15 Rarest Dog Breeds To Own

We often see the same breeds again and again, but there are some dog breeds out there that you may have never even heard of. We’ve created this rare dog breeds list with pictures so you can keep an eye out for these amazing dogs. These dog breeds range widely in their size, appearance, and origins.

Below are 15 of the rarest dog breeds in the world. Some of these rare dog breeds are hard to find outside of their native countries and others have been close to extinction. Let’s take a look: 

1. Catahoula Leopard Dog

Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) - Nagygabornet

• Description: Top of our list of rare dog breeds is the Catahoula Leopard Dog, believed to be the first dog bred in the United States. This is a beautiful spotted/ multi-coloured dog that was traditionally used to hunt boar. 

• Height: 58cm

• Weight: 32kg

• Character: The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a high-energy, loyal, and territorial breed. This dog is protective of their family and tends to be suspicious of strangers. 

• Origin: Catahoula Parish in Louisiana

2. Azawakh

Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) - Cristian.vantu

• Description: The Azawakh is a lean sighthound similar to a greyhound, they have long legs, an elegant build and a short coat. Azawakh are excellent at running and hunting. 

• Height: 66cm

• Weight: 20kg

• Character: Azawakh dogs are dedicated, affectionate, and fiercely protective. These dogs are independent, athletic and often shy around strangers. 

• Origin: Sahel region of Africa (West Africa)

3. Chinook

Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) - jude

• Description: The Chinook is a sled dog that has a double coat that provides excellent cold weather protection.

• Height: 60cm

• Weight: 32kg

• Character: Chinooks are eager to please, patient, and adaptable, making them fantastic family pets.

• Origin: New Hampshire

4. Lagotto Romagnolo

Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) - XTY78

• Description: Lagotto Romagnolo are curly-coated dogs that love water. Their coats are waterproof and these dogs are muscular and very energetic. Lagotto Romagnolo dogs have an excellent sense of smell. 

• Height: 48cm

• Weight: 16kg

• Character: The Lagotto Romagnolo breed is known for being alert, adaptable, and intelligent. These dogs were bred to assist with duck hunting and have been found to be talented in hunting truffles too.  

• Origin: Romagna, Italy

5. Otterhound

Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) - The Carlisle Kid

• Description: This large scent hound is well adapted to swimming, Otterhounds have a double coat and webbed feet making them excellent swimmers. The Otterhound is a large and rugged-looking dog. 

• Height: 69cm

• Weight: 36-52kg

• Character: Otterhounds are boisterous, energetic, and inquisitive. They are lively dogs that love to spend time with their owners. Otterhounds enjoy being busy so are great for active owners. 

• Origin: England

6. Stabyhoun

Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) - Steffen Heinz

• Description: The Stabyhoun is a soft-mouthed retriever and pointer from the Netherlands. They have a powerful appearance with a medium-length coat and long drop ears. The name Stabyhoun translated to “stand by me”. 

• Height: 50cm

• Weight: 22kg

• Character: Stabyhouns are independent, mischievous, and affectionate dogs. They are talented hunters and will catch vermin without a problem. The Stabyhoun is a loyal family dog that is obedient, patient, and eager to please.

• Origin: Friesland, Netherlands

7. Norwegian Lundehund

Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) - Canarian

• Description: The Norwegian Lundehund is a small, unique breed with six toes on each foot and impressive flexibility and one less tooth on each side of their mouth. These small dogs have a crimson-coloured coat and are excellent puffin hunters. 

• Height: 33cm

• Weight: 11kg

• Character: Norwegian Lundehunds are energetic, intelligent, and agile. They are fun-loving and affectionate, making them wonderful family dogs for active owners. 

• Origin: Vaeroy, Norway

8. Mudi

Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) - Canarian

• Description: The Mudi is a good-looking dog with large pointy ears and a soft, wavy coat. The Mudi is a naturally developed cross between the Puli and Pumi breeds. 

• Height: 43cm

• Weight: 11kg

• Character: The Mudi is a versatile herding dog from Hungary. They have lots of energy and are excellent at herding and hunting. The Mudi are happiest when they have a large amount of space to run around and play. This is an intelligent breed that learns quickly and loves being around its family.

• Origin: Hungary

9. Hovawart

Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Germany (CC BY-SA 3.0 DE) - Thomas Zimmermann

• Description: The Hovawart is a watchdog that has a silky soft coat and a similar appearance to the Golden Retriever. They are powerful dogs with deep muzzles, triangular ears that hang down and an overall athletic appearance. 

• Height: 63cm

• Weight: 35kg

• Character: The Hovawart is a well-balanced dog that is protective when needed but is generally calm and confident. This dog is intelligent, easy to train, and affectionate towards their family. As the Hovawart is a working breed they have a lot of energy and enjoy long walks. 

• Origin: Germany

10. Peruvian Inca Orchid

Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) - Astrostudy

• Description: The Peruvian Inca Orchid is sometimes hairless and its skin can be a variety of colours. The breed comes in three sizes, small, medium, and large. Peruvian Inca Orchids are slim, elegant sighthounds similar to whippets. 

• Height: 30cm (small), 45cm (medium), 58cm (large)

• Weight: 6kg (small), 10kg (medium), 18kg (large)

• Character: The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an intelligent, agile, and fast breed. These dogs are social, love to exercise and make affectionate companions. 

• Origin: Peru

11. Komondor

Attribution 2.5 Generic (CC BY 2.5) - Nikki68

• Description: The Komondor is a large, powerful breed that is known for its long, corded coat. These dogs look a bit like a cleaning mop with their ivory white coat, but they are light on their feet and are traditionally used to guard livestock. 

• Height: 80cm

• Weight: 61kg

• Character: Komondors are independent, protective, and fearless. The breed is known for being an excellent watchdog but is gentle and affectionate with its family. Komondors are playful and intelligent but they can be aloof towards strangers. 

• Origin: Hungary

12. English Foxhound

Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) - Canarian

• Description: The English Foxhound is a large, well-balanced dog that has a square muzzle and long ears that hang down. Foxhounds have a smooth, short coat that is usually white with black or brown colouring. 

• Height: 64cm

• Weight: 32kg

• Character: English Foxhounds are highly social dogs that are happiest when in a pack. The Foxhound has a high amount of energy and stamina so can be on the go all day. These dogs are loyal, intelligent, and playful but they do have a strong hunting instinct. 

• Origin: England

13. Beauceron

Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) - Pleple2000

• Description: The Beauceron is a rare dog that is unknown outside of France. These large French sheepdogs have a black and tan coat with red-tan marking from their paws up to their legs. Beaucerons are strong, muscular, and have noticeable dewclaws on their hind legs. 

• Height: 71cm

• Weight: 50kg

• Character: Beaucerons are loyal, gentle, and kind dogs. They are confident, intelligent, and natural guard dogs. Beaucerons need regular training and owners should be aware that they can become territorial. 

• Origin: France

14. Canaan Dog

Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) - Samorodokhanaana

• Description: Canaan Dogs have retained their wild appearance and look almost dingo-like. They look athletic and have high rails that curl over their backs, a dense coat and pointy, erect ears. 

• Height: 60cm

• Weight: 25kg

• Character: The Canaan Dog is one of the rarest and most ancient dogs in the world. They are independent, athletic, and agile. Canaan Dogs are good watchdogs and they tend to be aloof with strangers. 

• Origin: Middle East

15. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) - Canarian

• Description: The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small, unique-looking breed with a large head covered with silky white hair and a pepper/mustard body coat. Dandies have long ears that hang and big bright eyes. They have short legs and a long torso. 

• Height: 28cm

• Weight: 10kg

• Character: Dandie Dinmont Terriers are self-confident, proud, and intelligent. They love to run around and play but aren’t hyper. Dandies can be independent and stubborn but they respond well to training. These little dogs are loyal, affectionate and have big personalities. 

• Origin: Scottish Borders 

Found Your Perfect Dog?

If you think one of these rare dog breeds is right for your family, use Puppies to find a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder. When it comes to the rarest dog breeds, it can be hard to find breeders and there may be long waiting lists.