Top 10 Rarest Dog Breeds You May Not Know Exist

The world of dogs is incredibly diverse, with hundreds of recognized breeds showcasing a wide array of sizes, personalities, and physical traits. But while breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers enjoy widespread popularity, there are some truly unique and rare dog breeds out there that you may never have heard of. Let's dive into the top 10 rarest dog breeds.

10. Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund is a small, agile dog from Norway that boasts incredible flexibility. They can bend their heads backward to touch their spines, rotate their forelegs at 90-degree angles, and have six toes on each foot! Originally used to hunt puffins, their rarity stems from a decline in traditional hunting methods and an outbreak of canine distemper that nearly decimated the breed.

9.  Stabyhoun

From the Netherlands, the Stabyhouns is a medium-sized dog bred for versatility. Initially used for hunting, they've transitioned into gentle, affectionate companions. However, their numbers remain low due to cross-breeding and the popularity of other breeds.

8. Lagotto Romagnolo

This curly-coated Italian breed, also known as the "truffle dog," is a skilled hunter with a keen sense of smell. They almost vanished in the 1970s due to attempts to enhance their hunting abilities through cross-breeding. Thankfully, dedicated breeders have preserved the Lagotto Romagnolo.

7. Azawakh 

The elegant Azawakh originates from West Africa, where they were prized as guardians and hunting companions. This loyal and affectionate breed is rare due to strict export restrictions and their high cost. These dogs can cost as much as $10,000.

6. Thai Ridgeback

This Thai Ridgeback gets its name from the distinctive ridge of hair running down its spine in the opposite direction of the rest of its coat. The rarity of this breed comes from their origin which dates back to the isolated islands of Eastern Thailand, an area that made transport difficult and limited breeding opportunities.

5. Otterhound

A large, shaggy breed from England, the Otterhound is an exceptional water dog. They are incredibly rare, with only a few litters born each year, putting them in danger of extinction.

4. Mudi

The Mudi is a hardworking Hungarian breed known for its intelligence and versatility. Originally bred to assist farmers with their work, their numbers dwindled after World War II and due to the popularity of other herding breeds.

3. Chinook

Developed in New Hampshire for sled racing and drafting, the Chinook is a powerful and athletic breed. They nearly went extinct in the 1980s with their population dropping to 28 dogs, but have since seen a resurgence.

2. Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid from Peru has a long history dating back thousands of years. Once used for their warmth and believed to have medicinal properties, they faced a decline in popularity due to their unusual appearance.

1. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

With a history spanning over 3,000 years, the Xoloitzcuintli was considered sacred by the Aztecs. They almost disappeared in the 1950s but have since made a comeback thanks to dedicated breeding efforts.

Bonus – The Rarest – New Guinea Singing Dog

Holding the title of arguably the most unique dog breed is the New Guinea Singing dog . Native to the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea, these wild canines are known for their distinctive vocalizations. Their "songs" feature complex harmonies and high-pitched howls that resemble whales or even human singing. With less than 200 remaining, mostly in captivity, the New Guinea Singing Dog is a living testament to the fascinating and endangered biodiversity of our planet.

Updated for 2025 - 10 More Rare Dog Breeds

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a revered watchdog originating from Poland.

Skye Terrier

Although it may look like the classic Yorkie - it is its unique breed. This dog prides itself on being agile and strong. This breed is known for being loyal and devoted to family. Originally hailing from the Isle of Skye of Poland, they are stronger than they seem because they were bred for hunting foxes.

Ibizan Hound

This dog is a "sighthound" bred to go after rabbits. As the name suggests, the dog comes from the rocky shores of the Balearic Islands. Interestingly enough, this dog is famous in art from Ancient Egypt.

American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound is a high-energy dog known for its piercing bark. Originally bred to prey on raccoons, the Coonhound is an able hunter.

Canann Dog

The Cannan dog is a native of Israel. Thanks to its distinctive fur, it claims its spot as a rare dog breed on this list.

The Most Expensive Dog Breed

While rare breeds can fetch high prices, the most expensive dog breed in the world is the Tibetan Mastiff. Known for their immense size and lion-like manes, these majestic guardians originated in the Himalayan mountains. In 2014, a red Tibetan Mastiff puppy sold for a staggering $1.5 million in China! Their high price tag is due to a combination of factors, including:

Expert Insights From Spot

Looking at pet insurance claims offers a fascinating glimpse into dog breed popularity. Spot's data, covering pets insured since 2019, reflects this. Breeds like the Lagotto Romagnolo (86 insured), Chinook (11 insured), Thai Ridgeback (10 insured), and Mudi (8 insured) appear with some regularity. However, rarity is also evident. Breeds like the Azawakh and Otterhound have less than 5 insured pets with Spot, even though we cover pets across the U.S. and Canada. For breeds like the Lundehund and Xoloitzcuintli, Spot hasn't yet insured any dogs, highlighting the extreme rarity of these breeds.

The Importance of Preservation

These rare dog breeds are a testament to the incredible diversity of the canine world. By understanding the factors contributing to their rarity, we can appreciate their unique qualities and support efforts to ensure their continued existence for future generations to enjoy.

How Spot Pet Insurance Can Help

Pet insurance can be particularly important when you have a rare dog breed because these unique breeds often come with specialized health needs and potential genetic predispositions. Spot Pet Insurance can help provide pet parents with additional financial support, helping ensure that your pet can receive the veterinary care they need without you having to worry so much about the cost. Spot plans offer accident-only or accident and illness coverage, and you can receive up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills, and for an additional fee, can also receive preventive care.

Preventive care can cover the cost of routine veterinary services like annual wellness exams, vaccines, dental cleanings and other services. With a Spot plan, you can focus on providing the best possible care for your rare canine companion and enjoy peace of mind knowing that the cost of unexpected injuries or illness won't break the bank. Get a quote today!