Portuguese Podengo
The Portuguese Podengo is a breed that usually comes in two different sizes. For some people, this may seem an irrelevant fact, but the reality is that each size had its purpose: larger dogs hunted deer and boar, and medium ones hunted only rabbits.
Just because chasing and hunting are in their genes, Portuguese Podengos are not only hunting dogs but also the perfect companion for children. They are friendly dogs, wired to run and play, which means that the fun will go on for hours!
Treeing Tennessee Brindle
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a super-fast, agile dog. This breed is known for “treeing” their prey by (you guessed right) forcing it up into a tree. Once the prey is isolated, the dog barks to alert the human.
According to the American Kennel Club, the old saying “You’re barking up to the wrong tree” comes from this way of hunting. If you enjoy an active life, these dogs are excellent company to keep! They love agility training, playing inside and outside, and going for walks.
Belgian Laekenois
There are four native Belgium Sheepdogs, and, in the United States, the Belgian Laekenois is the rarest of the four. With a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years, this breed is an excellent growing-up buddy
But don’t be fooled by its tousled, huggable coat… This dog is not into just cuddling and sitting around the house. The Belgian Laekenois is no slacker and will want an active lifestyle with the family to be happy.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are lively, friendly, and affectionate. They often get along with everyone but just latch onto one person only. So, if you are looking for a four-legged best friend and happen to come across one of these, then you are in absolute luck!
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an outgoing and friendly pet. It enjoys playing with kids, and other family pets, too.
Sloughi
Sloughis are shy, gentle dogs. They may have a hard time warming up to strangers, but once they have found their family, they will form a closely-knit bond with them.
It is important to remember that these dogs were bred as hunters in North Africa. So, if you want to keep them as pets with other animals, you may want to raise them together from a very early age to prevent the Sloughi’s hunting genes from attacking others.
Kai Ken
All puppies are super cute. There is no doubt about that. There is also no doubt when we say that Japanese dog breeds are among the cutest in the world, and Kai Kens have come to confirm this.
Exceptionally clever and devoted to their family, adopting a Kai Kens is a great choice for those families who wish to give these sweet animals a forever home. This breed became a designated national treasure of Japan in 1934 and is protected by law.
Bedlington Terrier
Lively and cuddly are the best words to describe Bedlington Terriers. Their mild and gentle temperament makes them perfect friends for children.
When provoked, they can be a bit stubborn, but all in all, they remain loyal and demonstrative. On top of that, they rarely shed and are quite good at learning new commands.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hug and cuddle a giant, loving dog? If so, then it is time to get an Estrela Mountain Dog.
This breed, which comes from Portugal, is known for being friendly and fearless. Estrela Mountain Dogs are great protectors and will stay loyal till the end. Moreover, they often see themselves as family members.
Bolognese
Developed in Bologna, Italy, the Bolo (as some fans call it) is a rather small lapdog who loves a quiet lifestyle. This is ideal for those pet parents who cannot dedicate several hours of the day to playtime.
Either a walk or a simple low-energy game will be enough to keep this puppy happy. Though regular grooming is advisable to keep its full-length cut, shorter cuts are easier to maintain and just as adorable.
Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is the number one herding dog. It does not matter if the herding consists of sheep or other dogs. This workaholic dog is always up for the job.
This breed may not be the best choice for first-time dog parents or a family with little kids, as it requires loads of exercise and a considerable amount of mental stimulation.
Otterhound
As the name suggests, Otterhounds used to be otter hunters in medieval England. Those days are currently over, and the Otterhound has become a large, loving pup.
This breed is lively and rowdy and enjoys swimming and playing with the family. Should you find one, consider yourself lucky, as there are less than a thousand Otterhounds worldwide.
Canaan Dog
The American Kennel Club mentions the Canaan as one of its oldest breeds. It is also the national dog of Israel.
These dogs have a superior sense of smell and hearing, which makes them perfect for identifying strangers from a considerable distance. Canaans are a great fit for any person wishing to have a loyal and adventurous buddy.
Lagotto Romagnolo
While its personality can be similar to that of a Goldendoodle, its appearance and other features make the Lagotto Romagnolo a dog like no other.
This curly-coated Italian pup enjoys doing physical activities and being mentally stimulated. Even though its name means “water dog,” this breed is mostly known for being a specialized truffle searcher.
Xoloitzcuintli
This hairless pup has been around for thousands of years, and we are still having a hard time pronouncing its name and getting it right on the first try!
The Xoloitzcuintly (pronounced "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee”) is a breed that comes from Mexico. It is mostly known for its calmness, loyalty, and curiosity.
Biewer Terrier
Pronounced “beaver,” the first Biewer Terrier was born in the 1980s when Gertrude and Werner Biewer produced the first puppy. Although they were only Yorkshire terriers, they ended up coming up with a new breed.
The unique black, tan and white coloring of the Biewer Terrier is the result of a rare recessive gene. These puppies are known for being small, charming, and friendly.
Pyrenean Shepherd
This bright-eyed dog is known for being agile, obedient, and faithful to its pet parent. Pyrenean Shepherds enjoy doing almost every single activity that keeps them active.
This breed is known for doing particularly well with clicker training and positive, reward-based methods. And with a life expectancy from 17 to 19 years, it is quite accurate to say that it is exceptionally long-lived.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
The spotted Catahoula Leopard Dog is a stunning breed that requires training from an early age and lots of activity.
This canine, which became the state dog of Lousiana in 1979, is super loyal to its family. This is a breed that has herding instincts, so it would not be so rare to see a Catahoula dog working as a stock dog.
Stabyhoun
The Stabyhoun is a breed with a gene called Piebald, which causes dogs to have white-spotted, generally asymmetrical coats.
Stabyhouns are curious and independent pups that enjoy exploring and wandering off to discover new playing spots.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Coming in three different sizes, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is a delicate, hairless dog willing to stay all day inside with its human BFF.
These dogs are affectionate and kind. However, they might be a bit feral when they feel threatened, so perhaps they are not the best company to keep around children.
Saluki
Slim and leggy, the Saluki is a naturally adept dog for swiftness and agility, that can live up to 17 years. These skills made the Saluki the favorite hunting dog of Egyptian pharaohs, thousands of years ago.
Nowadays, the Saluki’s hunting days are over. These loving pups are so affectionate that the only thing they are hunting for is some quality time with their family.
Mudi
The Mudi is a calm and intelligent breed from Hungary. This is a dog that needs to be mentally and physically challenged; otherwise, it will become moody (no pun intended!) and demanding.
These dogs can learn commands, which makes them great family pets. They are light-to-average shedders, and their wavy coat is easy to maintain.
Thai Ridgeback
According to the Association of Thai Ridgeback Owners and Fanciers, this Thailand dog’s name comes ridge of hair on its back that grows in the opposite direction of the rest of the fur.
You can check that yourself if you happen to come across one of these dogs in Thailand. Despite not being the best choice for first-time owners, Thai Ridgebacks make faithful and protective companions.
Cesky Terrier
Playful and mellow, Cesky Terriers are charming dogs that, once they have got used to them, fit well with other dogs and members of their human family.
Sometimes they tend to distrust new people, so socializing might be a bit difficult at first. It is advisable to introduce them to children at an early age to make sure they become great friends!
Finnish Spitz
Although this breed was thought to be going extinct in the 1800s, the Finnish Spitz bounced back and has become quite popular since the beginning of the 21st century.
They are mostly known for their smiling faces and their eagerness to shout out loud how much they love people. Meaning: they bark a lot when they are happy! They also love joining their human in new adventures.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only dog breed named after a literary character. This small breed is amongst the most docile of the terriers.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are lovable and playful and make great apartment dogs. This breed can be hard to obtain, though. So count yourself lucky if one of these babies crosses your path, and don’t let it go!
Hovawart
The Hovawart is a silky, soft, regal dog that makes the perfect family pet due to its protective and affectionate nature.
These dogs are so intelligent, compassionate, and intuitive that they also make ideal therapy and search-and-rescue dogs.
Azawakh
Lean and aerodynamic, Azawakhs are great hunting dogs. They sometimes come across as distant or aloof, but the truth is they are loyal and sweet companions.
Back in the day, the Azawakhs used to chase gazelles across the searing sands of the Sahara. They still enjoy spending time in the sand, except that now they do it with their human.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
This German breed has a superior tracking ability and can differentiate between a wounded animal it is hunting and other animals of the same species.
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound has tons of energy to spend and prefers doing it in wide spaces. Devoted to their families, they miss them a lot when they are apart.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
With hair that makes it look like a mop, the Bergamasco Sheepdog has got to be one of the rarest dog breeds ever. Believe it or not, this dogs’ hair is completely natural, and it looks like that because the strands of hair get woven together and create flat layers of felted hair.
Bergamascos are accomodating and trainable. They are well-behaved and enjoy being the guardians of the family.
Swedish Vallhund
Swedish Vallhunds are friendly and energetic pups who are often confused with Corgis. They are quite similar, though. Both breeds are loving and cheerful.
A long time ago, these dogs used to happily herd cattle in Scandinavia. Nowadays, the main thing they enjoy doing is spending time with their families and other dogs.