These are the rarest dog breeds that have been officially recognised.
Out of all the dog breeds in the world, most of us only know a handful of popular ones. It's really not possible to know them all – there are around 190 recognised dog breeds in the world. It's only natural that the rare dog breeds have escaped your radar. You won't spit them in a dog park, after all. Let's then take this opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the rarest dog breeds that have been officially recognised.
Chinook
Estimated population: 683 approx.
The official state dog of New Hampshire, this sledge dog breed was developed for drafting and sledge dog racing in the eponymous state during the early 20th century.
Bred to German and Belgian shepherd working dogs, the resulting tawny-coloured dogs are strong and fast, yet are gentle and friendly temperament with great stamina to boost.
Norwegian Lundehund
Estimated population: 1400 approx.
These cute very rare, small Spitz-type Norwegian breed have several unique characteristics, like six toes on every paw, elastic neck. They traditionally used to hunt for puffins — the only dog breed to do so, in the remote Islands.
Azawakh
Estimated population: 1000 approx.
Inducted in the American Kennel Club only in 2011, these leggy hounds — used primarily as sighthounds — are native to West Africa. Incredibly thin especially between the chest and the hind legs — wrongly misunderstood as emaciated. They are one of the dogs with the longest legs compared to their height. Capable of hitting a top speed of 40 mph (64 kmph), they’ve chased gazelle across the Sahara for centuries.
Thai Ridgeback
Estimated population: 1100
Only very recently established as a standardized breed, their existence was largely a mystery to the world outside of Thailand. Known natively as Mah Thai Lang Ahn, they are only one of three breeds of dogs who have a ridge of hair along their backs running counter to the texture of their coats. Bred originally as hunting and guard dogs, they were known to kill cobras.
Otterhound
Estimated population: 600 approx.
Registered as a Vulnerable Native Breed by The Kennel Club, official recognition evaded this medieval England scent-dog breed until the 19th century. Wildly popular due to their superior hunting skills — specifically, otters — they declined in favour as otter-hunting was outlawed in Britain in the late 1970s.
Mudi
Estimated population: few thousands!
In existence since the 19th century, these herding dogs are related to other two native Hungarian breeds, Puli and Pumi.
Nowadays, Mudi (pronounced 'Moodie') are primarily bred for companionship, sport, and show.
