With the millions and millions of dogs out there, the Most RARE Dog Breeds in the World. We rarely think of the dogs that aren’t so common, the ones that you don’t just see out on the streets every day. Or maybe we’re wrong and you’re a dog lover and you think about this all the time.
Either way, these are dogs that you’re just not going to run into at the dog park or come across, like literally anywhere, probably ever.
QUORA ….
With that being said, here are the world’s rarest dog breeds:
Number 12: Azawakh – The Slim Protector of West Africa
These pups are skinny, but we guess that’s just how they’re supposed to be.
West Africa is where you’ll find the Azawakh guarding livestock or hunting, and that’s pretty much the only place that you’ll find them.
They are pretty uncommon in North America and Europe, but they are gaining popularity slowly.
They’re a breed of sighthound that is similar to both South Indian and Middle Eastern sighthounds, with a few differences.
They have long legs with a short flat back, which makes the hips sit higher than the withers.
It’s also very thin and almond-eyed and moves almost like a cat.
They’re relatively small, standing only between 24 and 29 inches and weighing 33 to 55 pounds, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t tough. They will defend themselves and their family if needed.
Maybe someday we’ll see these dogs become more widespread, but for now, they remain for the most part in West Africa.
Number 11: The Carolina Dog – America’s Native Feral Pup
This pup is typically found in the Southeast United States and is a medium-sized feral pup.
They usually live and roam cypress swamps and isolated, unpopulated stretches of longleaf pines. More recently, people have decided to make the dogs domestic pets, and with proper work and socialization, they can become a pretty darn good pet dog.
A publication by Glover Morrill Allen in 1920, Dogs of the American Aborigines, was one of the first and earliest articles to document the different Indian dogs of the North American continent.
People believed that the dogs descended from primitive Asian dogs, which means humans probably carried them from Asia to all inhabited parts of the world (not just the Carolina Dog, but all domestic dogs).
This little dog, which reaches only between 17 and 24 inches tall and 30 to 65 pounds, is gaining some steam and popularity.
Number 10: Catahoula Cur – The Spotted Worker from Louisiana
This dog breed must be decently rare because we’ve never heard of such an animal. The breed takes its name from Catahoula Parish, Louisiana.
In 1970, Louisiana named it the state dog, and people sometimes call it by many different names, including the Catahoula Leopard Dog, Louisiana Catahoula, Catahoula Leopard Hound, or Catahoula Hound.
They’re typically working dogs and help in hunting wild boar.
They grow to be 20 to 26 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 40 to 112 pounds. They’re energetic and smart, and usually are pretty even-tempered and are not known to be aggressive.
This dog breed was a known favorite of many hunters, including President Teddy Roosevelt.
Number 9: Lundehund – Norway’s Rare Puffin Hunter
This dog with a fun name is from Norway and is a little breed of dog of the Spitz type, which just means that they’re a domestic dog with thick, long, often white fur and a pointed muzzle and ears.
The breed was initially created specifically for hunting puffins and for finding their eggs.
Their name means just that, “Lunde” in Norwegian means puffins, and “hund” means dog.
One Unbelievable Feature: Lundehund’s Six-Toed Feet
One crazy thing about this dog is its feet, which usually have six toes per foot, which contain muscles and joints and is fully formed. It barely even looks creepy. And with their cute faces, it’s easy to get past that.
When we said these dogs were little, we meant it as they only weigh 13 to 15 pounds and stand just 12 to 16 inches tall.
The Norwegian Lundehund is unlike any other dog, and if you’re looking for a puffin hunter, this may be the dog for you.
Number 8: Mudi – Hungary’s Agile Herding Companion
This dog is a Hungarian herding breed that is bred mainly for sport, work, show, and companionship — and is still used in herding today.
They were first discovered as a breed in Hungary by Dr. Deshő Fényes in 1936. Sadly, shortly after their discovery, Mudis nearly disappeared because many perished during the Second World War.
Their origins can be traced back to the 15th century, but their exact start is hard to pinpoint. They’re 15 to 19 inches tall and weigh 18 to 29 pounds, with medium-length curly or wavy hair, and their tails can vary in length.
They’re great hunters and guardians for flocks and serve as excellent guard dogs with high-pitched barks. However, they’re very active, so be prepared to stay busy with one of these.
Number 7: Neapolitan Mastiff – The Ancient Giant Guardian
Did you know that the Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient dog breed? We didn’t, but that’s pretty cool to know.
These giants are usually purchased to defend and guard a family and property, but they typically become part of the family pretty quickly.
They do need to be well socialized with children because they are big and strong and don’t always know or remember their strength.
It is said that they will most times protect their owners with their lives. So, if you want a loyal-to-the-death, ride-or-die kind of companion, the Neapolitan Mastiff might be what you’re into.
And if you’re into rolls, floppiness, and excess skin, that is just adorable. This is probably exactly what your heart desires.
These adorable pups typically reach 24 to 29 inches tall and weigh 110 to 130 pounds, and they’re mostly made up of muscle.
Number 6: Xoloitzcuintli – Mexico’s Ancient Hairless Breed
This furry little oh nope, furless little dog is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog.
It comes in standard, mini, and toy sizes, so you can get your weird on no matter what size you’re looking for.
What’s your size preference? Minis and toys are pretty cute, though!
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of these dogs in tombs of various cultures, including the Mayan, Toltec, Colima, Zapotec, and Aztec, showing that the breed existed at least 3,500 years ago.
People have long regarded them as protectors and guardians, believing they kept homes and owners safe from intruders and evil spirits. At times, people even sacrificed them when their owners passed on so their souls could travel together to the underworld.
They’re highly smart, high-energy, and quite inquisitive, and are without a doubt one of the most unique and rare dog breeds in the world.
Number 5: Salish Wool Dog – The Extinct Blanket Maker
This one is kind of a sad discovery: the Salish Wool Dog is now extinct.
They were Spitz-type dogs with long white hair, bred by the native people in what is today British Columbia and Washington.
They were truly woolly, hence the name. The Salish people didn’t have sheep, so they would shear the wool off these dogs every May or June to make rare and famous Salish blankets from the dog’s trimmings.
These pups looked too cute. It’s just too bad none of us will ever get to meet one. Talk about rare.
Number 4: Thai Ridgeback – The Curved Coat Canine
This is another ancient dog breed that breeders have only.
The Thai Ridgeback is slowly gaining popularity in the Western world. Just a few years ago, few people outside Thailand knew about it.
There are only three dog breeds in the world that have a ridge of hair running down their back in the opposite direction of the rest of their coat, and the Thai Ridgeback is one of them.
They’re medium-sized dogs, 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 35-60 pounds.
This breed originated in eastern Thailand, where natural selection shaped and reproduced it almost exclusively until recent times.
They are brilliant, loving, loyal, and playful pets. Just get one out of Thailand, and you’re good to go!
Number 3: Otterhound – Britain’s Big, Fluffy Swimmer
The Kennel Club recognizes this fluffy, cuddly-looking dog as an old British breed and lists it as a vulnerable native breed. There are only 600 Otterhounds worldwide.
They’re big, rough-coated…
The Aquatic Tracker with Webbed Feet
These animals were initially, like many on this list, bred for hunting. They’re tough pups with strong bodies and long-striding steps, which make performing tough work for extended periods possible.
They can hunt by land or by sea, and they share characteristics unique to hounds, such as webbed feet and a double coat that is both oily and rough.
Weighing between 80 and 115 pounds, they have super-sensitive noses that allow them to track through water and mud for 72 hours or more. They are also the most endangered native breed in Britain, with only 41 new registrations recorded in 2016.
If you want one, you’ll have to pick from just 600 families. Good luck!
Number 2: Pachón Navarro – The Spanish Split-Nosed Hunter
Hunters once used this excellent medium-to-large-sized Spanish dog for hunting, believing its double nose gave it extra sensitivity to smells.
Yes, the Pachón Navarro has a dual or split nose, and people used to believe that it had enhanced scent-tracking ability, making it a perfect hunting companion.
Today, experts know that the split nose is purely cosmetic and doesn’t improve its sense of smell.
They usually have short hair in multiple color patterns, brown and white or orange and white, generally ticked, much like the coat of German Shorthaired Pointers.
They weigh between 60 to 73 pounds and stand just 19 to 22 inches tall.
The breed reached peak popularity during the 18th and 19th centuries, and almost became extinct, but a few dedicated enthusiasts managed to save it.
There were more than 70 known purebreds as of 2007, and the breed is gradually growing.
Number 1: Tibetan Mastiff – The Legendary Guardian of the Himalayas
Shepherds used them to protect sheep from predators such as bears, leopards, large mustelids, tigers, and wolves. Nomads have kept and loved the Tibetan Mastiff for thousands of years, and they especially value it for its loyalty.
Original native breeds of these dogs typically weighed around 121 to 198 pounds, but some bred in Chinese and Western kennels have reached weights of over 254 pounds.
They’re great family dogs and will protect you and your loved ones fiercely – but only if you can afford one.
Pure Tibetan Mastiffs are extremely rare, and in 2011, a Chinese coal baron bought Big Splash, a red Tibetan Mastiff, for 10 million yuan – that’s $1.5 million.
FAQ’S
What is the #1 smartest dog?
The Border Collie is ranked as the #1 smartest dog breed. They excel in obedience, problem-solving, and working intelligence, often seen in herding competitions and agility sports.
What is the no. 1 dog breed?
The Labrador Retriever holds the title as the #1 dog breed in popularity, especially in the United States, due to its friendly, loyal, and family-friendly nature.
What dog costs $1,000,000?
The Tibetan Mastiff is a luxury-status dog that has sold for up to $1 million because of its rarity, lion-like appearance, and status symbol in China.
What’s the most cheapest dog?
The Beagle and Chihuahua are often considered the cheapest dogs to own, as they have fewer health problems and lower grooming costs compared to many breeds.
Who paid 1.5 million for a Tibetan Mastiff?
In 2014, a wealthy Chinese businessman reportedly paid $1.5 million for a red Tibetan Mastiff at a luxury pet fair, making headlines worldwide.
