With 202 recognized dog breeds, it’s nearly impossible to know them all. We all know the most popular dog breeds like the German Shepherd or the Labrador Retriever, but the rare breeds go completely unnoticed by the general public. Luckily, there are dog enthusiasts like us, who love to share information about these gorgeous pups. We’ll go through 21 of the rarest breeds below!

 1. The English Foxhound

Credit: Instagram @AlberttheFoxhound

The English Foxhound was first recognized by the AKC in 1909.  Traditionally, the English Foxhound was used for hunting in large packs for fox. The English Foxhound is much stouter than her American counterpart, but is not known to be much heavier.

English Foxhounds are now gentle, loving, and loyal companions.

2.The Harrier

 Credit: Instagram @ gitane.piedsnus

The Harrier was recognized by the AKC way back in 1885. They’re known for their incredible hunting skills; often used for hunting rabbits and hares.

The Harrier is sturdy, strong, and well-balanced. They’re known to work well in essentially all terrain.

As a companion dog, they’re known to be friendly, outgoing, active, and relaxed.

Dog Breed 3: The Norwegian Lundehund

 Credit: Instagram @ muttcloth

The Norwegian Lundehund is a small Spitz breed who originated from Norway. In the past, they were bred to hunt puffins in extreme terrain. They have six toes on each foot and elongated rear foot pads which once allowed them to hunt on steep, vertical cliffs. Quite impressive!

If you’re searching for a companion rather than a working dog, this breed could still be for you. But, make sure you’re active. These dogs are alert, energetic, and love to go hiking with their pet parents.

Dog Breed 4: The American Foxhound

  Credit: Instagram @ milkbone_underwear

The American Foxhound is leaner than the English Foxhound, and was bred in the United States to hunt fox and other game.

They are scenting pack hounds. And, were traditionally bred to run effortlessly for many hours during their chase.

If you’re searching for a companion, the American Foxhound can be easy-going but be prepared to handle their stubborn streak. And, you should also be ready to provide her with a significant amount of exercise. She could be the perfect dog for an active runner.

5. The Otterhound

  Credit: Instagram @ AmericanKennelClub

The Otterhound is known for his friendly, cheerful personality. Traditionally, he was bred in England for hunting otters. The Otterhound is a bit different from other hound breeds, though. Because he needed to be ready to hunt on both land and in water, he sports a rough, double-coat and webbed feet. His body is strong and so is his mind; and, you should be prepared for a lot of questions from this curious canine.

6. The Cesky Terrier

Credit: Instagram @ AmericanKennelClub

The Cesky Terrier, like most terriers, is known for her determined and tenacious demeanor. She was originally bred to hunt in packs, but are known to be easier to train and more social than other terrier breeds.

If you’re searching for a companion, the Cesky Terrier is adventurous and loving. And, they’re not known to get into trouble as long as they are provided with a sufficient amount of physical and mental exercise.

7. The Finnish Spitz

 Credit: Instagram @ Bocopaspitz

The Finnish Spitz dog was originally bred for hunting small game and birds in Finland. Similar to other breeds in the ‘Spitz family,’ the Finnish Spitz is known for her excited, friendly, and courageous personality.

They’re a small dog. But, don’t let that fool you. They’re happy to go anywhere you want to go and are always ready for adventure.

8. The Chinook

 Credit: Instagram @ Dogsmakemehappystore

The Chinook was traditionally bred for drafting and sled dog racing. As such, they are known for their steady, athletic body, their willingness to please, and their intelligence.

The Chinook is also known to be an excellent family dog with a special love for children.

9. The Pyrenean Shepherd

Credit: Instagram @ Nikolinavrbat

The Pyrenean Shepherd is known for his superb athletic skills and his determination as a herding dog. The Pyrenean Shepherd is known to be mischievous with high energy.

The Pyrenean Shepherd makes an excellent family companion for an active home who enjoys a lot of playtime. Or, if you have a farm, you can help her run out some of her energy by allowing her to run free (once she’s properly trained of course).

10. The Skye Terrier

 Credit: Instagram @ AmericanKennelClub

The Skye Terrier originates from Scotland and were traditionally bred to hunt fox. Don’t let his size fool you, he’s known for his strength, courage, and well-tempered personality. He’s strong and agile, which makes him an excellent candidate for agility courses if that’s a quality you’re searching for.

She’s dedicated and loyal to her family, but she does have a stubborn streak. Agile and strong, this terrier is a breed with elegance and dignity. The breed is loyal and devoted to its family, although sometimes stubborn. Bred for hunting foxes along the Isle of Skye of Scotland, they are stronger than their size makes them appear.

11.The Bergamasco

Credit: Instagram @ Renzo.Romagnolo

Once you see the Bergamasco dog, their appearance will be hard to forget. As you can see, they’re easily recognized by the style of their coat. They have three types of fur which causes the coat to weave together giving her the look you see in the photograph above.

Traditionally, the Bergamasco was used as a sheepdog in the mountains of Persia. Now, she is known to be an intelligent family dog but be ready to deal with her stubborn attitude from time to time.

12. The Tibetan Mastiff

 Credit: Instagram @ Elite_k9k

The Tibetan Mastiff is known for his large size and kind expressions. He has an impressive, double-coat which causes him to look even bigger (not that he needs to look bigger).

As a family dog, he’s known to be a aloof, watchful, and independent. He’s difficult to train and not a good choice for beginning pet parents, but once he’s trained he is extremely loyal and will guard you with his life.

13. The Swedish Vallhund

 Credit: Instagram @ Vallhundenmorris

Swedish Vallhunds are known for their athletic abilities. Originally bred for herding, they often excel in obedience, agility, tracking, herding, and flyball. They’re small but fearless.

14. The Bedlington Terrier

 Credit: Instagram @ Mignon_Chorom

The Bedlington Terrier is known for her curly wool coat and could be mistaken for a lamb! She was traditionally used for racing and catching vermin due to her speed and endurance. She can make an excellent family companion with plenty of exercise.

15. The Catahoula Leopard Dog

Credit: Instagram @ Travelinoutcowdogs

The Catahoula Leopard Dog was the first dog breed in the United States and was once used to hunt wild boar. He’s often multi-colored and was named after the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana.

16. The Peruvian Inca Orchid

Credit: Instagram @ themuttleykrew

The Peruvian Inca Orchid has been around basically forever (since before AD 750). Today, she’s a rare but treasured companion. She’s known to be good at hunting and lure coursing, but her most notable quality is her lack of fur.

17. The Thai Ridgeback

Credit: Instagram @ Prestigepupz

The Thai Ridgeback is rarely heard of but gaining popularity. She’s known as the Thai Ridgeback due to a ridge of hair which grows in an opposite direction from the remainder of her coat.

18. The Azawakh

  Credit: Instagram @  bella_diara_andfriends

The Azawakh, a West African sighthound, is known to be a fierce protector of her family and a loving guardian. This breed has a short coat with all different colors and markings.

Dog Breed 19: The Lagotto Romagnolo

Credit: Instagram @ Lagotto_lovers

The Lagotto Romagnolo originates from Italy, and was traditionally used as a gun dog. These days, they have a different occupation, truffle hunting.

20. The Mudi

Credit: Instagram @ working_dogs_in_the_world

The Mudi is a Hungarian herding dog. In addition to herding, he’s a talented hunter, and skilled guardian. If you’re interested in the Mudi as a family companion, be sure to give him plenty of exercise.

21. The Pharoah Hound

 Credit: Instagram @ melissamstudio

The Pharaoh Hound, the national dog of Malta, is a Maltese breed of dog. In Maltese she’s known as Kelb tal-Fenek, which means “rabbit dog.” This correlates perfectly as she was originally bred to hunt rabbits.

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