14 Rare Dog Breeds from Around the World

There are over 340 different breeds of dogs recognized today, most of which you will probably never encounter. Here's a look at some of the rarest and unique dog breeds from around the World, but if you want to cuddle up with one of these cuties yourself, you'll have to pay the breeder a pretty penny!

1. Estrela Mountain Dog: These beautiful sheep dogs originate in Portugal and were originally bred to protect herds from roaming wolves.

2. Lancashire Heeler: These dogs resemble a mix between a Doberman and a Corgi and were originally bred in England to drove and herd cattle. They are currently listed by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom as a vulnerable breed, and as of 2007 only 146 were registered in the UK.

3. Hovawart: This German dog breed meaning "an estate guard dog" originated in the Black Forest and has a history that extends back to medieval times, according to drawings and paintings from that period.

4. Kai Ken: A rare breed of Japanese dogs, also known as Tiger Dogs, are even glorified in their home country with a monument in their name. The Kai Ken is believed to be the most ancient and pure dog breed coming out of Japan, originally used to hunt boar and deer. Today the breed is extremely rare.

5. Swedish Lapphund: Only one of the three Lapphund breeds, this dog was used by the indigenous Sami people for herding and guarding their reindeer. Sometimes known as "the black beauty of Norrland", this is one of Sweden's oldest breeds.

6. Mudi: Another rare herding dog, but this time from Hungary. The breed has only existed since the 1930s, when it was separated from two other Hungarian herding breeds, but it is already very rare.

7. Caucasian Ovcharka (Shepherd Dog): This furry giant is one of the oldest living members of the Caucasian Mountain breed, as well as one of the most popular. They are often known as Georgian mountain dogs because of their popularity in countries like Georgia and the Northern Caucasus.

8. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen: Despite it's long name this dog is pretty short! The GBGV (for short) is a member of the hound family and originates in Vendee, France. These dogs are still used to hunt boar, and to track deer and rabbit due to their great sense of smell. They are probably best known for being pack dogs that love to have people and other dogs around them at all times.

9. Pumi: Related to the Hungarian Mudi breed above, the two were separated in the 1930s, the Pumi being the stronger terrier breed of the two. These adorable guys are known for their skills in catching rodents and their unique look - a poodle-terrier mix!

10. Russian Toy: These are one of the smallest dogs in the world and the Russian variation of the English Toy Terrier. The breed was nearly wiped out twice: once following the rise of Communism due to the dog's link to aristocracy and a second time in the 1990s with the fall of the Iron Curtain due to an influx of foreign breeds. This breed looks like a chihuahua, but with much funkier fur.

11. Spanish Mastiff: This huge dog originates in Spain and was bred as a livestock guard dog. The breed's roots may trace back to Ancient Greek dogs used in battle for their strength.

12. Wire-haired Vizsla: Yet another rare dog that originates in Hungary, the Viszla is a reknowned hunting dog with an extremely gentle manner. The dog was developed in the 1930s as a mix of the German Wire-haired Pointer and the typical Hungarian Vizsla, which accounts for their gorgeous reddish coats.

13. Appenzeller Sennenhund: Originating in Switzerland, this little guy looks like a miniature Bernese Mountain Dog, which makes sense seeing as they are the same breed. The Sennenhund, or mountain dog, is a breed that has existed for centuries, maybe even since the Roman Empire.

14. Azawakh: You don't hear often about African dogs, but here's one that surely fits into the desert scenery. Resembling a Greyhound, this breed of dog was originally bred by the nomadic tribes of Mali, Niger and Algeria to hunt gazelle. Also much like a Greyhound, these dogs can reach running speeds of 40 miles per hour, and make excellent house pets!

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