Growing up, chances are you knew someone who had a Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, or German Shepherd. While a small number of breeds make up the majority of the canine population, our favorite furry species is actually very diverse. Today, we want to give some love to some of these lesser known breeds and introduce you to some lovable pups you may never have heard of!
1. Pachón Navarro
Pachon Navarro DogVacay Breed
When Spanish conquistadors brought the Pachon Navarro dog to South and Central America in the 16th century, they assumed the hunting dogs had superior sniffing skills. Why, you ask? Because they had two noses! That’s right. Commonly compared to the double barrels of a shotgun, these unique honkers actually do not have a heightened sense of smell, and in fact appear to serve no functional purpose, (other than to make its onlookers scratch their heads and giggle, perhaps). While the Pachon Navarro might not be winning a beauty pageant any time soon, the speckled pointer has won a place in our hearts.
2. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff DogVacay Breed
If this colossal animal looks like it comes from another time and place, it’s because it does! The Neapolitan Mastiff, whose ancestors date as far back as 3000 B.C., are direct descendants of Roman war dogs who were used in battles and circus combats to fight lions, horses, and men. After fighting extinction at the end of WWI, the droopy faced doggy stepped into the limelight as Fang in the Harry Potter movies
3. Lundehund
Lundehund DogVacay Breed
The Norwegian Lundehund is also called Norsk Lundehund or the “Puffin Dog,” as it was once used to hunt for Puffins birds in the crevices of of steep cliffs. The Spitz-style dog was able to do so because of its remarkable agility and flexibility. And this is just one of its remarkable physical traits: Lundehunds also have six toes on each foot (making them expert climbers), prick ears they can fold close at will, and the ability to tip its head backward to touch its backbone. Imagine how many party tricks this guy must have.
4. Lowchen
Lowchen Puppy DogVacay Breed
You might recognize these tiny pups from famous Renaissance paintings such as Goya’s The Duchess of Alba, or perhaps you’ve read about them in literary novels from the same time. This is because the breed was a favorite among wealthier classes in western Europe. After centuries of popularity, the Bichon-looking breed slowly declined—some sources say there were once as few as 65—and during the 1960s, was considered the rarest breed in the world.
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5. Otterhound
Otterhound DogVacay Breed
As its name suggests, this English scent hound was bred to hunt otters. Weighing in between 80 and 120 pounds, with webbed feet that make them skilled swimmers, they were a natural pick for the job. There are fewer than 10 Otterhound litters born each year in the United States and Canada, and only about 1,000 in existence, making them one of the rarest breeds today.
6. Hovawart
Hovawart DogVacay Breed
Now we’d like to shine the spotlight on one of the cutest animals we ever did see! Sometimes confused for a Rottweiler for its coloring, a Retriever for its coat, and a German Shepherd for its size, it’s actually a breed unto itself. The Hovawart is popular in Germany, where the name means “watchman of the farm” because of its outstanding guarding ability, but it still quite rare in the United States. Though they’re impossibly easy to snuggle, these working dogs can be a challenge for novice dog owners, so only experienced trainers need apply.
7. Caucasian Ovcharka
Caucasian Ovcharka DogVacay Breed
Chances are you’ve never laid eyes on this Russian bear hunting dog, as the breed rarely wanders from the snowy hills of the Caucasus Mountains. Even if you did, you might not believe your eyes because they are HUGE. They look like ancient creatures you might see hunting another ancient species in Game of Thrones, and in fact, they are often used to protect people from bears, wolves, and other grizzly predators. Because of their size and loyalty, they were selected as the border patrol dogs along the Berlin Wall during the late 1960s
8. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchid DogVacay Breed
Dating back to 750 A.D., this hairless breed was known to be kept as pets during the Inca Empire. Peruvian archaeological excavations have uncovered ceramic artifacts from this time bearing the pups’ signature look, namely featuring that natural mohawk! Ancient folklore says that a hug from an Inca Orchid can alleviate stomach aches and conditions such as asthma, but we’ll have to take their word on it since we’ve yet to come across one in our trips to the dog park.
9. Bergamasco
Bergmasco DogVacay Breed
Whoa. You might think every one of these Italian sheepdogs also comes with a professional hair stylist, but actually its coat is easier to take care of than you’d think. In addition to its distinctive appearance, the Bergamasco is a gentle and obedient dog, which is why they often visit children’s hospitals, and serve as therapy dogs for people with disabilities. Bob Marley would be proud.
10. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This mop-topped munchkin is a Dandie Dinmont Terrier, a Scottish breed who gets it’s name from a character in Sir Walter Scott‘s novel Guy Mannering. Its charming looks make the Dandie a popular contender in small breed show competitions, but it’s virtually unknown outside this arena. In fact, there are so few in existence that if it were a wild species, the Dandie would be on the endangered list. So spread the word, or better yet, bring a handful of these fluffy lovers into your home now!
11. Kuvasz
kuvasz DogVacay Breed
This bear-like pooch has a colorful history dating back to the Medieval period when King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary would give the puppies as gifts to to important foreign dignitaries. (He loved the breed so much he had established his own breeding program.) Fast forward nearly 500 years, and Kuvaszok were sought out and killed by German Nazis in WWII because of their fierce loyalty and commitment to defending their Hungarian families. The breed narrowly survived the war, and still exist in small numbers today. If you have the space, and the experience, the Kuvasz is ready to snuggle.
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