There’s just something irresistible about rare pups with unique personalities and tiny quirks! Many dog breeds thrive after years of careful breeding, but some end up being more popular than others, which can make certain types of dogs increasingly rare. Throw in mixed breeds, limited breeding lines and lesser-known breeds, and you can wind up with super rare dog breeds that can face extinction over time.

While these uncommon dogs may have a look and personality that’s similar to more popular breeds, super rare dog breeds are pretty unique and usually expensive. As a result, you’re unlikely to see one cruising around your local dog park on a regular basis. But don’t let that discourage you! That doesn’t mean it’s not possible to ever own one, as they still make loving, loyal companions if you’re lucky enough to welcome one into your home.

Beyond being hard to find, these rare dog breeds often have fascinating backstories that explain why so few remain today. Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind dog breed of your own or just love learning about unique pups, here are some of the cutest and rarest dog breeds in the world, according to vets.

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6 Rarest Dog Breeds

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Over the last century, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog has nearly faced extension because of its population decline and wars. These fluffy rare dogs have a similar shaggy look to an Old English Sheepdog, but are more petite. “A shaggy and medium-sized herding dog, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog was once popular throughout parts of Europe,” says Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. “However, along with many things in Poland, this breed’s popularity took a real hit during both WWI and WWII.”

Bonk says it took a long time after WWII before the numbers of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog were high enough for this breed to be recognized in Poland “and even longer before they were officially recognized by the AKC.” Even now, the adorable dog breed isn’t super common or known.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Confident, lively, clever

Skye Terrier

The American Kennel Club (AKC) refers to the Skye Terrier as one of its most distinctive-looking breeds. If you’ve never come across this rare dog breed in person, it’s becuse they are sadly a dog breed facing extinction. In fact, there are estimated to be fewer than 4,000 left wordwide. Because of this, they are a threatened breed. These rare dogs even have a unique look with their long, low body like a Dachshund, silky coat and “batwing” ears.

This endangered dog breed was once big with British royalty and artists in the Victorian era, according to Bonk. “Since then, they have been overshadowed by other breeds due to their high maintenance [requirements] when it comes to grooming and training,” she says. “They have simply fallen out of the spotlight and have somewhat been forgotten by all but the most loyal enthusiasts.”

Breed Stats

• Personality: Courageous, good-tempered, canny

Ibizan Hound

When it comes to rare dog breeds in the United States, the Ibizan Hound is one of them. They are a sighthound, which means they rely on their vision to hunt vs. their sense of smell. This uncommon American pet has an ancient history and drawings of it often appear in art from ancient Egypt. “Ibizan Hounds are athletic sighthounds that were bred for hunting in Ibiza,” explains Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel.

This breed is rare mainly because it wasn’t exported until recently, according to Warner. Though, if you’re lucky enough to have one as a pet, they are amazing dogs. “Ibizan Hounds are gentle, intelligent and fun companions at home,” she says. “Keep in mind, though, that they can sometimes exercise a strong prey drive and need secure spaces to exercise.”

Breed Stats

• Personality: Family-oriented, even-tempered, polite

Canaan Dog

If you like learning about rare dog breeds, you’ll love the Canaan Dog as this rare pup looks bear-like. They are what’s known as a “pariah breed,” which means they evolved through natural selection vs. human breeding. “The Canaan Dog is among the oldest known pariah breeds, originally living as a semi-feral desert dog in the Middle East,” Warner says. “This uncommon breed is considered rare because there was never a large population to begin with,” Warner notes. “Since they mainly appeal to specific owners, they are considered rare and the number of them remain low.”

However, this rare small pup is smart, alert and loyal, making it a great companion or watchdog, according to Warner. Though, it’s important to know that this type of pup needs to be socialized early to make them comfortable around strangers and other pets.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Alert, vigilant, confident

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Cirneco dell’Etna

The Cirneco (pronounced “cheer-NEK-o”) is a sleek-looking dog from Sicily. This hound is an ancient breed that’s known for its athleticism and speed. But while the Cirneco can tear it up on the track, this breed is mild-mannered and pretty laidback if you are lucky enough to have one as a pet. Though, this rare dog breed can be hard to find as its numbers significantly delined in the 1900s and nearly went extinct. While breeders have been able to revive them over the years, today, they are still thought of as a rare breed and typically only 100-150 puppies are registed each year.

Provided you can find one, the Cirneco is also known for its loyal and gentle nature, as well as being a low maintenance companion as they don’t shed or drool, and only need to be groomed monthly—making this breed worth a solid look.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Independent, friendly, affectionate

Azawakh

Are Azawakhs a rare dog breed? Yes, these unique dogs are considered to be an uncommon dog breed that is hard to find. In 2024, the AKC ranked it as one of the rarest dog breed in the U.S., with some reports saying only about 1,000 remined in the wrold.

These cute dogs were originally bred to be a hunting companion in West Africa and have a thin, Whippet-like look. Warner also points out that the Azawakh is known for its cat-like behavior as she describes this breed as “graceful” and “quiet,” noting that they almost look like a cat when they curl up to take a rest. Though, Azawakhs have guard dog tendencies too, making them attentive and protective of their humans. Overall, this uncommon breed is a good companion to have if you ever come across one.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Independent, loyal, deeply affectionate

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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.