20 Rare Dog Breeds of 2024

These tail-wagging secret gems may not be as popular as Labradors or Beagles, but their unique traits and charming personalities might just make them your new favorite. In our line-up, we’re referencing the American Kennel Club’s 2024 compilation of rare dog breeds that might have slipped under your radar.

Otterhound

The Otterhound comes from England and is excellent at swimming. It was first bred to hunt otters. This rare dog is known for its thick double coat and fantastic sense of smell. It’s very friendly and loves to spend time with kids and other dogs.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco Sheepdog, native to the Italian Alps, is a distinguished breed known for its intelligent and patient nature. This breed is special because of its unusual coat made of ‘flocks’ or loose, matted hair, which protects it from bad weather. Energetic and hardworking, the Bergamasco Sheepdog loves having jobs to do.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, also known as the “Polski Owczarek Nizinny” or just PON, comes from Poland. This robust, medium-sized herding dog has a thick, shaggy coat. This breed is admired for its exceptional memory and sound judgment, making it an ideal choice for those desiring an intelligent and independent pet.

Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier, an elegant and courageous breed from the Isle of Skye in Scotland, boasts a long, silky coat that forms a protective curtain over its eyes and body. This breed is extremely loyal, often creating an intense bond with a single person. What sets the Skye Terrier apart is its length, being twice as long as it is high, making it a distinctive breed among the terrier family.

Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound originated in Spain and is renowned for its elegance, deer-like swiftness, and athletic ability. Bred primarily for hunting rabbits, this breed displays an unrivaled combination of power and grace. Their big, upright ears and almond-shaped eyes give them a special appearance, while their keen sense of sight and smell make them superb hunters. This breed is brilliant and independent, often displaying a quiet yet friendly temperament.

Cirneco dell’Etna

The Cirneco dell’Etna, from Italy, is a lively and strong breed. It was purposely bred for hunting in the challenging terrains of Mount Etna. Apart from its rareness, the Cirneco dell’Etna is known for its identifying warm and friendly character, forming close and loyal relationships with its owners.

American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound, a descendant of English Foxhounds, was bred in the United States for hunting foxes and raccoons. These dogs are known for their loud voice, their speed and endurance. Their striking ability to hunt in both daytime and night makes them exceptional. Typically, they are friendly, energetic, and tend to be relentlessly driven when on the trail of a scent.

Azawakh

The Azawakh is an elegant and tall sighthound from West Africa. Known primarily as a guardian, hunter, and companion, it’s steeped in the culture of nomadic tribes. The Azawakh are highly protective and form strong bonds with their families. It’s valued for its speed, agility, and ability to withstand harsh desert temperatures.

Komondor

The Komondor from Hungary is known for its iconic corded coat resembling dreadlocks, designed to protect it from harsh climates and predators. This unusual dog breed tends to act a bit distant and careful around people they don’t know. But with their family, they are very loving and faithful. They aren’t scared of anything when it comes to protecting their family.

Canaan Dog

The Canaan Dog, from the Middle East, garners attention for its vigilance and guarding capabilities. Initially bred by the Israelites to herd and guard livestock, these dogs exhibit high intelligence and loyalty levels, coupled with a remarkable survival instinct. Their adaptability is associated with their rarity and historical significance.

Harrier

The Harrier is a rare breed originally from England, primarily used for hunting hares and foxes. They’re known for their endurance and agility across various terrains. Characterized by a cheerful disposition, Harriers are outgoing and friendly. Their blend of athleticism, tenacity, and friendly nature make this breed genuinely appealing.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

Breded from France, the Grand Basett Griffon Vendéen is a long-bodied, low-slung hound with a noble demeanor. Known for its robust and friendly temperament, this breed loves exercise and keeping its mind active. It’s known for its amazing ability to smell, only beaten by the Bloodhound.

Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier, a native of the Czech Republic, is one of the few terriers that enjoys quieter environments and is pretty easygoing. Created to hunt vermin, this dog has a distinctively muscular and short-legged body. Covered in a silky and wavy coat, the Cesky Terrier is truly one of a kind when it comes to both appearance and personality. Notably, their loyalty, intelligence, and calm demeanor make them excellent companions.

Finnish Spitz

Originating from the icy landscapes of Finland, the Finnish Spitz is a charming breed known for their fox-like appearance. These dogs are intelligent, active, and friendly, often prospering in social environments. Particularly striking is their ‘talking’ ability. This rare breed expresses itself with a variety of sounds akin to melodic barks, clearly reflecting its history as a partner for hunters.

Pyrenean Shepherd

The Pyrenean Shepherd is from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, and it is renowned for its exceptional herding skills. These agile dogs exhibit a keen sense of intelligence and boundless energy. They’re smaller than most shepherd breeds, making them perfectly suited to navigate the rugged mountain terrain. Their enthusiastic nature and unwavering devotion to their families make them the ideal choice for active households.

Sloughi

The Sloughi, also known as the Arabian Greyhound, hails from North Africa, particularly Morocco. Known for their power and grace, these dogs are reserved yet noble in demeanor. What sets them apart is their agility and speed, making them superb hunting companions. Their short, smooth coat also adds to their elegance, making them quite a sight.

Belgian Laekenois

The Belgian Laekenois is instantly recognized for its unique curly fur. This breed is significantly valued due to its intelligent and protective nature. What really sets the Laekenois apart, though, is its sheer versatility and ability to adapt. Initially used as herding dogs, their sharp intelligence and keen alertness have seen them excel in roles such as search and rescue, law enforcement, and even as beloved family companions.

American Foxhound

The American Foxhound has a rich history, tracing its origins back to 1650 when the first hounds arrived in America. Famous for their impeccable scenting abilities, these dogs are often the top pick for foxhunting. Fast and enduring runners, Foxhounds also make fantastic companions due to their loyal and easygoing temperament. They have a distinctive bell-like sound that you can easily recognize.

English Foxhound

The English Foxhound, built for the long chase, was bred in Great Britain and remains a rare sight outside hunting packs. Known for their stamina, friendly demeanor, and strong sense of smell, they stand out among other breeds. Their distinct combination of speed, endurance, and collaborative spirit makes them exceptional hunting companions. This breed is loyal and has vigorous energy.

Norwegian Lundehund

Norwegian Lundehund, also known as the Puffin Dog, comes from far-off Arctic islands in Norway. It’s famed for being an adept bird hunter with peculiar characteristics – six toes on each foot and a flexibility that allows its head to bend backward to touch the spine. This good-natured, playful, and alert breed makes a delightful companion but can be a tad stubborn at times.

12 Scary Creatures of the Planet

12 Scary Creatures of the Planet