5 Rare and Unconventional Dog Breeds

The domestic dog has been with us for thousands of years and evolved into a multitude of breeds, all with distinct characteristics. Among these breeds are some of the most unusual and rare dogs in the world, including those listed below.

Chinook

This dog is a working, sled dog and was first reared in New England around 1920. He is a cross between a Husky and a Mastiff. Each year approximately 100 puppies are born worldwide which is a clear indication of how rare this animal is.

The Chinook still works but mainly in sporting sled events and the majority of them are domestic pets with a reputation for being friendly, incredibly good with children and very laid back. They are not aggressive, but can be reserved with strangers. Prone to hip, eye and epilepsy problems this dog may need special care when he matures.

Chow Chow

The Chow is the lion of the dog family with his impressive mane and sturdy build. He originated in Mongolia and is possibly one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to 150 B.C.

The color of his tongue is a mixture of blue, black and purple and he is the only dog breed with blue lips. He has a very thick double coat, so needs a lot of grooming.

The Chow is loyal to family members and very much his masters dog but has a reputation for being aggressive toward strangers. Prone to hip, knee and thyroid problems, the Chow may require special care as he grows older.

Chinese Crested

There are two types of Chinese Crested dogs; one which has almost human like skin and hair only on the top of its head, the ends of its ears, on its paws forming a sock like effect and its tail. The other type is known as a Powder puff which has a double coat of very fine, soft fur. Both types are often to be found in the same litter. The hairless variety needs to be protected from sunburn and dryness of the skin. Conversely, the Powder puff requires a lot of grooming.

Both types are playful, intelligent and very good with children but, if you have children, you will have to monitor how they handle these dogs. Weighing less than 10 pounds and approximately 12 inches in height when fully grown, children could accidentally injure them if they play too rough. Of all the smaller breeds these dogs don’t suffer with many ailments normally associated with toy breeds but special care needs to be taken with their dentistry and they can be prone to eye problems.

Puli

This dog is highly intelligent and usually does extremely well in obedience trials. Its coat is corded and felt like, rather than the rope like texture often seen in other breeds with similar coats.

The Puli requires a lot of grooming to stop the cords matting and some owners prefer to clip the coat short rather than take on the task of endless grooming. Originally a sheepdog from Hungary, the Puli has been around for over 1000 years. They make faithful companions, but perceive the family as a flock to protect, hence the will keep their distance from strangers. This breed is not prone to any major health problems.

Ibizan Hound

This breed is attractive, intelligent and athletic – and these dogs are very good hunters. They are excellent family dogs and good with children, but they require a lot of exercise.

Ibizan Hounds excel in jumping events, able to leap from a stationary position to great heights, which can be very amusing to watch. This breed originated in Spain and was widely used to hunt rabbits and other small animals.

They are able to run very fast over virtually any type of terrain. This breed is not prone to any serious heath defects but can develop allergies. They are also hyper sensitive to anesthetics.

Rare dog breeds can be a lot of fun to own, so long as you’re aware of the needs of the breed. So, if you do decide that you would like to own a unique dog, like one of the cuties on this list, study as much as you can about the animal before you purchase!

If you don’t like grooming, you certainly wouldn’t want to get a Hungarian Puli, you’d be better of to stick to artwork that features the beauty of the breed. We love the DJ Rogers’ posters and prints!