes on each foot, prick ears that it can control at will, and the ability to tip its head backward to touch its backbone. The Norwegian Lundehund is unlike any other breed.
9. Hungarian Mudi
This Hungarian herding dog is as active as it is versatile. It makes a talented hunter, rodent exterminator, herding dog and flock guardian, but as a pet the Mudi is happiest when given long walks or jogs and a large area in which to run free.
10. Carolina Dog
Also known as the “American Dingo,” Carolina Dogs are thought to be the oldest canine species in North America, appearing on rock paintings by Native Americans. The Carolina Dogs share DNA with the Australian Dingoes and New Guinea Singing Dogs and even though the breed has been domesticated, there are still wild pups still roaming around.
11. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Prized by Native Americans for their incredible hunting abilities, these pups have been favourites of famous hunters like Teddy Roosevelt. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is named after the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana, where the breed originated.
12. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is huge in size and noble in bearing, known for a “solemn but kind expression” and an impressive double coat. Its aloof, watchful, and independent nature makes the Tibetan Mastiff an excellent guardian breed but a reluctant participant in organised activities like obedience.
