By unique, we mean that these are not the kind of breeds that are spread worldwide like Labradors or German Shepherds. These breeds of dogs are specific to certain countries or states, where you may find them in huge numbers but are very alien to other parts of the world. So here is a list of the world’s most unique, unusual and rare dog breeds;

The Azawakh;

Originating in the Western African lands, these sight – hounds are otherwise rare outside the boundaries of their homes. They are very feline and timid in nature, but they are really affectionate if they get to know you. They are trained to chase gazelles and other animals in the deserts because of their agility.

The Carolina Dogs;

Carolina Dogs are also called the American Dingoes and are thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds in North America. These breeds have been introduced to the domestic sphere but there are still few of them roaming stray and wild.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog;

First originated in Catahoula Parish (hence the nomenclature), these are remarkable hunting dogs that are a pride to Native Americans.  And these dogs have leopard like distinctive markings which give them the second name.

The Lundehund;

The Norwegian native dog is one of a kind. These breeds have six toes on each foot, pricked ears that are controlled at will and it can tip its head entirely backward to be able to touch the back. This is one unlike any other breed.

The Mudi;

Natives of Hungary, these dogs are mid – sized herding dogs with a super furry body and smooth face. These breeds are rare but are quickly gaining popularity in the US at least because of their versatility and energy.

The Neapolitan Mastiff;

Have you seen the Harry Potter movies? If you have, you would have noticed Hagrid’s pet dog Fang which is a Neapolitan Mastiff. These dogs have layers or rubbery skin all over their bodies and grow to be extremely huge. As history tells, the Neapolitan Mastiffs, as the foremost allies of the Romans, made to wear body armour and blades to be able to run almost got to the brink of extinction during World War II. An Italian painter, set up a kennel to protect these huge dogs and bred few of them with the English Mastiffs to enhance the bloodline and thus came the evolved Neapolitan Mastiff.

The Xoloitzcuintli

Pronounced as Sho – lo – eets – quint – lee, they are very commonly referred to as the “Mexican hairless dogs” or simply “xolo” for short. These dogs are so old that they have had their moments of fame in history when the Aztecs actually worshipped them. Because of their rare nature, people who come across them (specially Americans), because of the absence of hair, tend to think these are the Chupacabras that are a mythological beast that appear to have the body frame of a dog. This bred hasn’t been inbred over the years and hence is more pure a breed than others and is very healthy. All it needs to maintain that health is a bit of sunscreen and moisturizer and regular bathing.

The Salish wool dog;

The Salish wool dog is now an extinct breed which were natives of what is now Washington state and British Columbia. These were long haired dogs of the Spitz type and were sheared like sheep and the wool was used to make the prized “Salish blankets” because the native Salish tribe did not have sheep or mountain goat for the purpose of a livelihood. These dogs were confined to islands and gated caves. The extinction began with European contact, when the European blankets became more popular and the onset of diseases cause the dogs to interbreed and now there are no more of them as a distinct breed with any of the significant features specific to the wool dogs.

The Thai Ridgeback;

Thai Ridgebacks like Rhodesian Ridgebacks, also have a line of hair at the spine growing in the opposite direction. These dogs are very strong – willed, confident, brave and powerful. They are used as livestock guardians by the local keepers.

The Pacchon Navaro;

The Pacchon Navaro dogs have a very unique nose that looks like the shooting end of double barrel guns. They are an extremely rare breed of Spanish hunting dogs which were previously believed to have extraordinary olfactory senses because of the look of their noses. But years later, persistent research has proven that the noses are just a unique feature and do not give them any kind of special advantage over other dogs.

The Tibetan Mastiff;

The last in the list are the Tibetan Mastiffs that are an extremely huge and hairy breed of dogs. They are fearless and are trained to guard herds, flocks, families and also entire villages. They can easily face predators as huge as wolves and leopards but the inner herding talent can be trained in a way that they can warn and lead herds to safer areas rather than having a direct confrontation with predators.

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