If you take a look around at a typical dog park or dog-themed town festival, you’ll see the usual Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers, German Shepherds, Yorkies, or Mini Australian Shepherds. What you won’t find is a variety of uncommon dog breeds represented. Most of these unusual dog breeds will have you doing a double-take and may spark curiosity among your group.
Several rare dog breeds you might not know about originate from either a specific region or were bred to do a very specialized task. Others experience dwindling numbers due to declining birth rates or market demands. However, each unique dog breed offers interesting characteristics that make them stand out from the pack. While our list does not follow a strict order of the rare dog breed, find out about some featured rarest dog breeds in the world.
20 Rarest Dog Breeds
So, what is the rarest breed of dog? Whether you’re just curious or you want to adopt one for yourself, here’s our list of the top 20 rare dog breeds:
Tibetan Mastiff
Weighing in at a possible 200 pounds, a Tibetan Mastiff is a lion-like, giant rare dog originating in the Himalayas that guarded nomadic peoples, properties, and livestock. The Tibetan Mastiff fits the bill if you’re looking for unique dog breeds that can take care of the family while still being a gentle giant. Not only is a Tibetan Mastiff rare with only around 2,000 in the world, but it also can fetch a hefty price tag as a luxury status symbol in China – one Tibetan Mastiff sold for $1.9 million! However, owning a Tibetan Mastiff requires a lot from an owner. They’re not great for first-time dog owners because they require huge amounts of space to roam around and constant grooming. A purebred Tibetan Mastiff puppy can start at $10,000.
Cadoodle
A Cadoodle puppy for sale is a cross between a Collie and a Poodle and is also known as a Colliedoodle or Colliepoo. Because both parents are water and herding dogs, a Cadoodle is a smart, active, loyal, and loving canine companion thanks to genetics. They’re eager to please and have an easy time with training. Once they’re trained, Cadoodle puppies will do excellent in a sport like agility or fieldwork. Their thick, rough coat is hypoallergenic, making Cadoodle puppies great for families prone to allergies.
Mini Hippo
You thought you were reading a blog about dogs, right? You haven’t clicked on the wrong link, so no worries! A Mini Hippo is a relatively new designer breed also known as a Cocker-Pei. As a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Chinese Shar-Pei, the Mini Hippo has the most adorable, wrinkly rolls with silky, fluffy fur. Its square, broad snout reminds people of a hippo’s nose, which is where they get their name from. They can weigh 40-60 lbs., stand 14-20 in. tall, and are affectionate family dogs. A Mini Hippo puppy is a loyal, calm family member and is also a good guard dog because they are very alert.
Xoloitzcuintli
Pronounced "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee," the Xoloitzcuintli breed originated in Central America and Mexico and was the ancient Aztec dog of the gods. In fact, what helps the Xoloitzcuintli make it on this list of weirdest dog breeds is that they were once believed to have healing powers! The Aztecs believed these adorable animals had curative powers over certain health issues, including everything from arthritis to toothaches to insomnia. Its name is from the Aztec deity Xolotl, the god of lightning and fire. In addition to its name, another feature that makes a “Xolo” unique is that it can be hairless! Xolos come in two varieties (hairless and coated), several colors (black, brown, etc.), and three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard). The Xolo’s personality is loyal and alert.
Brussels Griffon
A Brussels Griffon puppy for sale is sometimes difficult to find, making them rare and on several breeders’ waitlists. Belgian royalty favored this breed as a beloved companion. Brussels Griffons are a toy breed quite hyperactive for their size and are known for being a big dog in a little body. Because they’re so intelligent, Brussels Griffon puppies may get into some mischief if they aren’t mentally stimulated. Their little pouting expression and silly antics will make owners laugh!
Affenpinscher
You’ll never have a frown on your face when you’re around an Affenpinscher puppy. Originating from Germany, some people call this dog a “monkey dog” because it looks so much like a primate compared to other dog breeds thanks to its short little mustache. Affenpinschers are curious, funny, and love to entertain and be entertained. Their keen sense of intelligence requires a family that can keep up with their energy and constant need for play. They even have a reputation for being the class clown of the dog world!
Otterhound
Bet your bottom dollar that you’ve seen an Otterhound dog before and you just didn’t know it. The famous companion dog Sandy in “Annie” is an Otterhound! This breed features a dense, wooly coat covering their large bodies and a deep, braying bark. They have an amazing sense of smell and like to stick their entire snouts into their water bowls. Otterhounds are talented hunting dogs originally bred to hunt otters in packs as early as the 11th century. These days, this unique breed of hound is practically endangered, with fewer than 350 in the United States and Canada and less than 1,000 worldwide.
Boykin Spaniel
One of the only breeds named after a person, a Boykin Spaniel puppy for sale is South Carolina’s state dog. This lively breed results from Whit Boykin crossing American Water Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers to hunt waterfowl. Boykin Spaniels are hunting dogs that are the perfect size to fit in small boats because other retrievers were too large. A Boykin Spaniel puppy has a beautiful, curly, chocolate, chestnut, or liver coat. They make great family dogs because of their medium size, love of children, and the energy to play and retrieve all day.
Chinook
Originating in Wonalancet, New Hampshire, the Chinook is the state dog of New Hampshire bred to be a working sled dog. They are rare because in 1981, there were only 28 Chinooks still living! But with careful breeding practices, the Chinook was recognized in 2013 by the American Kennel Club with 813 dogs of this breed. The Chinook is a gorgeous fawn color with a friendly, happy face and is playful and intelligent. As a working dog, a Chinook puppy excels in obedience, agility, or sledding activities.
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a huge dog with an even bigger heart! This rare breed hails from the Flanders region of Europe, spanning modern-day Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. As a headstrong, hardworking giant breed, the Bouvier des Flandres is known for its shaggy coat and herding abilities (its name translates to “cowherd of Flandres”). Bouvier des Flandres puppies for sale can be wonderful family pets, but do know they can be stubborn and need lots of training and regular high-energy exercise. Their thick, rough coat acts like a mop and picks up water, dirt, debris, and more, so it’s really important to stay on top of their grooming needs.
Keeshond
A Keeshond puppy for sale (also known as a Wolfspitz) is a rare breed, but it shouldn’t be due to its amazing personality and adorable appearance. This breed was widely used in Holland as working farm dogs and watchdogs, but they were mainly bred for their companionship. This medium-sized breed features a fox-like face and gorgeous, bushy fur. One cool fact that makes a Keeshond stick out among other breeds is that the mask around their eyes looks like they’re wearing designer sunglasses!
Komondor
The Komondor is a dignified, very large dog who is recognized for its long, white corded hair that brushes the floor. You may mistake a running Komondor for a flying mop! The Komondor breed has roots in Tibet but migrated to Hungary in the 13th century. Bred as a guardian dog to look over flocks of livestock, Komondor puppies are loyal but independent. Their cords are formed when matted hair forms together, creating a “plate” or “clump,” then maintained carefully until they are beautiful cords. Komondors are currently #12 on the world’s rarest dog breed list.
Fox Terrier
If you’re up for the challenge of raising a puppy that keeps you on your toes, a Fox Terrier puppy for sale is the breed for you! Not rising above 100 in the AKC’s most popular breed list, you may have a difficult time finding a breeder, and when you do, be prepared to wait for a litter. Their coat comes in smooth or wire, and they come in toy, mini, or standard sizes. A Fox Terrier puppy is inquisitive and curious with a high-energy drive, so you will need to provide plenty of exercise opportunities. They’ll make you laugh with their wily sense of humor and learn tricks easily, but they do need firm, ongoing training. However, you must keep an eye on them because they’re incredible jumpers, will try to escape enclosed spaces, and can be destructive and naughty when left unsupervised.
Finnish Spitz
Finnish Spitz puppies were thought to be extinct in the 1800s, but they’re slowly climbing their way up to 7 away from the rarest breed in the world. Originally bred to hunt small birds and game in Finland, Finnish Spitz dogs are energetic, friendly companions. They love new activities and are always up for an adventure. A Finnish Spitz seems to know it sports a stunning color and has a self-assured, confident personality.
Mountain Cur
Everyone remembers Old Yeller, the tearjerker of a "tail" featuring a yellow dog. Did you know Old Yeller was most likely a Mountain Cur? Once known as a patriotic dog, Mountain Curs were vital to frontier families and relied on the breed to guard against danger and catch wild game as one of their only food sources in the wilderness. Despite its American roots, a Mountain Cur puppy for sale is hard to find these days. They love to have a job and be active, constantly learning new things because of their high level of intelligence. Mountain Curs would make an amazing family pet if the family can match their intense energy levels.
Bedlington Terrier
With its unmistakable, long, square snout and cute button nose, the Bedlington Terrier has striking good looks and is similar in appearance to a baby lamb! In addition to being cute and cuddly, Bedlington Terrier puppies possess a lively spirit and a quick ability to learn new tricks and commands. They excel in athletic activities requiring endurance and stamina. Bedlington Terriers love to frolic around and play with their owners.
South African Boerboel
Hailing from South Africa, the Dutch/Afrikaans developed an efficient guard dog called the South African Boerboel to protect their livestock, farms, families, and lucrative diamond mines. Today, South African Boerboel puppies for sale are rare to find outside the region, although they’re experiencing a comeback. This giant dog breed can easily surpass 200 lbs. While the puppies may be cute, they will grow into dogs that need necessary, ongoing training and socialization. South African Boerboel puppies are not suited for a first-time owner who cannot commit to providing plenty of exercise, training, and socialization, as they can be challenging dogs with their natural leadership and undesirable behaviors if their needs are not sufficiently met. Despite their potential challenges, South African Boerboels are fiercely loyal to their owners and are great protection dogs.
Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested puppies may be adorable, but sometimes a grown dog can get a reputation for being “the ugliest dog breed” or having a “face only a mother could love.” In fact, the Chinese Crested breed has won the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest more than any other breed since the 1970s! They have hare-like paws, thin skin that sunburns, and are some of the only dog breeds with sweat glands. Chinese Crested dogs come in hairless and powderpuff varieties and don’t shed or have doggy odor. They were originally bred to hunt rats on ships, but today, Chinese Crested puppies are lively, affectionate companions.
Lagotto Romagnolo
A Lagotto Romagnolo puppy for sale is the only working dog used to sniff truffles out of the Italian countryside. Growing up to 35 lbs., this breed is a lively, energetic, strong companion great for an active family. They’re very tolerant and patient with children, which is important when selecting the best dogs for kids with families. Seeing as this is a list of the most rare dog breeds, it may not surprise you to learn that it can be exceedingly difficult to find this breed. In fact, they almost went extinct in the 70s! Thankfully, an Italian breeding group was able to rescue them from extinction. Lagotto Romagnolo puppies have curly double coats that come in orange, chocolate, brown, or white and need lots of mental stimulation and physical exercise.
Norwegian Lundehund
Last but not least, the Norwegian Lundehund comes in at the very top of the AKC’s list of rarest dog breeds in the world. They are from a small island called Vaeroy and are the only dog breed bred specifically to hunt puffins. What makes a Norwegian Lundehund puppy so unusual is that they have 6 toes on each paw along with extra paw pads to help navigate the steep island cliffs. They can also completely close their ears while burrowing! If you’re able to locate the rarest dog in the world, Norwegian Lundehunds are excellent problem solvers and make affectionate family companions.
Pawrade Has a Rare Dog Breed Just Right For You
Looking for rare dog breeds that are as unique as you? If you have your eye on a unique dog breed that will definitely turn heads in a crowd, Pawrade can help you find both rare and common breeds of puppies for sale. Speak to one of our Puppy Concierges to connect you to trusted breeders who offer unusual puppies that will make you smile with their uniqueness. Learn more about our services today!
