13 rare dog breeds that make the best pets
Lesser known dog breeds to consider
American Foxhound
This guy might look like a Beagle, but American Foxhounds are much less common. They can be pretty difficult to handle (if they don't get enough exercise they'll destroy the house) so only experienced dog owners should adopt them.
Beauceron
A like a Beauceron makes for an incredibly rare protector. They're a type of French shepherd dog, so they're very versatile and dominant — but don't be afraid to show these dogs who's in charge.
Bergamasco
A Bergamasco dog's coat is actually made up of three different types of hair, which gives it a matted appearance. They're pretty low maintenance and enjoy being around kids so they're a great pick for busy families.
Canaan Dog
Canaan dogs hold the title of Israel's national dog, and they happen to be one of the AKC's oldest breeds. These clever pups generally only require moderate amounts of exercise, but they're happy to go on long runs and hikes with you.
Cesky Terrier
Cesky (pronounced "chess-key') Terriers got their name because the breed originated in Czechoslovakia. They're pretty , but they're still strong, hardworking and active so they'll keep you on your toes!
Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear dogs are basically living, breathing cotton balls. These tiny pets weigh less than 15 pounds and have super soft fur, making them an ideal lapdog and companion.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dandies are small and long, but don't let that deter you from thinking they can't defend themselves — they actually make a great small . Their bark alone will trick any intruder into thinking it's a huge, scary dog.
Finnish Spitz
Nope, that's not a fox you're looking at — it's a Finnish Spitz. These dogs are smart, fearless and active, but don't leave them alone for too long — they've got quite the reputation for barking.
Lagotto Romagnolo
These teddy bear pups are more than just their beautiful curls. Lagotti Romagnoli have awesome noses, too — they're the best breed for sniffing out truffles!
Norwegian Lundehund
Norwegian Lundehunds were formerly used to hunt puffins but nowadays they'd much rather be your hiking partner. They're pretty amazing at climbing because they have six toes on each foot.
Otterhound
Otterhounds were originally bred in England to hunt otters, but the dogs are pretty good swimmers themselves because they have webbed paws. These dogs will enjoy trips to the beach or lake — anywhere where they can have a good swim.
Pyrenean Shepherd
Pyrenean Shepherds come in two different types: rough-faced (longer facial hair and rough coat) and smooth-faced (short facial hair and fine coat). But both have a long life span — Pyrenean Shepherds can live until their late teens.
Skye Terrier
A Skye Terrier's giant ears can resemble two different things, depending on how you look at them: bat wings or pigtails. Despite the fact that their hair often covers their eyes these and .
American Foxhound
This guy might look like a Beagle, but American Foxhounds are much less common. They can be pretty difficult to handle (if they don't get enough exercise they'll destroy the house) so only experienced dog owners should adopt them.
Beauceron
A like a Beauceron makes for an incredibly rare protector. They're a type of French shepherd dog, so they're very versatile and dominant — but don't be afraid to show these dogs who's in charge.
Bergamasco
A Bergamasco dog's coat is actually made up of three different types of hair, which gives it a matted appearance. They're pretty low maintenance and enjoy being around kids so they're a great pick for busy families.
Canaan Dog
Canaan dogs hold the title of Israel's national dog, and they happen to be one of the AKC's oldest breeds. These clever pups generally only require moderate amounts of exercise, but they're happy to go on long runs and hikes with you.
Cesky Terrier
Cesky (pronounced "chess-key') Terriers got their name because the breed originated in Czechoslovakia. They're pretty , but they're still strong, hardworking and active so they'll keep you on your toes!
Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear dogs are basically living, breathing cotton balls. These tiny pets weigh less than 15 pounds and have super soft fur, making them an ideal lapdog and companion.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dandies are small and long, but don't let that deter you from thinking they can't defend themselves — they actually make a great small . Their bark alone will trick any intruder into thinking it's a huge, scary dog.
Finnish Spitz
Nope, that's not a fox you're looking at — it's a Finnish Spitz. These dogs are smart, fearless and active, but don't leave them alone for too long — they've got quite the reputation for barking.
Lagotto Romagnolo
These teddy bear pups are more than just their beautiful curls. Lagotti Romagnoli have awesome noses, too — they're the best breed for sniffing out truffles!
Norwegian Lundehund
Norwegian Lundehunds were formerly used to hunt puffins but nowadays they'd much rather be your hiking partner. They're pretty amazing at climbing because they have six toes on each foot.
Otterhound
Otterhounds were originally bred in England to hunt otters, but the dogs are pretty good swimmers themselves because they have webbed paws. These dogs will enjoy trips to the beach or lake — anywhere where they can have a good swim.
Pyrenean Shepherd
Pyrenean Shepherds come in two different types: rough-faced (longer facial hair and rough coat) and smooth-faced (short facial hair and fine coat). But both have a long life span — Pyrenean Shepherds can live until their late teens.
Skye Terrier
A Skye Terrier's giant ears can resemble two different things, depending on how you look at them: bat wings or pigtails. Despite the fact that their hair often covers their eyes these and .
American Foxhound
This guy might look like a Beagle, but American Foxhounds are much less common. They can be pretty difficult to handle (if they don't get enough exercise they'll destroy the house) so only experienced dog owners should adopt them.
Beauceron
A like a Beauceron makes for an incredibly rare protector. They're a type of French shepherd dog, so they're very versatile and dominant — but don't be afraid to show these dogs who's in charge.
Bergamasco
A Bergamasco dog's coat is actually made up of three different types of hair, which gives it a matted appearance. They're pretty low maintenance and enjoy being around kids so they're a great pick for busy families.
Canaan Dog
Canaan dogs hold the title of Israel's national dog, and they happen to be one of the AKC's oldest breeds. These clever pups generally only require moderate amounts of exercise, but they're happy to go on long runs and hikes with you.
Cesky Terrier
Cesky (pronounced "chess-key') Terriers got their name because the breed originated in Czechoslovakia. They're pretty , but they're still strong, hardworking and active so they'll keep you on your toes!
Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear dogs are basically living, breathing cotton balls. These tiny pets weigh less than 15 pounds and have super soft fur, making them an ideal lapdog and companion.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dandies are small and long, but don't let that deter you from thinking they can't defend themselves — they actually make a great small . Their bark alone will trick any intruder into thinking it's a huge, scary dog.
Finnish Spitz
Nope, that's not a fox you're looking at — it's a Finnish Spitz. These dogs are smart, fearless and active, but don't leave them alone for too long — they've got quite the reputation for barking.
Lagotto Romagnolo
These teddy bear pups are more than just their beautiful curls. Lagotti Romagnoli have awesome noses, too — they're the best breed for sniffing out truffles!
Norwegian Lundehund
Norwegian Lundehunds were formerly used to hunt puffins but nowadays they'd much rather be your hiking partner. They're pretty amazing at climbing because they have six toes on each foot.
Otterhound
Otterhounds were originally bred in England to hunt otters, but the dogs are pretty good swimmers themselves because they have webbed paws. These dogs will enjoy trips to the beach or lake — anywhere where they can have a good swim.
Pyrenean Shepherd
Pyrenean Shepherds come in two different types: rough-faced (longer facial hair and rough coat) and smooth-faced (short facial hair and fine coat). But both have a long life span — Pyrenean Shepherds can live until their late teens.
Skye Terrier
A Skye Terrier's giant ears can resemble two different things, depending on how you look at them: bat wings or pigtails. Despite the fact that their hair often covers their eyes these and .
Lesser known dog breeds to consider
Dogs are an important part of the family but sometimes you get used to seeing the same breeds over and over again. We don't blame you for wanting a really unique pup when you're . Read up on some of the rarest dog breeds, according to the then start for your new pal!