Over the centuries, people have bred dogs to be companions,
workers, snugglers, and pets. Because of this, dogs are the most diverse
land animals in terms of physical appearance. While you might know
that Labs are squarely-built short-haired retrievers and Dachshunds are
short, squat, little badger fighters– there are many rare dogs whose
form and function you haven’t yet imagined.
11. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a sighthound that is very rare outside of it’s West
African homeland. Known for its agile and feline-like gait, the Azawakh
are timid by nature, but gentle and affectionate once they get to know
you. It is used for hunting gazelles and other fleet animals of the
African deserts.
10. Carolina Dog
Also known as the “American Dingo,” Carolina Dogs are thought to be
the oldest canine species in North America, appearing on rock paintings
by Native Americans. The Carolina Dogs share DNA with the Australian
Dingoes and New Guinea Singing Dogs and even though the breed has been
domesticated, there are still wild pups still roaming around.
9. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Prized by Native Americans for their incredible hunting abilities,
these pups have been favorites of famous hunters like Teddy Roosevelt.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is named after the Catahoula Parish in
Louisiana, where the breed originated.
8. Lundehund
Originally used in Norway to hunt for Puffins, the Lundehund has six
toes on each foot, prick ears that it can control at will, and the
ability to tip its head backward to touch its backbone. The Norwegian
Lundehund is unlike any other breed.
7 Mudi
The Mudi is a mid-sized Hungarian herding dog with a thick, curly
coat and smooth face. While they are still rare in the US, the Mudi dogs
are gaining popularity with their versatile, energetic attitudes.
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
Historically bred to fight alongside the Romans wearing body armor
and blades so that they could run under and disembowel enemy horses, the
Neopolitan Mastiff was almost extinct at the end of WWII. After an
Italian painter set up a kennel to protect the enormous pups and bred
them with English Mastiffs to diversify the bloodline, the Neopolitan
Mastiff has evolved as a breed and one even appeared as Hagrid’s pet
dog, Fang, in the Harry Potter movies.
5. Xoloitzcuintli
Pronounced Sho-lo-eets-quint-lee, the Xoloitzcuintli is usually
referred to as the “Mexican Hairless Dog” or just “Xolo.” This breed is
so old that it was actually worshiped by the Aztecs. Because many
Americans are not familiar with Xolo pups, it has been mistaken for the
mythological Chupacabra along the US border states. The Xoloitzcuintli
has not been inbred over the years like many other purebreed dogs and it
is a very healthy and hardy dog that only requires a bit of
moisturizer, sunscreen, and regular bathing.
4. Salish Wool Dog
Originally from the Washington State/British Columbia area, the
Salish Wool Dog is now extinct as a distinct breed. These pups were
small with long white hair that the native people sheared (like a sheep)
to weave into treasured Salish blankets. The dogs were kept in groups
ranging from 12 to about 20 and kept safe on islands or in gated off
caves.
3. Thai Ridgeback
Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback, the Thai Ridgeback pup has a line
of hair growing in the opposite direction along the spine. These
strong-willed, powerful pups are used as livestock guardians in their
Asian home.
2. The Pachón Navarro
With a nose like the double barrels of a shotgun, the Pachón Navarro is an extremely rare Spanish hunting dog that
was once believed to have superior sniffing skills.
Now breeders know that the Pachón Navarro’s nose is just cosmetically
different, they don’t offer any advantage over a regular pup nose.
1. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, fearless dog traditionally bred to
guard herds, flocks, families, and entire villages. One of the massive
fluffy pups was also recently sold in China for $1.5 million dollars,
and became the
most expensive dog ever sold.
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