Rare and Unique Dog Breeds You’ve Never Heard Of

While the World Canine Organization lists 360 officially recognized dog breeds, the American Kennel Club acknowledges about 200 breeds. There are various criteria that must be met for a dog type to become an established dog breed. While some breeds are popular, there are some breeds that are rare and have unique features. Let’s take a look at a few of those rare canine friends, some of which may be new to you.\r \r 1. Chinook\r \r Chinook originated in New Hampshire and are not well known by dog lovers. The Chinook, which was on the verge of extinction at one time, is recognized as the state dog of New Hampshire. They are powerful and muscular dogs with the strength of freighting dogs and the speed of sled racers. They are also experts at search and rescue work and herding. Their coat is dense and medium in length, making it ideal for a northern climate but is significantly thinner and sheds in hotter climates. Chinook are peaceful, sociable dogs with a special affinity for children.\r \r 2. Puli Dog\r \r The puli is a medium sized herding dog that has been popular in Hungary for centuries. It stands out in the dog world because of its dreadlocks. The dog's wooly, dense, waterproof corded coat grows quite long. In fact, they may touch the ground, concealing the legs and making the puli appear like it is floating over the ground. The puli’s hair has a practical purpose as in carrying out its herder duties the hair shields it from potential predators like wolves. Pulis are known as the “acrobats of the dog world” because of their extraordinary dexterity. These family companions are outgoing and vivacious.\r \r 3. Skye Terrier\r \r The Skye terrier is a long, low, sturdy terrier that originated in Scotland and is one of the UK’s most endangered native dog breeds. They are on the Kennel Club's list of most vulnerable native dogs and it is estimated that there are just about 4000 of this breed in the world. Skyes are nine or ten inches tall, yet they were once bred for hunting foxes. They are stronger than what meets the eye. A deep chest and short muscular legs can be seen beneath its thick coat. This rare dog breed is good tempered, perfect for living in the home and unlike other terriers, do not need much exercise.\r \r 4. Bully Kutta\r \r Bully kutta are large breed dogs that originated in the Indian subcontinent and date back to the 16th century. Because of their violent nature, these dogs are illegally raised in Pakistan for dogfights. The dogs are renowned for having strong guarding instincts as well as aggressive and protective personalities. Bully kuttas have an average height of seventy-five to eighty-six centimeters and a weight ranging from sixty to ninety kilograms. Due to their size and domineering temperament, they are dangerous to both strangers and their owners. They demand enormous areas such as a courtyard to live in.\r \r 5. Norwegian Lundehund\r \r The only dog breed created specifically for the task of puffin hunting is the Norwegian Lundehund which originates from the rocky island of Vaeroy in Norway. Since puffins are now a protected species, the lundehund of today is a sociable and active companion.  Lundehunds have distinctive qualities such as elastic necks that can curve back so the head contacts the spine, ears that fold shut and flexible shoulders that allow for legs to stretch to the side, perpendicular to the body. Their feet include at least six functional toes and extra paw pads.