15 Rare Dog Breeds You Never Knew Existed
While many dog breeds are well-known, there are countless rare and lesser-known breeds that offer unique qualities and histories.
Ancient Breeds
- Dhole: Also known as the Asiatic wild dog, this social canine is found in India, Nepal, and other parts of Asia.
- Basenji: Originating from the Congo, this breed is known for its unique yodel-like bark and its cleanliness.
- Tibetan Mastiff: This giant breed, native to the Tibetan Plateau, is known for its thick coat and protective nature.
Lesser-Known Breeds
- Lagotto Romagnolo: A water retriever from Italy, this breed is known for its curly coat and truffle-hunting abilities.
- Otterhound: Originally bred for hunting otters, this breed has a distinctive webbed feet and a strong scent-tracking ability.
- Airedale Terrier: The largest terrier breed, the Airedale is known for its intelligence, versatility, and playful personality.
Mountain Breeds
- Bernese Mountain Dog: A gentle giant from Switzerland, this breed is known for its tri-colored coat and calm demeanor.
- Appenzeller Sennenhund: Another Swiss mountain dog, this breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and herding abilities.
- Entlebucher Sennenhund: A smaller Swiss mountain dog, this breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and herding instincts.
Toy Breeds
- Chin: A small, elegant breed from China, the Chin is known for its long, silky coat and affectionate nature.
- Pekingese: Another Chinese breed, the Pekingese is known for its flat face, lion-like mane, and loyal personality.
- Papillon: This small, butterfly-eared breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and playful nature.
Exotic Breeds
- Bergamasco Shepherd: This Italian breed has a unique, matted coat that can be braided or dreadlocked.
- Azawakh: A tall, slender breed from West Africa, the Azawakh is known for its speed, agility, and hunting instincts.
- Thai Ridgeback: This breed from Thailand is known for its distinctive ridge of hair down its spine and its loyalty.