9 Dog Breeds So Uncommon, They’re Virtually Unknown
The Scottish Isle of Skye is the birthplace of the Skye Terrier, hence its name. Despite being able to thrive on the windswept island due to its resilience, this little dog breed is comparatively uncommon. In the 1500s, Mary Queen of Scots is said to have owned one; today, though, the breed is in grave risk of going extinct.
In Great Britain, otter hunting was once done with otterhounds, as the name would imply. But when otter populations decreased, so did the demand for this water-resistant dog. Strangely, otter protection policies killed off their hunters, and today there are just a few hundred left worldwide.
Some dogs are Mudis, and all dogs get muddy. Farmers exploited the speed and agility of the Hungarian breed to manage their livestock prior to World War II. The conflict claimed the lives of a great number of Mudis, which is why they are currently rare.
Families would love the energetic Chinook breed, which should not be confused with the same-named helicopter. But when it comes to labor, this powerful dog can hold its own and is even employed as a sled dog in its home state of New Hampshire!
The big Tibetan Mastiff lives in the hard alpine regions of the Himalayas, where temperatures can drop as low as -8°F, according to Britannica. To survive, the dog relies on its thick double coat! It is perhaps because of these severe circumstances that this breed is so uncommon outside of the area.
For ages, people have employed the North African Sloughi as a hunting dog. They are among the earliest canine companions of humans, having been among the first wild canines to be domesticated.
Japanese Kai Ken, who adore the water, make outstanding hunters and are well-liked by families because of their commitment to people and other dogs. Although there have been attempts at preservation since the 1930s to increase the number of Kai Kens, the breed is regrettably becoming extinct globally.
Although the Egyptian pharaohs are best known for their magnificent pyramids, they shared a common trait with contemporary people in that they cherished dogs. Although Phoenician seafarers are credited with spreading the fame of their regal Pharaoh Hounds across the globe, their current level of popularity is limited to Malta.
The Thai Ridgeback is a guardian and hunting breed that is rarely seen outside of Thailand. Since Thailand's transportation infrastructure was inadequate in the past, the Thai Ridgeback breed remained pure and did not cross with other breeds, giving rise to a history spanning over three centuries.