There are many dog breeds in the world whose numbers vary depending on their location. Some breeds are very old, while others are just emerging now. Crossbreeding over time allowed the birth of new races, while wars and many other aspects led to the extinction of others.
Currently, the International Federation of Cynology (FCI) recognizes around 350 dog breeds throughout the world and few people know all of them. For this reason, on our site we have gathered some breeds that you probably do not know or do not know many of their characteristics or curiosities. So don't wait any longer and find out the 15 rare dog breeds that we are going to discover in this article below.
Puli
The first of the rare dog breeds is the Puli, also called the Hungarian puli or pulik, which is native to Hungary, which was used to herd and guard flocks of sheep. Almost extinct during World War II, the Puli has a loyal and active temperament, making an excellent companion dog. These dogs are easy to train, making them perfect for testing in the sport of agility.
Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is another of the rare breeds of hunting dogs native to Great Britain that is named after Clumber Park, the place where the Duke of Newcastle met these dogs. Although they were used as hunting dogs, Clumbers are not particularly fast or active, but they are good trackers. It is common for us to see them carrying objects in their mouths, as if they were going to present trophies. Currently, the clumber is only used as a companion dog and has a good and affectionate character.
Cirneco del Etna
The Cirneco del Etna is a breed of dog little known outside of Sicily, its place of origin. This podenco is a dog that has trouble getting used to living in the city, so it requires constant exercise and a lot of activity. Despite being a very faithful animal, the Cirneco is a difficult dog to train. And it has large and erect ears, which is one of the most peculiar characteristics of this breed.
Xoloitzcuintle
The xoloitzcuintle, xolo, Aztec dog, Mexican hairless dog or dog with or without Mexican hair is one of the little breeds of dogs common from Mexico, as its name indicates. It is very popular in its country and its origin is very old, going back to the Mayans and the Aztecs who used these dogs to protect their homes from evil spirits. These Mexican hairless or hairless dogs are very noble and we can find them in various sizes:
- Toy: 26-23 cm
- Medium: 38-51 cm
- Standard: 51-76 cm
Saluki
This rare breed of dog called saluki is native to the Middle East and was considered the royal dog of ancient Egypt and therefore Some people believe that this is the oldest breed of domesticated dog. This elegant greyhound has an optimized physical structure that can reach high speeds and can have coats of many colors. In character, Saluki are reserved, peaceful and very loyal.
Schipperke
The schipperke is a small herding dog of Belgian origin, specifically from Flanders. It is one of the most active, curious and energetic rare dog breeds and, despite its size, this dog needs a great deal of daily exercise and training. He is ideal as a guard dog and his most curious characteristic is that he has fox-like appearance Schipperke love the water and hunt small rodents.
Plott hound
Another of the rare dog breeds that exist is the plott hound, a working dog, and not a companion dog, originally bred in Germany to hunt wild boar and brought to North Carolina (USA)..) for the purpose of hunting bears Today, this dog is still used as a hunting dog, being particularly effective when hunting in packs. These American Hounds are dogs that need room to exercise and should not be kept in apartments or small spaces. Plott Hounds love to interact with people and play in the water.
Visigoth Spitz
The Visigoth Spitz, Viking dog or Swedish Vallhund is originally from Sweden, as its name indicates. This sheepdog appeared in Viking times and was used as a guard dog, to hunt rodents and to herd cattle. The Vallhund likes to feel loved and is very faithful to his owner, but can be reserved with strangers. In addition, he can compete in various dog sports due to his great learning ability and has a determined, brave and energetic personality. He is considered the canine symbol of Sweden
Brie Shepherd
Another of today's rare dog breeds is the Brie or briard shepherd, from France. During the First World War, this dog was used as a sentinel dog, messenger and locator dog for wounded soldiers, thanks to its great sense of hearing. Today, the Brie Sheepdog is used as a herding dog, guard dog, and companion dog. This dog is very energetic and intelligent, but he is also a bit stubborn, and has a great need for affection from his family.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is another of the little-known dog breeds that exist today. This specimen is a small dog of Scottish origin that receives its name from a character in the novel Guy Mannering that was written by Sir W alter Scott in 1815. Formerly they were used to hunt foxes, otters or badgers and in addition, they also appeared in paintings that represented the nobility of Scotland. The Dandie Dinmont is a faithful, peaceful and tolerant dog, elongated and with short legs, which serves both as a companion dog and as a guard dog.
Otterhound
This rare breed of dog called an otterhound is also known as Otter Tracking Dog, as these dogs love water and they are very resistant to cold, and for this reason they have been used to chase otters in burrows and rivers. This breed of hound dog originating from the United Kingdom has a calm and cheerful personality, and needs a large dose of physical activity every day, so it is not recommended to keep the otterhound in small spaces. Due to the ban on otter hunting, this working dog is now considered a companion dog and is in danger of extinction as there are only 51 left in the UK.
Little Lion Dog
Another of the rare dog breeds on the planet is the löwchen or little lion dog, whose exact origin is not known but the FCI suggests that it is of French origin. The name of this breed comes from the typical haircut given to these dogs and not from any natural phenotypic trait. These dogs are active, affectionate and resilient animals, whose breed is the rarest in the world. They are also brave dogs that will challenge larger animals and are easy to train.
Harrier
The harrier or "harrier" is another of the little-known dog breeds that emerged from crosses between beagles and foxhounds, and originated in England. With physical characteristics similar to its predecessors, this dog is also known as " beagle on steroids", since it is a strong and muscular hound dog. The Harrier has a cheerful, sociable and calm personality, and with a great facility for learning. Formerly, these dogs were used as hunting dogs for hares, foxes and rabbits, but today they are excellent companion dogs.
Bergamasco
The Bergamasco or Bergamasco Sheepdog is a breed of Italian origin used as a guard and herding dog, but they are also perfect as companion dogs, as they are very familiar and excellent companions. This dog is a docile, strong, loyal and hard-working dog that has a rustic and robust structure. The coat of fur similar to sheep's wool with coarse tufts keeps this breed of dog warm at all times as they walk through the mountains of the Italian Alps.
Keeshond
And last but not least, we find the Keeshond to put an end to the rare breeds of dogs that we have chosen to discover for you. The Keeshond, also called the Wolf-type Spitz, is an energetic dog that needs a great deal of exercise and space. Its characteristic coat makes it one of the most admired breeds in the world thanks to its resembling a stuffed animal This dog is a docile dog devoted to its owners, who have a special affection for children. It is also tolerant of strangers and other animals, and makes an excellent companion or guard dog.
