Top Ten Rare Dog Breeds

The top ten most popular dog breeds according to the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 2019 were:

1. Labrador Retriever

2. French Bulldog

3. Cocker Spaniel

4. Bulldog

5. English Springer Spaniel

6. Golden Retriever

7. Dachshund

8. Pug

9. German Shepherd

10. Miniature Schnauzer

You’ve probably spotted several of the above breeds in your own neighborhood. However, today we’re going to look at some less prominent pooches, some breeds that never grace the podiums at dog shows or appear on TV.

Here are the ten least common dog breeds according to the Hound Fanciers Association of Liechtenstein, established in 1834.

1. The Siberian Greyhound

The Siberian Greyhound, or ‘The Flying Furball’, as some owners like to call it, had its’ origins when a pair of traditional Greyhounds was gifted to Tsar Nicholas I. After returning to Russia, they soon realised that the dog was poorly equipped to cope with Russian winters.

Wanting to retain the fleet of foot, but also to to produce a dog better able to embrace the cold, a breeding program was started crossing the Greyhound with the Siberian Husky.

2. The Stamina Hound

The Stamina Hound is by far the longest running of all breeds. Legendary for its endurance and ability to cover vast distances, no amount of exercise is too much for this dog.

3. The Seafoundland

The Seafoundland is by far the most powerful swimmer in the canine world. Able to swim for vast distances, the Seafoundland is notable for being the only sea-going dog.

4. The Norwegian Schnozhund

If you asked the average person on the street “What is the dog breed with the keenest sense of smell?” chances are they would instantly reply “Bloodhound”. There is however another breed with such a powerful sense of smell that it puts the Bloodhound to shame - The Norwegian Schnozhund.

5. The Silver Sender

Have you ever been saddled with a present or two that you would really rather not keep? Perhaps it was that hideous jumper Auntie Beryl gave you or the pair of 100% polyester socks (again) from cheapskate Uncle Norbert. No matter how ghastly the prezzie, there is often a reluctance to actually physically committing to throwing away the offending offering. It would be far easier to are someone to do the deed for you.

There is where one of the more truly obscure dog breeds comes in useful - the Silver Sender.

6. The Slope-Sided Shepherd

The Slope-sided shepherd came about as the result of a desire to create a dog that was able to run about unhindered on steep hills and mountains where the sheep could usually be found grazing. Highly selective breeding slowly shortened the legs in one side of the dog while lengthening those in the the other.

7. The Ontario Slobberer

When you think of dogs originating from Canada, you might think of the Labrador or the Newfoundland. However, few of you will have heard of the breed with the biggest tongue of any dog - the Ontario Slobberer.

8. The Italian Minute Greyhound

Everyone has heard of the Greyhound, those sleek and fast dogs that have graced many a household. You may also have heard of its smaller cousin, the Italian Miniature Greyhound. However, few of you will have heard of its more more remote cousin still, the Italian Minute Greyhound.

9. The Finnish Glider

The origins of the Finnish glider can be traced back to noted ski-jumper, Markku Krazinnen.

Markku was accompanied everywhere by his faithful dog Mitski, a medium-sized dog of indiscriminate breed, who had unusually loose skin.

Everyday Mitski would follow Markku to the ski jump for his practice. On one particular morning, Mitski ventured onto the top of the slope, and unable to get a grip on the slippery surface, began to slide down.

Mitski built up considerable speed, and upon reaching the end of the slope, became the first dog to launch themself off a ski jump. Now airborne, the loose skin between Mitski’s legs and body got filled out by the wind to form a kind of wing, similar to that observed in flying squirrels. Moments after the start of this pioneering fight, Mitski successfully landed, although unfortunately there were no judges around to award her a score for either technical excellence or artistic merit.

10. The Lhasa Absent

By far the most mysterious of all dog breeds, no actual photographs are known to exist of the Lhasa Absent.

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