5 rare dog breeds: have you heard of them?

The most popular dog breeds include the Labrador Retriever, the French Bulldog and the Dachshund, but only the FCI recognises 359 dog breeds. But we know that there are many more. No wonder many of them go unnoticed.

But just because they are less popular doesn’t mean that these dogs don’t have something new or wonderful to offer. The 5 rare dog breeds selected have a truly interesting history and unique characteristics. Let’s take a look at them!

Here are the 5 rare dog breeds

1.) Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco  Sheepdog, or Bergamasco Shepherd is a unique breed with thousands of years of history, recognised as the herding and guarding dog of nomadic shepherds. It is thought that the ancestors of these dogs from Persia (now Iran) were hardy, vigorous herding dogs that worked with their masters to guard the sheep. Some of these nomads eventually settled in the Italian Alps and remained there; their dogs became known as Bergamasco Shepherds.

The breed is easily recognised by their distinctive coat. Their coat is made up of intertwined tufts of three types of hairs, giving them a felt-like appearance, similar to that of a Komondor or a Puli, for example. An independent yet sociable, intelligent dog that requires regular exercise and mental exhaustion if kept as a family pet. The breed also makes an excellent therapy dog.

2.) Azawakh

One of the oldest dog breeds. The Azawakh is a West African Greyhound which may have originated in Burkina Faso, on the border between Mali and Nigeria, probably from the Indian Pariah Dogs. They were indigenous hunting dogs in this area and were used to hunt rabbits and gazelles. They are characterised by their incredible endurance and speed, which can reach up to 64 km/h. This slender dog has a refined appearance, with a short, fine coat, but almost no hair on the belly. They are a truly intelligent, family-friendly breed, usually referred to as a single-owner dog.

3.) Skye terrier

The Skye Terrier, from the Isle of Skye, is a member of the Hebrides archipelago off the northwest coast of Scotland. They are said to be the oldest terriers, with origins dating back to the 14th century. Mostly used for pest control, they were used by the gentry for badger, marten and fox hunting. They have a double coat, with a woolly, soft, short and dense undercoat and a long, hard and straight topcoat. The Skye Terrier is smart, brave and cheerful, as well as agile and strong, with all the elegance and dignity of a Terrier. This breed is loyal and devoted to their family, although they can be stubborn at times, so consistent training is paramount.

4.) English Coonhound

The English Coonhound (also called the American-English Coonhound) is American by birth but English by descent; They are believed to be the descendants of the English Foxhound, which were brought to America in the early 1800s. They are one of six breeds of Hounds recognised by the AKC, which were developed by American settlers to specialise in tracking and hunting North America’s ultimate source of food, fat and fur, the Raccoon. These lean, fast, muscular dogs can work from dusk till dawn. Their athletic bodies are covered with short, skin-smoothing fur in a variety of patterns, possibly speckled. When not on duty, they are calm, pleasant, alert and confident. Sociable, whether with people or with other dogs of the same breed.

5.) Cirneco dell’Etna

They believe that todays Cirneco dell’Etna were perfected by the ancient Egyptians as hunting dogs, which chased prey by sight and excelled as a Hound. A clue to the breed’s origins lies in their name: Cirneco comes from a Greek word meaning ‘dog of Cyrene (Libya)’. It is likely that the breed has existed in Sicily for over 3,000 years, ever since their ancestors arrived on the rocky shores of the island in the hold of the ships of the Phoenician merchants, masters of the ancient world. Dogs like the Cirneco already appeared on Sicilian coins around 500 BC. The Cirneco is, therefore, a Sicilian breed and a rabbit hunter by trade. The slender and muscular dog is an athletic hunter, capable of rapid bursts of speed. Their coat ranges from light beige to dark brown or chestnut brown. As a family dog, they are gentle companions that require little care but more mental and physical exhaustion and are appreciated for their loyal and kind nature.