There are breeds that even the youngest children can recognize immediately, but these five rare dogs are hardly known anywhere in the world.
In fact, the list even includes rare dogs that are not allowed to leave their country. Let’s take a look at them!
Coton de Tulear
1.) Coton de Tulear, Madagascar’s precious dog
The little white cotton dog was so carefully protected from strangers that for a long time only the island’s nobility could enjoy its sweet, playful company. The history of the breed is more than legendary: according to rumor, a ship sank off the coast of Madagascar with dogs on board, presumably as cargo. The animals survived the shipwreck and swam ashore, where they eventually interbred with local dogs. This is how the Coton de Tuléar came into being.
The local nobility jealously guarded their special favorites, but tourists discovered the little dogs for themselves in 1960. Thanks to them, the breed made its way to Europe, where it was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1970, but the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognized the breed in 2014.
2.) Pungsan, the treasure dog
It is also thanks to national interests that we do not encounter Pungsans everywhere we go. North Korea’s national treasure is prohibited from being taken out of the country. Thus, we can mostly admire this muscular, athletic working dog in pictures.
Pungsan is the third oldest Korean dog breed after Sapsali and Jindo, and due to its location, it is also the rarest. It is virtually unknown outside its homeland, and no international kennel club recognizes the breed.
3.) Azawakh, the diamond of the desert
The Azawakh, bred in the African Sahel region, is so rare that only a few dozen litters are born each year in its homeland. This special greyhound only looks fragile at first glance, as its job is to effectively guard the livestock of nomadic peoples in the desert environment. This requires exceptional stamina. It is considered one of the most unique hunting dogs in the world.
Azawakh
4.) Norwegian Lundehund, the six-toed hunter
The Lundehund, native to the remote Norwegian islands, is so unique that for a long time it was doubted whether it was actually a dog. Of course it is, and an excellent hunter at that. It was bred for hunting its namesake, the puffin.
Norwegian Lundehund
Its appearance is also unusual, as it has six toes on each paw and elongated paw pads. This is due to the rocky terrain; it can move its sixth toe like humans move their thumbs. It can also close its ear canals, which is useful when it has to follow its prey into narrow passages. Based on an archaeological find in Lapland, it is believed that the species survived the Ice Age.
5.) Catahoula Leopard Dog
According to legend, this talkative dog was also called the Native Americans’ glowing-eyed dog because of its sparkling gaze. While legends say that they were once used to hunt large game, today we mostly encounter representatives of this breed in North America, where they are primarily used to herd cattle. In 1979, the Catahoula was chosen as the official dog of the state of Louisiana.
They called it the dog with glowing eyes for a reason
What is interesting about this breed is that, although it is very rare, it often appears on television screens. For example, in the series Veronica Mars and Bones. You may also have heard of the leopard dog as Sylvester Stallone’s favorite. The actor was the proud owner of his pet Spooky for 14 years.
