These dog breeds are less common than the likes of the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever, but they could still be a great fit for a family looking for a new pet
For those looking to differentiate themselves from the typical dog owner, there’s a myriad of breeds that could make you stand out from the crowd. Britain is certainly a country of dog enthusiasts; however, with a diverse array of breeds available, choosing the right one for your lifestyle and home isn’t always straightforward.
Crucially, before bringing a furry friend into your family, it’s imperative to consider what kind of breeds your living situation, resources, and budget will comfortably accommodate.
Many households favour the idea of a “family dog” – a pet that’s exceptionally good with children and possesses a gentle temperament – which explains the widespread popularity of Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.
Yet, for those yearning for something less conventional, a particular dog trainer points to some “rare” breeds that are uncommon among pet owners but nonetheless are great additions to any family setting.
Regardless of a dog’s reputation as being well-suited for families, all require attentive training, and not every breed is recommended for those who are first-time owners. Hence, it’s absolutely essential to thoroughly investigate and understand the needs of the pet you’re considering prior to making any commitments.
For committed individuals who have done their homework and are poised to provide a loving home, here are three dog breeds that trainer Will Atherton suggests for anyone eager to distinguish themselves, as shared on his TikTok page.
Leonberger
Will first put forward the Leonberger, praising it as an “incredibly gentle, placid, relaxed dog”. He explained that with the right household, the breed could “fit really well” into family life.
However, he pointed out that prospective owners must possess the “skill and experience to handle a larger breed”. Will elaborated on the necessity for training that instills “excellent level of leadership, manners, and socialisation” in Leonbergers.
Leonbergers are classified as a giant breed, towering at 25-32 inches in height and tipping the scales at up to 170 pounds. Due to their size, they have a shorter lifespan than many dogs—just seven years—which should be taken into account if you’re looking for a lifelong pet for your children.
PetMD reports that whereas Leonbergers can indeed be “gentle giants” this is contingent upon being “appropriately socialised and trained”. These dogs are noted for their loyalty to the family and their kind nature towards children.
Nevertheless, thorough investigation into the breed’s needs and characteristics is essential before making a commitment.
Komondor
Will referred to the Komondor as a “genuinely nice, sweet dog”. Despite its good nature, he noted that the breed is “incredibly rare” in the UK; throughout his career as a dog trainer, he has only ever encountered one Komondor.
However, those considering welcoming a Komondor into their family must be prepared for their grooming needs. The Kennel Club advises that these dogs require grooming more than once a week to maintain their coats.
Additionally, the Kennel Club suggests that Komondor owners should have ample living space and a large garden to keep their pet content. This breed is typically better suited to country living rather than town life.
Komondors are characterised as “excellent guards” who are “faithful and devoted”, but they can also be “wary of strangers” and “strongly territorial”. This implies they may not be the best fit for households with other pets, and they will require proper training.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Will expressed his fondness for Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, endorsing them as the “best family pets”. However, if you’re seeking a similar breed that’s less common, he suggested exploring the Flat-Coated Retriever.
Will asserted this breed possesses “a lot of the benefits” of other Retriever breeds, but with a “little bit of the rarity that not many people have”.
According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the Flat-Coated Retriever is a “wonderful family dog” that is “loving toward children” and highly sociable. However, they noted the breed matures slowly and can retain puppy-like behaviour for over three years.
This means they may not be suitable for homes unable to match their energy levels or provide adequate training.
Regardless of the dog breed you’re considering, thorough research is essential to ensure that the breed suits you – and that you’re the right owner for the dog. Appropriate training is crucial for any breed, and many dogs are not suitable for first-time owners.
You might also want to think about adopting a dog rather than buying one.
