23 Best Rare and Unique Dog Breeds

Have you ever seen a dog that looked so unfamiliar you just had to know what it was? Besides inherently unique mixed-breed dogs, certain dog breeds aren't often seen as pets. Some of these dogs are fairly high-maintenance, so people tended to shy away from them for easier breeds. And others simply never took off in popularity despite being excellent dogs. These rare dog breeds range widely in appearance and temperament. And some even have traits that are infrequently seen in most dogs.

There are around 200 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), some more common than others. These 23 unique dog breeds are some of the rarest, though; these breeds are not often seen or owned. Some are not yet even categorized by the AKC.

Tip

It can be difficult to find rare dog breeds at typical animal shelters. Besides reputable breeders, look for breed-specific rescue groups that specialize in these dogs.

01 of 23

American English Coonhound

Descended from English foxhounds, the American English coonhound is an American breed specifically bred to hunt raccoons. These dogs are intense hunters and thrive in a pack. They have a very high prey drive and require vigorous daily exercise if not used for hunting. While they can be affectionate with their family, they are not as devoted as some other breeds. Their short coat doesn't require much grooming beyond brushing and an occasional bath.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 23 to 26 inches
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat in several colors or white plus color
Life Expectancy: 11 to 12 years
02 of 23

Australian Kelpie

One of the smartest dog breeds, the Australian Kelpie is highly trainable.
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This tireless, hardworking herding dog from Australia is very intelligent, eager to please, and energetic. Australian Kelpies need a great deal of daily exercise, but can also relax happily near their family at the end of the day. They make good watchdogs and are devoted to their family. Their thick coat requires little regular grooming beyond an occasional bath and brushing.

Breed Overview

Group: Not applicable
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth, medium double coat in many colors and color combinations
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
03 of 23

Azawakh

animalinfo / Getty Images

This speedy sighthound is an ancient breed from West Africa used for racing and hunting. The Azawakh is a very independent, intelligent, and loyal breed that doesn't show affection as openly as some other breeds, but is very devoted to its family and suspicious of strangers. These dogs need a great deal of daily exercise, and excel as running partners. They don't require a great deal of grooming beyond an occasional brushing and bath.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 24 to 29 inches
Weight: 35 to 55 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat in any color or combination of colors
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
04 of 23

Bergamasco Sheepdog

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

An Italian herding dog, the Bergamasco sheepdog has a striking coat that naturally forms thick mats and requires very little maintenance. These dogs are somewhat independent and wary of strangers, but are intelligent, trainable, and can be very devoted to their family. They don't need excessive exercise, just a good walk and perhaps a game of fetch each day.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)
Height: 22 to 23.5 inches
Weight: 57 to 84 pounds
Coat and Color: Long corded coat in black or gray
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

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05 of 23

Biewer Terrier

Anton Denisov/Sputnik via AP

Pronounced "beaver" the Biewer terrier is a toy dog that lives to love its family. These playful, affectionate canines get along with just about everyone, including other household pets. They like going on walks, learning tricks, playing fetch, or just hanging out with their family. Their long, silky fur requires daily brushing to remove tangles and snarls, but they don't shed very much.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 7 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
Coat and Color: Long silky tricolor coat in black, tan, and white
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
06 of 23

Canaan Dog

Tracy Morgan / Getty Images

Originating in ancient Israel, Canaan dogs herded livestock and guarded property. These smart, vigilant, and athletic dogs are well suited to dog sports and other activities that engage the body and mind. However, they can be territorial and wary of strangers, so positive-reinforcement training and socialization are essential to provide structure and discipline.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)
Height: 19 to 24 inches
Weight: 35 to 55 pounds
Coat and Color: medium-length double coat in white, black or brown, with or without patches
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
07 of 23

Cesky Terrier

Tracy Morgan / Getty Images

Cesky terriers originated in Bohemia, a region of the Czech Republic. Ceskys tend to be playful and moderately energetic, which makes them good matches for many types of households. They are alert and protective but not overly defensive. Plus, they often get along well with children and are receptive to training.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier (AKC)
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 24 pounds
Coat and Color: long and silky; gray coat with furnishings
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
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Estrela Mountain Dog

Kirill Greshnov / iStock

This Portuguese herding dog is known for its intense devotion to its family and its affectionate nature, but tends to bond most closely with one favorite person. These large dogs are fairly calm, but do like to play and do require a great deal of regular exercise to remain healthy and happy. Their thick, wavy, double coats require regular brushing and baths, and their nails need regular clipping, as they grow quickly.

Breed Overview

Group: Not applicable
Height: 24.5 to 29 inches
Weight: 77 to 132 pounds
Coat and Color: Long wavy double coat in brindle, fawn, yellow or gray with a dark mask
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years

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09 of 23

Kai Ken

MirasWonderland / Getty Images

A Japanese hunting dog, the Kai Ken is a very intelligent, devoted breed that is affectionate with its family, but suspicious of strangers. These canines make good watchdogs and require regular exercise to ward off boredom or destructive behaviors. Their short coats don't shed much and require little in the way of grooming.

Breed Overview

Group: Miscellaneous (AKC)
Height: 17 to 19.5 inches
Weight: 25 to 45 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium double coat in brindle, red brindle, or black brindle
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
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Komondor

Tracy Morgan / Getty Images

The komondor is a large dog with a protective corded coat that gives it a mop-like appearance. Originating in Hungary, where it once guarded sheep, this breed is powerful and brave. However, it can be defensive, independent, and even stubborn at times. Consistent training is necessary to provide guidance and structure.

Breed Overview

Group: Working Group (AKC)
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 80 pounds and up
Coat and Color: White corded coat; white
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
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Lagotto Romagnolo

Anita Kot / Getty

These curly-coated canines sniff out truffles in their native Italy, but also make excellent family dogs, due to their affectionate, undemanding natures, and their tendency to get along well with humans young and old, other dogs, and dog-friendly cats. Their woolly coats shed little and don't require a lot of grooming beyond occasional trims, baths, and brushing.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 16 to 19 inches
Weight: 25 to 35 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium thick curly coat in various combinations of brown, white, or orange
Life Expectancy: 15 to 17 years
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Lowchen

Tracy Morgan / Getty Images

Outgoing and affectionate, it's surprising that lowchens aren't more common. The history of the breed isn't clear, but the dog seems to be of European descent. Likely ancestors include the Maltese and Bichon Frise. The lowchen has a hair coat that constantly grows, meaning it sheds very little but needs brushing and trims for maintenance.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 10 to 15 pounds
Coat and Color: long, flowing mane; colors include black, blue, chocolate, fawn, and more
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

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Norwegian Lundehund

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The Norwegian lundehund was developed to hunt puffins on a remote island off the Norwegian coast. This agile dog was able to navigate rocky cliffs thanks to its highly flexible limbs and extra toes. The lundehund is loyal and sensitive, forming a close bond with its family. It responds well to positive-reinforcement training.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 12 to 15 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Coat and Color: dense double coat; colors include black, gray, reddish brown, white, and more
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
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Otterhound

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The otterhound is a big, lovable dog that was once used to hunt otters in medieval England. With webbed feet and a waterproof coat, this breed is an ideal swimmer. Otterhounds can be boisterous and excitable, making them good for active families, but training is essential to keep them manageable. They need regular exercise and grooming but not an excessive amount of either.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 80 to 115 pounds
Coat and Color: rough double coat; colors include black, black and tan, blue and cream, gray, and more
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
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Peruvian Inca Orchid

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This Peruvian sighthound is usually hairless, although some do have short coats. The breed comes in three different sizes, but all are very affectionate, energetic dogs that need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. They make good watchdogs, as they are protective of their family. Hairless dogs need to have sunscreen applied on sunny days.

Breed Overview

Group: Miscellaneous (AKC)
Height: 9.75-15.75 inches (small) 15.75-19.75 inches (medium) 19.75-25.75 inches (large)
Weight: 8.5-17.5 pounds (small) 17.5-26.5 pounds (medium) 26.5-55 pounds (large)
Coat and Color: Usually hairless, with skin in any color or combination of colors
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
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Pharaoh Hound

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The pharaoh hound is an agile dog that originated in ancient Egypt. These dogs tend to be athletic, independent, and energetic. They do best in an active household with plenty of structure. They can be reserved around strangers but loyal and trusting of family. Grooming needs are minimal, but exercise needs are high.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Coat and Color: short, glossy coat; colors include chestnut, red golden, and tan
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

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Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Shaggy, compact, and adorable, the Polish lowland sheepdog is a herding dog that also makes a fine watchdog or companion. They are intelligent and affectionate, but can be stubborn. Their long, double coat requires quite a bit of regular grooming, or you can choose to keep your dog's coat trimmed short to reduce the tendency to mat and tangle.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, shaggy double coat in many different colors or color combinations.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
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Puli

WilleeCole / Getty Images

The puli is a Hungarian breed with memorable dreadlocks like the komondor. As a herding dog, the puli is surprisingly agile underneath all that coat. The breed tends to be a loyal companion that needs a moderate amount of exercise. Keeping its coat neat and clean is the most time-consuming part of having a puli.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)
Height: 16 to 17 inches
Weight: 25 to 35 pounds
Coat and Color: naturally corded coat; colors include black, silver, and white
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
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Pyrenean Shepherd

Getty/Arco Petra

Playful, devoted, and intelligent, the Pyrenean shepherd is a French herding breed that can have either a "rough" shaggy coat or a smoother, shorter coat. Either way, these dogs are very high energy and require a great deal of daily exercise, along with social time with their family. Their thick coat needs regular grooming to reduce shedding and tangles.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)
Height: 15 to 21 inches
Weight: 15 to 30 pounds
Coat and Color: Either a smooth or shaggy coat in many different colors
Life Expectancy: 17 to 19 years
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Skye Terrier

Photo: Capture Light/Shutterstock

Long and low, the Skye terrier was originally bred to hunt foxes. They are affectionate, strong, and good-natured dogs, but can be stubborn. Training should begin early to socialize these dogs and combat their tendency towards being reserved. Their long coats require regular grooming to keep the fur smooth and tangle-free.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier (AKC)
Height: 9 to 10 inches
Weight: 35 to 45 pounds
Coat and Color: Long double coat in many solid colors
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

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Swedish Vallhund

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The Swedish vallhund is a short-legged, long-bodied dog breed of ancient Viking descent. As a sturdy herding breed, these dogs are energetic, friendly, and good for active homes. They tend to be eager to please and do well with training. Regular brushing and bathing are the typical grooming requirements for this breed.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 20 to 35 pounds
Coat and Color: medium length and harsh, with a close, tight topcoat and soft, dense undercoat; a sable pattern in various shades of gray through red, and combinations of these colors
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
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Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Dkm1987 / Wikimedia Commons

Bred to be ratters and still driven to chase small prey, the Teddy Roosevelt terrier is also a very friendly, affectionate dog that generally gets along great with humans young and old, other dogs, and dog-friendly cats, making them an ideal family dog. They are active and playful, and do well at dog sports like agility and flyball. They don't require much grooming although regular brushing will help control shedding.

Breed Overview

Group: Miscellaneous (AKC)
Height: 8 to 14 inches
Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, smooth coat in white plus any color markings
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
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Xoloitzcuintli

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The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican hairless dog, is an ancient Aztec breed that comes in hairless and coated varieties. The hairless dogs have thick, smooth skin that needs sun protection. Xolos tend to be graceful, loyal, and even-tempered. They require a fair amount of exercise but are receptive to training and can adapt to life in most households.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 10 to 23 inches
Weight: 10 to 55 pounds
Coat and Color: hairless or short coat; colors include black, gray, brindle, fawn, and more
Life Expectancy: 14 to 17 years

How to Choose the Right Dog for You

23 Best Rare and Unique Dog Breeds

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Biewer Terrier

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Estrela Mountain Dog

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