20 Rare Dog Breeds That Are Hard to Find

Some dogs are everywhere—Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Poodles. But some breeds are so rare that even experienced dog lovers may never meet them in real life. These unique pups are often found in some remote parts of the world. Here are 20 rare dog breeds that you might never see at your local park.

Norwegian Lundehund

This pup was built for some extreme environments. Originally bred in Norway to hunt puffins on cliffs, the Lundehund has some very unique traits that make it different. It has six toes on each foot, and it can even bend its head backward to touch its spine. These dogs are rare today, partly because their specialized skills are no longer needed, but they still make great pets for the right owner.

Otterhound

The Otterhound is a big hunting dog from England that was originally bred to track and catch otters. Since it had to work on both land and water, it developed webbed feet for swimming and a rough coat for protection. It’s a strong and energetic pup with a lot of curiosity. Thanks to its amazing sense of smell, it can track scents better than most dogs on our list. 

Azawakh 

The Azawakh is an elegant sighthound coming from West Africa that was originally bred by nomadic tribes for hunting and guarding. Unlike many other sighthounds, these pups are fiercely loyal to their families. They are extremely fast runners as they’re capable of reaching speeds up to 40 mph. Due to their rarity and independent nature, they require experienced owners.

Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is a rare and powerful dog from Thailand, pretty famous for the unique ridges of hair on its back that grow in the opposite direction. It was originally bred for hunting and guarding, so it’s strong, independent, and very protective. Since it’s not common outside Thailand, it’s usually best for experienced dog owners.

Mudi

The Mudi is a rare herding dog from Hungary, known for its intelligence, agility, and wavy coat. Originally bred to herd sheep and cattle, this highly energetic and trainable breed excels in dog sports and obedience competitions. Despite their incredible versatility and loyalty, Mudis remain uncommon outside their native Hungary. They are best suited for active families or individuals who can provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an old Italian dog breed originally bred to retrieve game from water. Today, it is best known as the world’s finest truffle-hunting dog. Their curly, waterproof coats make them look similar to poodles, but they are distinct in temperament. Lagottos are affectionate, energetic, and highly trainable. Despite their usefulness, they remain one of the rarest breeds outside of Italy.

New Guinea Singing Dog

This wild dog from the mountains of New Guinea is famous for its unique vocalizations that sound like a mix of a howl and a yodel. There was a time when this breed was considered extinct in the wild, but later, a small population was rediscovered in 2016. They are highly intelligent but not suited to domestic life due to their independent nature. With a flexible spine and cat-like agility, they can easily climb trees.

Chinook 

The Chinook is another rare American sled dog breed that was originally developed in New Hampshire for endurance and strength. Chinooks are calm, gentle, and very loyal to their families, unlike other dogs on this list. Sadly, their numbers remain critically low, with fewer than 1,000 worldwide, despite efforts to increase their population.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

This ancient Peruvian breed is one of the few hairless dog breeds worldwide. It was revered by the Inca civilization and was kept as a companion dog. This pup is known for its smooth and bare skin, which is sensitive to temperature changes, so it requires extra care. Despite their unusual look, they are loving and intelligent and make excellent watchdogs.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Catahoula Leopard Dog is the only breed native to Louisiana that was bred for herding wild hogs. It is super famous for its striking coat patterns and bewitching glassy or multi-colored eyes. Catahoulas need lots of mental and physical stimulation as they are highly intelligent. They are independent thinkers and strong-willed, making them best suited for experienced dog owners.

Karelian Bear Dog

This fearless Finnish breed was known for hunting large animals like bears (hence the name) and moose. These pups are loyal but not too much affectionate, as they were bred to be working dogs rather than normal pets. Finland still uses this dog breed in wildlife conservation efforts to help control bear populations without harming them.

Telomian

The Telomian is a breed from Malaysia that was originally bred by indigenous tribes as a hunting and vermin-catching dog. It is one of the few breeds known to climb ladders (that shows how intelligent these pups are). Telomians are highly adaptable and have an independent streak. They are nearly unheard of outside of their native region, making them one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.

Kai Ken

This Japanese breed (also known as the “Tiger Dog” due to its striking brindle coat) is among the six native Japanese dog breeds. The Kai Ken is highly intelligent and an excellent climber as it was bred for hunting in the mountain regions of Japan. Despite all these good traits, they are still rarely seen outside Japan.

Xoloitzcuintli

You might not have heard this name, but this dog also goes by Mexican Hairless Dog. The Xoloitzcuintli is one of the rarest and oldest breeds, dating back over 3,000 years. Xolos come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and can be hairless or coated. Their lack of fur makes them sensitive to extreme weather, but they are highly affectionate and loyal companions.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

This is one of the rarest of all terrier breeds, and it was bred to hunt otters and badgers. It has an unusual topknot of hair on its head and a long body. Do not be fooled by the small size; this pup has a bold personality and a surprisingly strong bark. The breed’s numbers have declined in recent years due to its limited role as a working dog, but it remains a loyal and loving friend.

Finnish Spitz

This dog is bred for hunting by using its special “yodeling” bark to alert hunters to the game. It is also Finland’s national dog. Its fluffy red coat and fox-like face give it an adorable appearance. Finnish Spitz are highly vocal and are known for their power to communicate with different types of barks. They remain rare in other parts of the world, but they’re still pretty popular in their own country.

Carolina Dog

The Carolina Dog (you may know it as the American Dingo) is a primitive dog breed believed to have descended from ancient wild dogs of North America. It was discovered living in the wild in the Southeastern U.S. and was domesticated years later. But no matter how amazing their history is, people still don’t keep these pups as pets.

Berger Picard

The Berger Picard is a rare French herding dog with a scruffy coat and big, expressive ears. It almost disappeared after World War I and II, but a few breeders helped save it. These dogs are smart, energetic, and a bit mischievous so they do best in active homes that can keep them busy. Even though they’re friendly and fun, they’re still pretty rare outside of France.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a herding dog from Italy with a thick, shaggy coat that keeps it warm and safe. This breed is smart and independent, so it knows how to get things done without much help. Even though its coat looks hard to manage, it doesn’t need much grooming. Despite being such a great dog, it’s still pretty rare.

Sloughi

The Sloughi (aka the Arabian Greyhound) is a sleek and fast dog from North Africa, mainly from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia regions. It was bred to hunt gazelles, so it has incredible speed and sharp eyesight. It has a slim build and a short coat to handle the heat, as it was built for the desert. Sloughis are independent but deeply loyal and form strong bonds with their owners.