There are a huge number of different breeds of dogs. Among them, there are those that few have heard of. These dogs can be both large and very small. Interestingly, all dogs have a genetic code identical to 99.85%. And only 0.15% of their genome distinguishes them from each other.
Features
Various factors can influence how well a particular breed of dog is known. For example, often designer breeds or just bred are little known around the world. Also, as a result of poor selection, dogs can have weak immunity, as a result of which few people want to have such a pet, because it will require special living conditions and careful care. Sometimes a breed can be satisfied in demand in a particular country or region, but remain unknown to the rest of the world.
Top unusual breeds in the world
Consider the most interesting and little-known dog breeds.
Tibetan mastiff
Dogs of this breed with their appearance resemble a fur ball. They are widespread in Tibet, where they are used to protect monastic estates, houses and households. Their hair is very dense, weighing such dogs 45-80 kg, and their height is 78 cm. This helps them easily endure harsh winters.
Currently these dogs are actively used to save people. They can be found anywhere in the world. But despite the popularity, the breed remains not widespread and, as a result, rare.
Dandy dinmont terrier
Such terriers are the result of Scottish breeding of the XVIII century. They are a cross between sky and scotch terriers. Thanks to mobile short legs they perfectly catch badgers. Today they are not very popular.According to some reports, approximately 100 individuals of this breed are recorded in the world per year.
Leonberger
There is a legend that these dogs were bred specifically for the German city of Lionberg, because they look like a dog depicted on the city coat of arms. In the world there are about 8 individuals of these giant pets.
Such a breed is the result of the selection of three breeds - Newfoundland, St. Bernard and the Pyrenees Mountain Dog.
Previously, they were considered an excellent gift to royalty and elite. Their weight often reaches 80 kg, and their height is 80 cm.
Their fur is incredibly fluffy. Despite the formidable appearance, they are surprisingly kind, affectionate and welcoming. These dogs quickly become attached to their owner and readily protect him.
If you want to get such a pet, then you need to be prepared for long daily walks.
Portuguese water dog
These dogs were created in Portugal to perform the following tasks:
- protection of fish nets and traps;
- food protection;
- delivery of letters between ships.
In the 1930s, these dogs were on the verge of extinction and survived only thanks to the Portuguese businessman who took up their breeding. Such dogs are distinguished by curly hair and amazing ability to cry. At the moment, this breed remains quite rare.
Small Lion Dog (Levchen)
The name of this breed comes from the German word "lion cub". Her story begins in 1442. These dogs were loved to be depicted in paintings and tapestries with members of the higher societies of Germany and France.
These dogs look very elegant and are considered very dedicated. Now they are considered very rare.
Small Belgian Dog (Brussels Griffin)
This is a decorative breed with a characteristic flattened muzzle. During the two world wars, this species was seriously damaged, so it is now quite difficult to meet such dogs. These are the descendants of terriers that were bred to catch various small rodents.
These are very small pretty dogs, while they are very charming creatures, very fond of affection. And their facial expression is striking because it is very similar to the human.
They quickly become attached to their master, but they can be wary of other family members.
Their main advantage is considered cleanliness. They are also easy to train and able to get along with other pets.
New Guinean Singing Dog
Sometimes these dogs are called "Stone Age dogs", because they lived in isolation from the outside world for almost 30 thousand years. The breed was discovered in 1950 in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. They are called singing dogs because they like to pile up and make "performances".
Even in the Stone Age, people made attempts to tame them, but they did not succeed.
At home, approximately 100 individuals of this breed currently live, this is due to the fact that the process of their domestication is still incomplete. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep such individuals at home, especially if you have children.
Sholoitzcuintle or Mexican Hairless Dog
Dog handlers are convinced that individuals of this species lived back in ancient Mexico. Even on the works of art of the ancient Aztecs, you can find images of dogs without wool. Such dogs are quite easy to tame, so they quickly began to be used by people during hunting and in the household. Without wool, they easily survive in warm countries and regions.
Czechoslovakian Wolf Dog or Czechoslovakian Wolf
Such dogs resemble real wolves. They are characterized by signs of German shepherds, they always listen to their owner and are kind to him. However, nature did not deprive them of wolf signs, they like to pack.
Bergamo shepherd
This species was created to work on pastures in the Alps. Dogs have a thick coat that does not require special care and does not fade. She looks like real dreadlocks. Even the eyes of dogs are covered with dense hair, and only the nose sticks out of it.
Large dogs are always devoted to their master, and in the company of new people can behave extremely shy.
The thoroughbredness of these dogs is evaluated by their color. They must have gray coat. Puppies of a different color are considered marriage and are not allowed to breed.
Lesser Vendee Basset Griffin
These dogs are known as excellent helpers who helped the French aristocracy during the hunt. Now they are also considered great friends and companions. Interesting that the length of these unusual dogs is 50% greater than their height.
Lancashire Hiller
Such charming dogs are descendants of Corgi and Manchester Terriers. They are characterized by pronounced shepherd instincts inherited from their ancestors. They are also considered excellent pets.
Moody
Moody dogs are particularly friendly, strong, fast and quick-witted. They have a cute appearance due to their wavy hair, exactly repeating the look of a sheep. Such rare dogs will become a real treasure for any dog breeder.
Swedish walhund or “viking dog”
The Viking Dog appeared more than a thousand years ago. The Walhounds were used in the Scandinavian countries for the following tasks:
- pasture security;
- catching rodents;
- security.
Their voice is clear enough, and a fierce growl can scare anyone.
Over the years, they tried to turn them into worthy pets. And now they are affectionate, caring and loving caresses and praise pets.
Slovak Chuvach
If you instructed such a dog to protect anything, you can be sure of the safety and security of territories, other animals or things. They look quite harmless and cute, although they are owners of a powerful body.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan mastiffs in ancient times were in demand in the Roman arenas, and now they are often used to serve in the police and intelligence, where such dogs are an indispensable element of the functioning of these organizations. Such dogs look very dangerous and menacing, but this is only at first glance. Owners of such pets know that 70 kilogram “monsters” are a true embodiment of love, affection and devotion.
Bedlington terrier
These dogs have an amazing resemblance to lambs. The seemingly cute and harmless animals have very powerful jaws, which leads to their use for hunting rodents. Also, sometimes they were used for dog fights, while this occupation was legal. Now they are trying to make them more kind and homely. Therefore, if you want to purchase such an individual, it will be necessary to train her carefully and for a long time.
Flanders bouvier
In the past, these dogs proved to be ideal soldiers during wars, they searched for the wounded and helped to pull out the stuck carts. There is a legend that a dog of this breed bit Hitler.
Otterhound
These dogs were very popular in the 19th century in the United Kingdom for hunting otters. However, after the number of otters in this region declined, the popularity of dogs fell. Currently, the existence of about a thousand of these dogs has been confirmed.
Leopard dog katahula
Such dogs were specially created in North America for use on pastures and on hunting. There is no reliable information about the origin of this breed. Many dog handlers believe that they are descendants of Indian dogs and red wolves.
The individuals have an interesting color, reminiscent of a patchwork quilt. They are considered very friendly and affectionate creatures, they are also easy to train.
This breed is especially in demand in the United States of America. In 1979, by decision of the Louisiana state government, its coat of arms was changed, and now it has a leopard catacula dog.
Swedish Laphund or Swedish Spitz
These dogs have been in demand for deer protection on pastures in Lapland for many years. Now it is almost impossible to find an individual of this breed. For example, in America there are only 5-10 registered dogs of this breed.
Saluki
Saluki is considered one of the most ancient breeds. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Egypt. They were revered animals due to their beauty, as well as favorite pets of the elite and pharaohs. They were even mummified in pyramids with their masters. And in religious countries, where many dog breeds are considered "unclean", saluki have a special status.
Karelian bear dog
This hunting breed was created in Finland. These dogs are her national pride. They are mainly used during hunting. The dog should distract the bear, and at this time the owner sneaks up behind. When properly trained, these dogs are loyal and truly good friends.
Catalburun
These dogs are well known and in demand in Turkey, but are little known in the rest of the world. They have a special nose, which is characteristic of only two more dog breeds. Such a nose makes them surprisingly sensitive hunters.
Chinese Crested Dog or Manchu Dog
The birthplace of such dogs is the mountainous region of China. Among the locals they are known as Tai tai.
These dogs attract the eye with their appearance, because they are almost completely bald. The hair grows only in the area of the legs, head and tail. In addition to their non-standard appearance, such dogs have sensitive charm, agility, they are also very active and love to play.
They require special care and are not able to live in cold and hot conditions. This is due to the lack of wool, and hence the lack of molting.
If you are allergic to hair, and you want to have a pet, you can safely get a Chinese crested dog. They have no specific odor and are not allergens. Also, do not be afraid of fleas - such dogs simply do not have them.
Interestingly, the International Federation of Cynologists has still not recognized this breed of dog.
Barbet or french water dog
These dogs were bred in the 1920s. Water dogs are medium in size. The name of the breed comes from the French word, which literally means "beard." They got this name thanks to their small beard.
They possess good-natured disposition, quite obedient, active and sociable. These dogs love new people and enjoy playing with them. They are recommended to start in families with children.
Avazak
The birthplace of these dogs is considered to be the Niger River Region and the Azawak Valley, and they were first brought to Europe in the 1970s. They have the ability to understand the boundaries of their territory, which is a hallmark of all greyhounds. They are not recommended to be kept in apartments, because they need space.
Ecuadorian dog breed
Dog handlers are convinced that these dogs are the rarest among naked dogs. Their average life expectancy is 12 years. They are distinguished by quick wit, high intelligence and mobility. They are easy to train.
Civini
This breed is the result of a cross between a chihuahua and a dachshund, which is why it is sometimes called a chihuax. Dogs are distinguished by a non-standard external drive, namely short hair and long ears.
These dogs do not like being picked up, especially while walking. They are especially mobile and love to play.
Another distinguishing feature is their weak immunity, so these pets require careful care.
Civini can be aggressive towards other animals. But, as a rule, other pets do not pay attention to them, which is due to the small size of the civini.
Russian toy terrier
These dogs are the real pride of Russian breeders. Until 1990, such dogs were considered elite and expensive dogs, and their export abroad was strictly prohibited. Initially, they were used as companions and for catching rats.
These dogs are extremely small, their height is 20-25 cm, and the weight ranges from 2-3 kg. These are graceful miniature creatures with a lean physique and long hairy ears.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Such dogs are especially in demand in regions where there is a problem with bears. Their weight is usually 50-90 kg, they have surprisingly high intellectual abilities. All this helps them successfully protect their owners and their land. These dogs are especially common in Georgia.
The rarest types of dogs in Russia
In Russia, dogs are no less popular pets, so many breeds have spread throughout our country. However, many types of dogs listed in the list of rare breeds are difficult to find in Russia. The exception is Russian breeds, namely Russian toy terrier and Caucasian shepherd.
TOP 7 rare breeds of dogs are given below.