Dogs have been man’s best friend for thousands of years, and with their loyal and affectionate nature, it’s not hard to see why. However, have you ever wondered if there are dog breeds beyond the common ones like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles? Well, the answer is yes! In this blog post, we will be exploring 32 rare dog breeds that you may have never heard of. Get ready to discover some of the most unique and fascinating breeds from around the world. Whether you’re a dog lover or simply curious about these little-known pups, this post is sure to be an exciting journey for you.
Africanis Dog
The Africanis is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Africa and is considered to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. This breed is known for its independence, adaptability, and high level of intelligence. An Africanis dog can weigh between 35-80 pounds and stand at a height of 18-28 inches at the shoulder. The size of an Africanis dog can vary widely, as the breed has developed without formal breeding standards and has been shaped by the demands of their environment.
Aksaray Malaklisi
The Aksaray Malaklisi is a large, unregistered dog breed from Turkey. This breed is known for its imposing size, strength, and agility, and has been used for centuries as a working dog in the Aksaray region of Turkey. The Aksaray Malaklisi is a muscular and athletic breed, with a broad head and strong jaws, making it well-suited for tasks such as guarding livestock, pulling carts, and hunting. These dogs are intelligent, independent, and fearless, and have a strong protective instinct towards their owners and their flocks. Aksaray Malaklisi dogs typically weigh between 75-150 pounds and stand at a height of 26-29 inches at the shoulder. This breed has a dense, weather-resistant coat that can range in color from light brown to black.
Alopekis
The Alopekis is a small, unregistered dog breed from Greece. This breed is known for its high energy, intelligence, and playfulness, and has been used as a companion and hunting dog for centuries in Greece. The Alopekis is a compact and athletic breed, with a dense, curly coat that can range in color from white to cream. This breed is known for its agility and endurance, making it well-suited for tasks such as hunting small game and participating in dog sports. Alopekis dogs typically weigh between 15-30 pounds and stand at a height of 12-15 inches at the shoulder.Despite its small size, the Alopekis is fearless and bold, and has a strong prey drive.
Armenian Gampr
The Armenian Gampr is a large, unregistered dog breed from Armenia. This breed is known for its strength, courage, and loyalty, and has been used for centuries as a livestock guardian and hunting dog in Armenia. The Armenian Gampr is a muscular and athletic breed, with a dense, weather-resistant coat that can range in color from white to fawn to black. This breed is known for its intelligence, territorial nature, and strong protective instinct towards its family and livestock. Armenian Gampr dogs typically weigh between 90-150 pounds and stand at a height of 26-30 inches at the shoulder.
Bakharwal
The Bakharwal is a large, unregistered dog breed from Northern India. This breed is known for its strength, endurance, and loyalty, and has been used for centuries as a livestock guardian and hunting dog in the mountainous regions of Northern India. The Bakharwal is a muscular and athletic breed, with a dense, weather-resistant coat that can range in color from black to brown to gray. This breed is known for its intelligence, courage, and strong protective instinct towards its family and livestock. Bakharwal dogs typically weigh between 70-140 pounds and stand at a height of 26-32 inches at the shoulder. Despite its size and strength, the Bakharwal is an intelligent breed that is highly trainable and adaptable, making it a versatile working dog.
Cane Paratore
The Cane Paratore is a large dog breed originating from Italy, but it is not officially recognized by any major kennel club. It is a muscular and sturdy breed, typically weighing between 70-90 pounds and standing at a height of 23-27 inches at the shoulder. Despite its size, the Cane Paratore is a friendly and gentle breed that makes a great family pet. However, because it is unregistered, there is limited information available about its history and traits, and it is important for potential owners to thoroughly research the breed before bringing one into their home.
Chippiparai
The Chippiparai is a medium-sized sighthound breed originating from India, where it has been used for hunting small game such as hares and wild boar. Despite its agility and speed, the Chippiparai is not a well-known breed outside of its native country and is not recognized by major kennel clubs. It typically weighs between 35-45 pounds and stands at a height of 21-25 inches at the shoulder. The Chippiparai is known for its loyalty and devotion to its family, as well as its independent and intelligent personality.
Chongqing
The Chongqing dog is a breed of dog originating from China that is not yet officially recognized by major kennel clubs. This breed is a medium-sized dog, weighing between 35-55 pounds and standing at around 16-20 inches tall. The Chongqing dog has a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors including black, brindle, fawn, and white. They are known for being loyal, protective, and intelligent dogs, making them good as family pets.
Corsican Dog aka Cursinu
The Corsican dog is an unregistered breed of dog from the Mediterranean island of Corsica. This breed is medium-sized, typically weighing between 40-60 pounds and standing at a height of 18-22 inches. The Corsican dog has a thick, dense coat that can come in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, grey, and brindle. They are known for being strong, agile, and independent dogs, making them well-suited for outdoor activities such as hiking and hunting. Corsican dogs are also highly intelligent and protective, making them good companions for families and individuals.
Cretan Hound
The Cretan Hound is an unregistered breed of dog from Greece, specifically the island of Crete. This breed is medium-sized, typically weighing between 35-55 pounds and standing at a height of 18-22 inches. The Cretan Hound has a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, fawn, and brindle. They are known for being energetic, alert, and independent dogs, making them well-suited for outdoor activities such as hunting and agility training. Cretan Hounds are also highly intelligent and make good watchdogs, making them suitable for families and individuals who want a protective companion.
Denmark Feist
The Denmark Feist is an unregistered breed of dog from the United States. This breed is small-sized, typically weighing between 20-35 pounds and standing at a height of 12-16 inches. The Denmark Feist has a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, fawn, and white. They are known for being energetic, agile, and intelligent dogs, making them well-suited for outdoor activities such as hunting and agility training. Denmark Feists are also highly trainable and make good family pets, making them suitable for individuals and families who want an active and affectionate companion.
Himalayan Sheepdog
The Himalayan Sheepdog is an unregistered breed of dog from Nepal. This breed is a large-sized dog, typically weighing between 50-80 pounds and standing at a height of 24-28 inches. The Himalayan Sheepdog has a thick, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, grey, and white. They are known for being strong, intelligent, and independent dogs, making them well-suited for outdoor activities such as herding and guarding livestock. Himalayan Sheepdogs are also highly protective and make good watchdogs.
Jonangi Dog
The Jonangi Dog is an unregistered breed of dog from India. This breed is a small-sized dog, typically weighing between 20-30 pounds and standing at a height of 12-16 inches. The Jonangi Dog has a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and brindle. They are known for being energetic, intelligent, and independent dogs.
Kokoni Dog
The Kokoni dog is an unregistered breed that originates from Greece. They are a small to medium sized dog, typically weighing between 15 to 20 pounds and standing at around 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Kokoni dogs have a distinctive appearance, with a dense, soft and curly coat that comes in a range of colors including black, brown, white, and cream. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and make great family pets.
Lobito Herreño
The Lobito Herreño is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Spain. It is a small to medium sized dog, weighing between 20 to 30 pounds and standing around 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is characterized by its short, dense, and smooth coat that comes in a range of colors including black, brown, white, and cream. They are an energetic breed, known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, making them great family pets. Despite being an unregistered breed, the Lobito Herreño is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique appearance and charming personality.
Lucas Terrier
The Lucas Terrier is an unregistered dog breed that originated in the United Kingdom. It is a small sized breed, typically weighing between 11 to 15 pounds and standing around 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a rough, wiry coat that comes in a range of colors including black, brown, white, and tan. They are an energetic and intelligent breed, known for their fearlessness and independent nature. Despite being an unregistered breed, the Lucas Terrier is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique appearance and charming personality, making them great companion dogs.
Lupo Italiano
The Lupo Italiano is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Italy. It is a medium to large sized breed, weighing between 50 to 80 pounds and standing around 22 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a thick and dense coat that comes in a range of colors including gray, white, black, and tan. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their courage and loyalty.
Mackenzie River Husky
The Mackenzie River Husky is an unregistered dog breed that originated in the USA and Canada. It is a large sized breed, typically weighing between 70 to 90 pounds and standing around 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a thick and dense coat that comes in a range of colors including black, white, brown, and gray. They are an athletic and energetic breed, known for their endurance and strength.
McNab Shepherd
The McNab Shepherd is an unregistered dog breed that originated in the USA. It is a medium sized breed, typically weighing between 40 to 60 pounds and standing around 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a short and dense coat that comes in a range of colors including black, white, brown, and tan. They are an energetic and intelligent breed, known for their herding and guarding instincts.
New Guinea Singing Dog
The New Guinea Singing Dog is an unregistered dog breed that originated in New Guinea. It is a small to medium sized breed, typically weighing between 20 to 30 pounds and standing around 14 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a dense and shaggy coat that comes in a range of colors including brown, black, tan, and red. They are an energetic and intelligent breed, known for their unique vocalizations and ability to “sing.”
Bully Kutta aka Pakistani Mastiff
The Bully Kutta is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Pakistan. It is a large sized breed, typically weighing between 80 to 140 pounds and standing around 30 to 44 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a short, dense, and smooth coat that comes in a range of colors including white, black, brown, and brindle. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their strength and courage. Despite being an unregistered breed, the Bully Kutta is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique appearance and charming personality, making them great working dogs or outdoor adventure companions. It’s important to note that the Bully Kutta can be aggressive and require experienced handling, so they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Pastor Garafiano
The Pastor Garafiano is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Spain. It is a medium sized breed, typically weighing between 35 to 55 pounds and standing around 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a dense and curly coat that comes in a range of colors including white, black, brown, and gray. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their herding and guarding instincts.
Phu Quoc Ridgeback
The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Vietnam. It is a medium sized breed, typically weighing between 40 to 60 pounds and standing around 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a short and smooth coat that comes in a range of colors including red, yellow, black, and brown. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their guarding instincts and independent personality.
Plummer Terrier
The Plummer Terrier is an unregistered dog breed that originated in the UK. It is a small sized breed, typically weighing between 12 to 16 pounds and standing around 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a short and dense coat that comes in a range of colors including black, brown, white, and tan. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their hunting and ratting instincts.
Pungsan Dog
The Pungsan dog is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Korea. It is a medium sized breed, typically weighing between 40 to 60 pounds and standing around 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a dense and thick coat that comes in a range of colors including white, black, brown, and gray. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their hunting instincts and independent personality.
Rajapalayam
The Rajapalayam dog is an unregistered dog breed that originated in India. It is a medium sized breed, typically weighing between 45 to 60 pounds and standing around 25 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a short and smooth coat that comes in a range of colors including white, cream, and black. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their hunting instincts and protective nature.
Sapsali Dog
The Sapsali dog is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Korea. It is a medium sized breed, typically weighing between 30 to 50 pounds and standing around 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a long and shaggy coat that comes in a range of colors including black, brown, white, and gray. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their hunting instincts and playful personality.
Sardinian Shepherd Dog
The Sardinian Shepherd Dog is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Italy. It is a large sized breed, typically weighing between 75 to 110 pounds and standing around 25 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a dense and rough coat that comes in a range of colors including black, brown, white, and gray. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their herding and guarding instincts.
Serrano Bulldog
The Serrano Bulldog is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Brazil. It is a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 40 to 70 pounds and standing around 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a short and smooth coat that comes in a range of colors including black, brown, and white. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their hunting instincts and protective nature.
Silken Windhound
The Silken Windhound is an unregistered dog breed that originated in the USA. It is a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 20 to 40 pounds and standing around 18 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a silky, slender, and elegant coat that comes in a wide range of colors including black, brown, white, cream, red, blue, and fawn. They are an athletic and graceful breed, known for their speed, agility, and hunting instincts.
Sinhala Hound
The Sinhala Hound is an unregistered dog breed that originated in Sri Lanka. It is a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 40 to 60 pounds and standing around 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a short and smooth coat that comes in a range of colors including black, brown, white, and fawn. They are an energetic and athletic breed, known for their hunting instincts and loyalty to their owners.
Xiasi Dog
The Xiasi dog is an unregistered dog breed that originated in China. It is a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 30 to 60 pounds and standing around 18 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a dense and thick coat that comes in a range of colors including black, brown, white, cream, and fawn.
Rare and Unrecognized Dog Breeds – FAQ
Why are some dog breeds unrecognized by breed associations?
Some dog breeds may be unrecognized by breed associations due to various reasons. These include being newly discovered and not yet meeting the criteria for recognition, or simply not having enough documentation or a large enough population to meet the association’s requirements.
Are unrecognized dog breeds still considered purebred?
Most, if not all, unrecognized dog breeds are not considered purebred as they do not meet the criteria and standards set by kennel clubs and breed organizations. Purebred status is typically granted to dog breeds that have a documented pedigree and conform to specific breed standards.
What are the characteristics and temperaments of these lesser-known dog breeds?
The characteristics and temperaments of lesser-known dog breeds can vary greatly. Some may be known for their intelligence and trainability, while others may be more independent and aloof. It’s important to research and understand the specific traits and needs of each breed before considering adopting one.
Rare Unknown Dog Breeds-Final Thoughts
We hope our post covering these 32 rare and unknown canines offers a valuable resource for pet parents looking to expand their knowledge of unique dog breeds. At first glance, it becomes evident that these rare breeds come in different sizes and coat colors from many countries around the world. While some of these breeds may require a good amount of training, physical exercise and commitment, the rewards of owning such a unique dog may be priceless. From the great expression of the McNab Shepherd to the elegant presence of the Xiasi Dog, each breed showcases its own distinct characteristics that set them apart from more common choices. It’s important to note that while these rare breeds may be a tempting choice, potential owners must do their research and consider if they can provide the specific needs and care required by these dogs. You may not have a good idea of the temperament and potential health problems that may arise. Nonetheless, for those seeking a truly one-of-a-kind companion, exploring the world of rare and unrecognized dog breeds may be the best choice to find a unique dog that will bring joy and love into their lives.
