Know 6 Unique and Less Known Dog Breeds Around the World

Dogs are by our side for ages. For years, they developed and had been the best buddies to us. While, most people know the popular breeds such as Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd, world of dog kinds is really wide and comes with lot of variations.

The search for unique varieties of dogs does not only expand the boundary of various dog breeds but also reveals their fascinating past and you get familiar to these lesser-known breeds. 

All of these breeds are distinguished by their features, from the spiritual Xoloitzcuintli to the faithful Bergamasco Shepherd. This article will provide you with 6 unique and less known groups of dog breeds from various regions that have developed and possess their own characteristics as well as history.

1. Xoloitzcuintli:

The Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo if you prefer a shorter version, is an old breed of dog. Their origin traces us to pre-Columbian Mexico. Xolo is a hairless dog, which comes in three sizes – toy miniature and standard, therefore this breed is suitable for several types of living space.

As a cultural symbol, the Xoloitzcuintli is considered to be a supernatural dog by Aztecs peoples. Many people believe that these dogs are spiritual guards, because they protect human beings from evils. With its uniqueness, Xolo is also loyal and affectionate towards human beings.

And remember, it does not mean that hairless breeds like Xolo are hypoallergenic. This dog also needs proper care and hygiene. Currently, this breed drew the attention of enthusiasts and dog lovers worldwide for its history, unique characteristics and cherished existence.

2. Bergamasco Shepherd:

Bergamasco Shepherd is another breed of herding dog and their origin traces to the Italian higher mountains. This dog has a coat that is distinct from other breeds of dog.

One of the things that make these dogs stand out is the unique coat that is made up of not only its distinct hair types but also the protection it offers to their skin. Mixing it up as a working dog, they cemented their status as one of the most intelligent, reliable and collected pets.

Furthermore, these animals are among the most majestic looking breeds apart from being fit, with abs and well-shaped muscles. In addition, they are considered to be wonderful pets since they are really close to the human friend and they even can be of good security dog kind. They show flexibility in various environments. In sum, they are guard dogs but at the same time, they are also good family pets to humans.

3. Puli:

The Puli is a Hungarian dog breed with such a beautiful special corded hair and a joyful attitude that the people simply love the dogs. Famous for their herding skills, Puli’s were initially trained to work in extreme parts of Hungary. 

They range from small to medium size, therefore they are very good in doing agility or obedience activities. The unique aspect of Puli fur is that it looks like tight ropes, protecting the dog from harsh weather conditions but it needs special brushing routines.

Puli is known for their quickness of mind and their being happy, and therefore, they are really good pets that would blend in nicely with any family, although they need a lot of the socialization and training. They also make great watchdogs. Despite Puli’s not being one of the most popular dog breeds, their charm and rather peculiar characteristics are enough to bring them into your house and see them as your friends.

4. Thai Ridgeback Dog:

The Thai Ridgeback, a very old breed originating from Thailand which is very rare, has a hair ridge that runs along their spine in the opposite direction from the coat’s rest part. This breed which has ancient history was historically linked with the Thai culture, and they were used for hunting and guarding.

The hair on the Thai Ridgeback makes them a shiny coat, not to mention, the unique pointed ears gives them a even distinct recognition. They are also famous for their high intelligence and loyalty, getting attached to family members so it can be a perfect companion.

In the beginning, this animal were only noticed by dog lovers and not by the other dog breeds. Compared to other unusual dog breeds, the Thai Ridgeback is an exciting and popular choice for individuals who are interested in a faithful companion.

5. Norwegian Lundehund:

The Lundehund is a breed that is predominant in Norway and belongs to a family of temporal and rare species that come originally from Norway. This breed became eminent because of the peculiar features it has thereby it was also used in catching the puffins and their eggs on the steep cliffs at the coast.

Lundehund despite being versatile has the attention to detail of having 6 toes on each foot and oh, a rare phenomenon of them turning their heads upside down to the full extent which touches or, sometimes, goes even to their spines. Feel like a dog from some horror movie. Their look is very peculiar as they have thick double-layer fur, as well as, their erect ears and curly tails.

Although it has a great historical value, this breed was nearly extinct during World War II but many attempts kept raising their population. The Norwegian Lundehund is a close friend of the person who takes care of them and they have been part of the cultural heritage as the breed that had spread in almost every continent.

6. Azawakh:

The Azawakh is a muscular and elegant sighthound which has its origins roots from West Africa. Known for its slender body and graceful appearance, this sighthound is raised primarily by the Tuareg people because of its outstanding hunting skills. 

Loyalty and high degree of intelligence make this ancient breed a loved companion. The most unique characteristics of the Azawakh, is it’s almond-shaped eyes and graceful hair, which makes it look beautiful. Besides its physical characteristics, the Azawakh’s gentle nature makes it popular for families as well as individuals.

Exploring the Azawakh history, we will get to know that it is a breed with cultural value. Moreover, as interest in unusual dog types has increased, this dog is also a rare breed one have and it is an interesting breed for enthusiasts who adore exploring new breeds of dog.

Conclusion:

The study of rare dog breeds worldwide shows an interesting global variety in canine kingdom. From the Azawakh from West Africa to the compact and feisty Schipperke of Belgium, each breed makes its unique contribution to human and dog relationship. 

Not only in terms of appearance, these unique breeds have their specific traits and also personalities that are loved by many people. This journey into canine diversity will tell the importance of celebrating and preserving these lesser-known breeds. As we acknowledge the variety of dog breeds, such beautiful breeds should be admired worldwide.