Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, but some breeds are rarer than others. Whether due to limited geographical distribution, low breeding numbers, or historical significance, these rare breeds stand out not just for their appearance but also for their unique traits. These are the top ten rarest dog breeds in the world.
1. Peruvian Hairless Dog
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is the only living dog breed indigenous to Peru. Also known as the Peruvian Hairless Dog, this breed is notable for its hairless coat and has a history dating back to ancient times. However, these dogs are not widely bred, and there are only about 1000 left in the world.
2. Chinook
The Chinook originated in the United States and is known for its strength and endurance. It was originally bred as a sled dog and has a friendly temperament. Chinooks are a rare breed, with only a small number of breeders dedicated to raising them. In 1966, there were only 125 Chinooks left, and the breed nearly went extinct in the 1980s. However, thanks to dedicated efforts, Chinooks have made a remarkable comeback in recent years.
3. Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small dog breed that originated in Norway. Its main purpose was to hunt puffins and collect their eggs from hard-to-reach nesting sites on steep cliffs. By the 1960s, the breed was on the verge of extinction. It currently has a small population in Norway and is very rare.
4. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a sleek and fast dog breed from West Africa, prized for its elegance. Traditionally, it was used to hunt gazelles across the Sahara Desert. Known for being loyal and affectionate, the Azawakh is a rare breed due to strict export regulations and its high cost.
5. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is a muscular, medium-sized dog from Thailand. It is known for the ridge of hair along its back that grows opposite to the rest of its coat. Historically, it was used for hunting and guarding. This breed is hard to find outside of Thailand.
7. Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is Israel’s national dog. This versatile breed has been used for herding and guarding. It is one of the oldest breeds, yet it is also quite rare, with only about 2,000 individuals remaining worldwide.
8. Black Russian Terrier
The Soviet military developed the Black Russian Terrier in the Red Star Kennel during the late 1940s and the early 1950s. This large breed is known for its strength and protective nature. It is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.
9. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian dog breed. It is used for hunting truffles, earning itself the title of Italy’s truffle dog. It has a curly coat and is recognized for its excellent sense of smell. This breed is exceedingly rare, and in March 2022, it was estimated that only 2,000 to 3,000 remain worldwide.
10. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintle, also known as the Xolo, is one of several hairless dog breeds. Often referred to as the Mexican Hairless Dog, it has a calm demeanor and comes in three sizes: standard, intermediate, and miniature. The Xoloitzcuintli is a rare and ancient breed.
11. Honorable Mention: Telomian
The Telomian is a unique dog breed from Malaysia. The Orang Asli people historically used it to catch vermin. It was officially recognized in 1963 and remains one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. It can still be found in isolated villages near the Telom River.
12. Honorable Mention: New Guinea Singing Dog
The New Guinea Singing Dog is an ancient dog breed found in the New Guinea Highlands on the island of New Guinea. It is known for its vocalizations, which resemble songs with complex harmonies. It is one of the rare dogs on this list, with only 200 to 300 hundred left in the world.
Source:
Top 10 Rare Dog Breeds from All Over the World
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