1) Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is the only dog breed named after a literary character in Sir Walter Scott’s 1814 novel Guy Mannering. The book is much harder to find than the dog, but it’s much easier to locate. According to Dr. Klein, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is one of the rarest breeds in the United States. It is small but not dainty, friendly and playful, and one of the most docile of the terriers. They would make a fine urban dog if you could find one, but they are quite difficult to find. If you’re fortunate enough to locate a breeder of Dandie Dinmont Terriers, you will most likely find your greatest friend.
2) Peruvian Inca Orchid
If you don’t like being outdoors, the Peruvian Inca Orchid might be the ideal canine BFF for you. Their delicate, hairless bodies aren’t well suited for the outdoors, so they prefer to stay indoors. Sunscreen is essential for their coat when they go out for a walk. We caution you that PIOs are sighthounds and may view tiny pets as prey. Sighthounds can be both docile and more ferocious, so they are not suitable for families with young children.
3) Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a sweet, tiny lapdog whose only purpose is to love and be loved. The Biewer Terrier is as adorable as it is sweet. According to Dr. Klein, Biewers have that swoon factor—innocent, adorable, friendly, and a bit rebellious. It’s no wonder this rare dog is seeing a growing amount of interest, says Dr. Klein.
The AKC states that Biewers are the first purebred breed to be recognised using scientific advancements rather than traditional pedigree documentation, which is why they have not fully recognised by the AKC yet. According to the AKC, Biewers are ‘the first breed to be recognised as a breed of its own (purebred) using advancements in science rather than the traditional process of pedigree documentation.’
4) Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a friendly, affectionate, active dog that adores his family but becomes attached to one individual in particular. President Teddy Roosevelt created these rat terriers to eliminate the rat problem at the White House. Spunky, friendly dogs that love socialising with their family and children are raised together. Because they love to socialise, these dogs don’t handle being kenneled, tied up, or isolated from their people well.
5) Portuguese Podengo
The Podengo Portugueso is one of three Podengo breeds originating from Portugal; it stands eight to 12 inches tall and weighs about 13 pounds. These dogs, whether wire-haired or smooth-coated, require a little grooming. They are wired to run and play until they drop thanks to their genes. The amount of exercise they get may be why they live well into their teens, as they are known to have few genetic problems. You won’t need to make many trips to the veterinarian with this breed, as it is known to have few genetic issues.
6) Belgian Laekenois
There are four native dog breeds in Belgium, one of which is the Laekenois (“Lak-in-wah”). When you encounter one, you will probably be inspired to curl up on the sofa and stroke its mussed coat, but the Laekenois will likely be reluctant. They are not lazybones and will not be pleased if they are left at home or in the backyard. A Laekenois must be active to be content, and they need to be with their human family.
7) Cesky Terrier
In 1948, a Czech breeder created the Cesky Terrier by crossing a Sealyham Terrier and a Scottish Terrier in order to develop a terrier that could hunt in Bohemia’s forests. Although Horák wasn’t a trained scientist, he worked as a research assistant at the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences for many years and applied his knowledge in his dog breeding.
When his dogs became more popular around the world, he received a large volume of mail from outside Czechoslovakia, which caught the attention of the country’s secret police. Horák passed away in 1997.
8) Pyrenean Shepherd
Would you like a snuggle from this scruffy, rough-faced Pyrenean Shepherd? The Pyrenean Shepherd comes in two coat varieties: rough-faced and smooth-faced. Regardless of whether rough or smooth, both breeds have bright eyes and a perpetual smile.
Agility, rally, obedience, dock diving, freestyle work, and almost any canine activity are great for the Pyrenean. Because the Pyrenean is so attuned to their pet parent’s needs, they do particularly well with clicker training and reward-based positive methods.