Sharon Wood
If we take and ayze the general data of all dog federations and clubs, there are 376 dog breeds in the world. Some of them are very popular today, others were popular in the past. But there are some breeds that you probably have never heard about.
#1 Chinook
Chinook is a unique breed - the rarest breed in the world. It is still not recognized officially by any cynological club or federation. Chinook dogs are bred by private individuals only. They are used as sled dogs. During the period of maximum popularity - in the second quarter of the 20th century - the Chinook population was no more than 300 individuals. In 1978, there were only 28 dogs. Today their popularity is growing, as well as the number of representatives of the breed, but they are still the rarest in the world.
#2 American Hairless Terrier
American hairless terrier was bred by crossing medium-sized rat terrier dogs. The first representatives of the breed appeared in the 1970s in the United States. However, the International Cynological Federation did not recognize these dogs. Today there are no more than a hundred dogs in the world.
#3 Catalburun
Catalburun (another breed name is Turkish pointer) is a hunting dog known for its distinct double nose. They were bred in the Ottoman Empire in province Cilicia (the modern province of Tartus). Catalburuns were bred due to a persistent genetic mutation. They are calm, obedient and excellent partridge hunters.
It`s estimated that there are only about 200 Catalburuns in the world today!
#4 Thai Ridgeback Dog
Thai Ridgebacks are the national dogs of Thailand. They are the local indigenous breed of half-wild pariah dogs, a close genetic relative of the dingo. It is one of the oldest breeds that was bred naturally.
A sharp mind, strong health and loyal temperament made the Ridgeback a protector and even a breadwinner for local poor people. The dog can independently hunt small game and protect his owners from snakes.
There were only 367 dogs of this breed in the world in the 2000s. Today the exact quantity of Thai Ridgebacks is not estimated.
#5 Carolina Dog
Carolina dog is not officially registered breed. These dogs were bred naturally. They live in isolated stretches of longleaf pines and cypress swamps somewhere in the Southeastern United States. Today there are only a few hundred representatives of this breed in the world.
#6 Otterhound
Representatives of this breed are great hunters, they have a very sensitive sense of smell. Due to the long coat and the structure of their paws, they can hunt on nutria and mink. They are quite large but require a lot of exercises.
Today there are no more than a thousand Otterhounds In the world.