These 5 One-of-a-Kind Dog Breeds Are Rare and Endangered, Says Vet

By now, we’re all very familiar with Frenchies and Goldens. Even the relatively uncommon West Highland White Terrier (though we might not be able to come up with that exact name on the spot) is a dog many of us have seen before. But what about the truly rare breeds?

We spoke to Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, to get the scoop on some of the rarest dog breeds in the world. “As a vet, I have been around lots of dogs of many different breeds,” she says. “But when researching rare breeds, I came across several that I have never even heard of, let alone seen.”

Some of these dogs are simply fewer in number compared to the more popular breeds. “Others, however, are considered endangered or vulnerable,” she adds, “which means without direct breeding efforts, they could cease to exist.”

Here are five incredibly uncommon breeds that even the biggest dog fans are unlikely to have known about or encountered.

Related: 5 Dog Breeds With the Shortest Lifespans, According to a Vet

1. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Hailing from Scotland, the strange little Dandie Dinmont is one of the world’s oldest terrier breeds—and also more endangered than the giant panda. “These terriers are known for their unique body shape,” says Dr. Cahn, “long and low (which predisposes them to back issues) with a large head and silky topknot.”

Personality-wise, adorable Dandies are “known to be friendly, intelligent, and charming, although finding an available puppy may be difficult.”

Breed Stats

2. Chinook

The Guinness Book of World Records named the Chinook the rarest dog breed in the world in 1965, though their numbers have increased somewhat since that time. These beautiful dogs were likely created by intermixing Huskies with various shepherd and mastiff types.

“This rare breed was originally bred in New Hampshire for work as sled dogs, and their dense fur coats certainly keep them warm in cold climates,” according to Dr. Cahn. “They are known for being gentle, loyal, hard workers, and excellent family pets.”

Breed Stats

3. English Foxhound

“This breed is currently considered the rarest AKC-registered breed in the US,” Dr. Cahn states. “While uncommon as family pets, their stamina, athleticism, and work ethic have allowed them to excel at fox hunting.”

English Foxhounds are one of four recognized foxhound breeds, including the American Foxhound and the Welsh Foxhound, which are also quite rare, and the Dumfriesshire Black and Tan Foxhound, which is now, unfortunately, extinct.

Breed Stats

4. Azawakh

“Originally from West Africa, this sighthound is tall, slim, athletic, and intelligent,” says Dr. Cahn. Bred for hunting antelope and protecting livestock in the Sahara, the leggy, agile Azawakh is a keen sprinter. These unique dogs come in almost every color, from the brindle seen in this article’s top photo to the cream color shown above.

Azawakhs are rare outside of their native region, but if you manage to find one, they are deeply affectionate with their loved ones. “While very loyal to family members,” Dr. Cahn adds, “they may be aloof with strangers.”

Breed Stats

5. Otterhound

Big and boisterous, the rare Otterhound is known for having a very powerful sense of smell and a great love for the water. “This endangered scent hound was bred for otter hunting, and has large webbed feet and a shaggy waterproof coat,” Dr. Cahn says.

“This breed is considered one of the most endangered in the world, according to the AKC,” she adds. But they are well worth trying to find, as aside from being bouncy and beautiful, “they tend to be good-natured, energetic, loving, and playful.”

Breed Stats

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Related: 8 Dog Breeds Prone to Specific Health Issues You Need to Know About

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