23 Best Rare and Unique Dog Breeds

These uncommon dogs aren't your everyday pets

Otterhound looking over fence

LourdesPhotography / Getty Images

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

    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

    Australian Kelpie agility jump
    One of the smartest dog breeds, the Australian Kelpie is highly trainable.

    Getty Images

    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

    Azawakh (African Sighthound) standing profile amongst columns of an old historic building

    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

    Image
    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

    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

    Canaan dog lying down

    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

    Cesky terrier lying down

    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

  • 08 of 23

    Estrela Mountain Dog

    Estrela Mountain Dog sitting by beach

    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


    Continue to 9 of 23 below.
  • 09 of 23

    Kai Ken

    Kai ken dog standing


    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


  • 10 of 23

    Komondor

    Komondor with a heavy white coat

    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

  • 11 of 23

    Lagotto Romagnolo

    Lagotto Romagnolo dog in a flower field.

    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


  • 12 of 23

    Lowchen

    A lowchen dog with grayish-brown hair

    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

    Continue to 13 of 23 below.
  • 13 of 23

    Norwegian Lundehund

    Norwegian lundehund sitting

    GlobalP / Getty Images

    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

  • 14 of 23

    Otterhound

    Otterhound lying down

    Tracy Morgan / Getty Images

    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

  • 15 of 23

    Peruvian Inca Orchid

    Peruvian Inca Orchid

    Getty Images/

    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


  • 16 of 23

    Pharaoh Hound

    Pharaoh hound lying down

    Agency Animal Picture / Getty Images

    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

    Continue to 17 of 23 below.
  • 17 of 23

    Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    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


  • 18 of 23

    Puli

    black puli sitting

    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

  • 19 of 23

    Pyrenean Shepherd

    Pyrenean Shepherd Dog Breed
    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


  • 20 of 23

    Skye Terrier

    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


    Continue to 21 of 23 below.
  • 21 of 23

    Swedish Vallhund

    Swedish vallhund lying down and smiling

    cynoclub / Getty Images

    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

  • 22 of 23

    Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

    A Teddy Roosevelt Terrier standing on the grass

    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


  • 23 of 23

    Xoloitzcuintli

    Mexican hairless dog (Xoloitzcuintli)

    Tracy Morgan / Getty Images

    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