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Biewer Terrier -

Often mistaken for a Yorkshire Terrier, this tricolored pup was first bred from a Yorkie in Germany. But despite its German roots, the breed remains unrecognized in the country.

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Chinook -

Bred in New Hampshire in the early 1900s, the Chinook was used as an all-purpose sled dog. At one point, there were said to be only 28 of these dogs remaining.

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Lagotto Romagnolo -

These Italian curly-coated canines are a working breed that needs a lot of mental stimulation and physical exercise. They're best known as truffle-hunters.

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Otterhound -

Developed to hunt otters, this English dog breed does great in water. In fact, they even have webbed feet, a unique trait among hounds.

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Kai Ken -

A Japanese hunting dog, the Kai Ken is a very intelligent, affectionate, and devoted breed. However, they're suspicious of strangers.

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Beauceron -

The largest of the French sheepdogs, the Beauceron is also almost unknown outside of France. They're used for herding and guarding, plus search and rescue missions.

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Norwegian Lundehund -

These pups were bred to hunt puffins, which is how they got their name; in Norwegian, lunde means "puffin," and hund means "dog." Apart from being a rare breed, they also have some pretty rare characteristics, including six toes on each foot, and one less tooth on each side of their mouths.

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Xoloitzcuintli -

Native to Mexico, this ancient Aztec breed comes in hairless and coated varieties. Their name is derived from the Aztec deity Xolotl, the god of fire and lightening.

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Bedlington Terrier -

Is it a lamb or a dog? It's a Bedlington Terrier! And despite appearances, these English pups are actually fiercely protective and great hunters.

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Canaan Dog -

Since ancient times, the Canaan Dog has lived all over the Middle East. Today, they make great guardians and watchdogs.

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Cesky Terrier -

The national dog of the Czech Republic, this cute pup is known for being attention-loving and loyal. They're also said to be less active and quieter than other terriers.

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English Foxhound -

While they're not rare in the UK, the English Foxhound is rare elsewhere. A super active breed, they're best suited for the countryside, where they can run around in open spaces.

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Estrela Mountain Dog -

These giant pups come from the Estrela Mountains in Portugal. Known for being loyal, affectionate, and protective, they're one of the oldest breeds in the Iberian Peninsula.

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Finnish Spitz -

This fox-looking breed was bred to hunt both small and large animals. Known for being independent and stubborn, they're still typically friendly and good with children.

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Dandie Dinmont Terrier -

These Scottish terriers were bred for hunting badgers and otters. The breed is named after a fictional character in Walter Scott's novel 'Guy Mannering' (1815).

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Hovawart -

Developed in Germany for the purpose of being guard dogs, their name literally means "yard-watcher" or "farm-watcher."

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Swedish Vallhund -

This Swedish herding dog was originally bred as a drover and herder of cows over 1,000 years ago. Their bodies are low to the ground like a corgi, so they could nip at the ankles of cows.

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Azawakh -

Native to West Africa, Azawakhs are used for racing and hunting. They're lean and athletic, but also playful and affectionate.

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Schapendoes -

This Dutch sheepdog almost went extinct during World War II. The descendants today are from those few survivors.

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Komondor -

Known for their long corded coat, the Komondor is a Hungarian sheepdog who once guarded livestock. The oldest known mention of it is in a Hungarian codex from 1544.

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Australian Kelpie -

An Australian sheepdog, the Kelpie is very intelligent, eager to please, and energetic. Because of this, they need a great deal of daily exercise.

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Bergamasco Sheepdog -

An Italian herding dog, the Bergamasco sheepdog has a striking coat that naturally forms thick mats. A somewhat independent dog, they're wary of strangers, but can be very devoted to their family.

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Peruvian Inca Orchid -

A hairless dog breed, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is native to Peru. They're also officially recognized as part of the country's cultural heritage.

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Pumi -

Originating in Hungary, these medium-small sized sheepdogs are known for their cute facial expressions and high energy.

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Nederlandse Kooikerhondje -

Also known as the Dutch Spaniel, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a hunting dog. Hailing from the Netherlands, this breed has plenty of energy compared to other Spaniels.

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Russian Toy -

Bred from the English Toy Terrier, these small pups were almost wiped out twice, and until the '90s were almost unknown outside their native Russia.

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Stabyhoun -

Also known as the Stabij, the Stabyhoun hails from the Frisian forest area in the Netherlands. Their name translates to "stand by me."

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Catahoula Leopard Dog -

The state dog of Louisiana, this doggo is a tough breed that can tackle the state's forests and swamps.

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Sloughi -

A native breed of North Africa, the Sloughi is treasured for its hunting skills and is known for hunting animals like hares, foxes, jackals, gazelles, and wild pigs.

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American English Coonhound -

The American English Coonhound originated in the Southern US, specifically to hunt raccoons. They're descended from English foxhounds. 

Sources: (The Spruce Pets) (The Pioneer Woman) 

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