Top 20+ Rare Dog Breeds That Make Truly Extraordinary Companions

3) Mudi

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

Bred for herding, this rare dog breed from Hungary has a curly coat of fur, a sharp intellect, and an energetic personality. Ever since World War II when their population massively dropped, there's been a limited number of Mudi dogs—today, there are just a few thousand left.

6) Chinook

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

The Chinook is a relatively rare dog breed that was bred in New Hampshire in the early 1900s and was used as an all-purpose sled dog. At one point there were said to be only 28 of these dogs remaining! The Chinook is also the official state dog of New Hampshire.

7) Norwegian Lundehund

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

These pups were bred to hunt puffins, which is how they got their name. (In Norwegian, "lunde" means puffin, and "hund" means dog.) This breed has some pretty unusual characteristics, including six toes on each foot and one less tooth on each side of its mouth!

9) Azawakh

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

The Azawakh looks a lot like a Greyhound or Whippet but it's actually a breed native to West Africa. Azawakhs are lean and athletic but also playful and affectionate.

10) Beauceron

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

This breed is the largest of the French sheep dogs and is almost unknown outside of its country of origin. Beaucerons are used for herding and guarding and make amazing dogs for search and rescue missions.

13) Canaan Dog

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

The Canaan Dog is the national dog of Israel. These dogs have lived all over the Middle East since ancient times and today make good guardians and watchdogs.

14) Xoloitzcuintli

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

Before we go any further, you should know that this breed is pronounced "show-low-eetz-kweent-lee," and is one of several breeds of hairless dogs. These pups are native to Mexico and Central America. Their name is derived from the Aztec deity Xolotl, the god of fire and lightening.

17) English Foxhound

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

While it might not be as rare across the pond, the English Foxhound is one of the rarest breeds in the United States. These super active dogs are best suited for the countryside where they can romp in the wide open spaces.

18) Estrela Mountain Dog

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

These giant mountain dogs are one of the oldest breeds in Portugal. They're known for being loyal, affectionate, and protective.

19) Finnish Spitz

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

This breed looks a lot like a fox and was bred to hunt both small and large game. Finnish Spitzes are known to be independent, stubborn, and very "talkative."

20) Hovawart

6) Chinook, 7) Norwegian Lundehund, 9) Azawakh, 10) Beauceron, 13) Canaan Dog, 14) Xoloitzcuintli, 17) English Foxhound, 18) Estrela Mountain Dog, 19) Finnish Spitz, 20) Hovawart

These dogs were developed in Germany for the purpose of being guard dogs. Their name literally means, "guardian of estates." They can be a little tricky to train, so they're usually best for experienced dog owners.

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