A clinical canine behaviourist has named three rare breeds that are perfect for people looking for a dog that’s a little bit out of the ordinary
When you’re out and about in any bustling park or a favourite haunt for dog walkers, there are a few furry friends you’re almost certain to come across. Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers some of the UK’s most beloved dogs, with 38,074 Labrador Retriever puppies officially registered with the Kennel Club in 2024 alone, reports the Express.
Deciding on the ideal canine companion involves weighing up a variety of factors suited to your household and way of life. Some future pet owners are on the lookout for dogs with a reputation for being great with kids, whilst others might value trainability above all.
Then there are those who prefer dogs that fit into specific size categories or require minimal grooming.
For those families in search of a unique but equally family-friendly pup, a behaviourist has spotlighted three uncommon breeds that tick all the boxes.
Taking to TikTok, Will Atherton, a clinical canine behaviourist, shared: “Here are three rare dog breeds that still make amazing family dogs. Now these might be perfect breeds for you if you want a perfect family dog but you’re the kind of person that doesn’t want something that everybody else has got and you like rare things.”
Leading his recommendations is the Leonberger. This sizable breed was historically bred for guard duties but is now treasured for its “gentle and affectionate temperament”, as noted by the Kennel Club.
Discussing the breed, Will stated: “An incredibly gentle, placid, relaxed dog that has beautifully striking looks, yet fits really nicely in with a family, providing you have the skill and experience to be able to manage a larger breed that does require excellent levels of leadership, obedience, manners and socialisation.”
Will’s second rare selection is the Komondor, also known as the Hungarian sheepdog. Often referred to as ‘mop dogs’ due to their long, corded coat, Komondors are livestock guardian dogs known for being affectionate with their family and gentle with children and family friends.
“In terms of their temperaments and personalities, like the Leonberger, they are genuinely really sweet, nice dogs, and they are incredibly rare,” Will said.
“I’ve only ever worked with one of them in the past and they are striking to look at, but you better have the commitment to grooming to keep all of that intact.
“And the last rare breed that I want to mention and it’s no secret that I love the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever, and I think that they make the best family pets.
“However if you just can’t bring yourself to embrace a dog that a lot of other people have got, why not check out the Flat-Coated Retriever to get to get a lot of the benefits of the Labrador and the golden, but with a little bit of the rarity not many people have.”
Flat-Coated Retriever is a gun dog breed originating from England, capable of retrieving both on land and in the water.
They stand about as tall as a Labrador Retriever, but are typically more slender, with their flat coat showcasing feathering on the legs and tail.
