Introduction
In the world of dogs the beauty in the beast ranges on a vast proportion of dimensions. Some based on looks and appearance has always mesmerized the senses of humans whereas others with their natural agility and physical stamina carve a specific place for their own self. From the early periods of humanity, these canine partners were lauded for their differential characteristics. By selective breeding practices and geographic isolation, hundreds of dog breeds have been created for aiding the work of humans. Among these breeds some never came into vogue while others never had large population numbers which can multiply or were in demand. This process of cause and error has caused much a breed to become rare. The term rare can also be attached to breeds which have specific characteristics which makes them very prized and so are kept under control to keep the demand & prices up. There are also breeds which have phased out because of geographical isolation, health factors or fall off because of environmental changes and more have had their livelihoods phased out, and are now considered rare. This article takes a look at these breeds which are classified as rare under the above standards. For example this article presents dogs which show a singularity, i.e. either a physical peculiarity or a typical behavioral trait, not usually seen in other dog breeds. There are also dog breeds included which has an intriguing or unusual history.
Rare Breeds of Dogs
Catalburun - This breed is also known as the Turkish Pointer and is identified by its “split-nose” which is one of its physical speciality.Though theories imply on this physical distinctiveness because of the result of severe inbreeding still for local hunters these types of dogs are considered to have special inborn physical qualities for smell because of their split nose. Compared to the breed of pointers the Turkish pointer with their split nosed smell power is considered unique than the average ones. These dog breeds are considered native to Turkey and is very famous for their hunting abilities. These dog breeds are considered to be very fast and swift and are very specially trained in partridge hunting games. Most of these breeds are deliberately bred for their scenting instincts and their physical prowess
Catahoula Leopard Dog
From the family of rare dogs, the Catahoula leopard dogs come with the out of the world ability to climb trees. Like a Leopard this dog comes very prized with its athletic abilities and strong powerful hind muscles to cling to trees when they climb, virtually like leopards. Known as the dog with the sixth sense this dog comes with the unique leopard spot pattern which is overlaid on a background of almost any color or marking.
Mudi - This breed is considered to be a Hungarian herding dog which is very famous for its herding capabilities. Endowed with a soft, curly coat and smooth faces they are a joy to behold as they can be seen in ranches running around cattles or horses which are triple their sizes. Slowly this breed which was considered native to Hungary and rare is making its presence in the American pet world for their excellent canine agility and swiftness. This breed is still very rare outside of its native Hungary.
Thai Ridgeback - One very distinctive feature of this breed’s uniqueness is the ridge of hair that grows against its lay of coat along the spine which is one such characteristic shared by the Rhodesian ridgeback. Very famous as being strong willed and courageous these breed of dogs were natively used as livestock guardians and protection dogs. Native to the land of Thailand this breed was introduced into the United States back in 1994, and has been seeing a rise in awareness and popularity ever since.
Norwegian Lundehund - The Norwegian lundehund shares a very famous history in the past with the Vikings who bred them for their hunting purposes. Another term by which this dog is known is the “Puffin Dog” and are prized very much for their flexibility and are recognized as having double dewclaws on all four feet. But one challenge for these prized ones are with their digestive system which makes the absorption of nutrients from food difficult and shortens their life spans.
Carolina Dog - This breed is also known as the “American Dingo”, and has been genetically linked with primitive dog breeds such as the Australian Dingo and New Guinea Singing Dog. Compared to other breeds of dogs, who have an estrus cycle twice a year, Carolina dogs have a single estrus cycle during the year like other wild dogs. Considered the native dog of the American Southeast these dogs get their name from the county of Carolina and is very much known to be pack oriented than being a single dog.
Tibetan Mastiff - From the snowy peaks of Himalayas and cold weather of Tibet comes this very rare breed which are believed to be direct descendent from the original Mastiff dogs of ancient times. These dogs are big in size with a still huger wooly body which kept them warm from the fierce winters of the hills. Though the present versions of Tibetan mastiff are different to their original breeds yet their temperament and loyal disposition makes them very popular. These huge, wooly dogs are fierce guardians in their native Himalayas. When this breed was first removed from their high mountain environments to the valleys for trading and breeding, numerous health problems resulted.
Azawakh - This slim athletic beauty is one among the rarest of dogs nowadays. Known to be the natives of the African homeland these dogs now are growing up in demand in the United States, where between 100-200 dogs are said to live. Carrying an appearance of a greyhound this breed is more pack oriented than any other type of hounds. Traditionally it was used in Africa to hunt gazelles and other big animals in the desert region.
Otterhounds - Among the rare breed family the otter hounds had been natively used to hunt otters though with the ban of otter hunting in the early 80’s their breeding went minimal. Known to be very sober and peace-loving this breed is still rare though is loved for its looks and personality. It is estimated that there are only 350 Otterhounds in North America.
StabyHound - Known as the native of Netherlands this dog is considered a national treasure. Coming from the lineage of the pointer and retriever family, this breed shares the natural abilities of both these dog families. Currently stabyhounds are used as a gundog which is now under the close scrutiny & stewardship of the Dutch Dog registry. There are only 100 StabyHound dogs existing in the United States at this time.
Australian Stumpy Tailed Cattle dog - The Australian Stumpy Tailed Cattle Dog is the modified version of the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD).Basically used for herding cattle and helping ranchers these dogs are now bred as family companions. With a natural short tail and the agility of a hunter these dogs are very warm and friendly yet very watchful.
Korean Jindo - A very special peculiarity of the Korean Jindo is its independent mentality while on its hunting course. Native to Korea this dog was traditionally used for hunting purposes. When it goes hunting it is very well known not to assist the hunter but go hunting on its own and bring the prize home. Sometimes if the game is too heavy for the Jindo to carry along, it is believed to remember the spot and go to fetch its master. Prized with an incredible homing ability the Korean Jindo can always find its way back home even over very long distances.
Newfoundland - The New Foundland is a rare breed which is endowed with webbed feet which helps it to swim in water and do a couple of many tasks. For this same reason these dogs are trained to assist emergency services in sea rescue. Though there are some other dog breeds which has webbed feet, this breed is known very well for its courage and its agility in water.
Norwegian Lundehund - This dog is believed to be traditionally from Norway though its rareness is attributed to some physical ability which puts it very distinct among other dog breeds.. The Norwegian Lundehunds have six toes on each foot that allow them to climb on vertical cliffs and their neck joints enable them to bend their head backward over their shoulders so that their forehead touches its back. The Norwegian Lundehund is also endowed with the ability to close their ear canals at will which protects them against dirt and moisture while in water.. Their fore-shoulder joints are extremely flexible and empower both front legs to be stretched straight out to both sides, for greater ease in swimming and maneuvering in the narrow crevices in sea-side cliffs.
Aidi - Also known as the Atlas Shepherd this dog actually is native to Morocco. Known to be very powerful and massive an average Atlas Shepherd male dog stands between 20 and 24 inches and weighs on average about 55 lbs. Used for hunting purposes, the Aidi has excellent scenting abilities. They are also used as watch dogs because of their powerful reflexes and agile qualities.
Hokkaido Dogs - Believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds in Japan, these dogs are also known as the Ainu dogs. The medium sized Hokkaido is less than 20 inches in length and weighing around 44 lbs. Being able to withstand the cold and having a keen sense of direction. As they are very loyal and fierce dogs they had been bred traditionally for their scenting skills for rescue purposes. According to Japanese soothsayers despite its size, the Hokkaido has been known to attack and kill bears.
Other breeds which come under the broad category of rare dogs are Chinese Foo Dogs and the Peruvian Inca orchids which are native to the land of Peru. It is a type of rare hairless body type dogs but are very agile and wonderful to behold.
References
Top 10 rare dog breeds - http://www.actca.asn.au/Activities/showingmain.htm
Unusual Dog breeds - http://dogbreeds.bulldoginformation.com/unusual-dog-breeds.html
A rare breed, Eleven Unusual looking dogs - http://www.divinecaroline.com/22063/96425-rare-breed-eleven-unusual-looking
Rare Dog Breeds, Information on all types of rare breeds - http://www.raredogbreeds.net/