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Another dog hailing from Hungary is the rare Wirehaired Vizsla. These dogs were initially bred to be hunting dogs. However, they are just as likely to be friendly, docile family pets!
This tiny breed was once prized by the Russian aristocracy centuries ago, who loved the English Toy Terrier but decided that it just wasn’t tiny enough. This breed was officially recognized as recently as 2022.
This tiny dog may look like a Yorkie, but it certainly isn’t one. The Biewer Terrier was introduced in Germany in the 1980s, but a genetic study recently confirmed that they are, in fact, a breed of their own.
This dog has been around for centuries, but was only officially recognized in 2015. The Boerboel–literally named "farm bulldog" in Afrikaans–originates from South Africa, where these dogs were traditionally used for hunting baboons and leopards.
Also recognized in 2015 was the Bergamasco Shepherd, a mysterious breed that is unidentifiable in its origins. But despite their inexplicable nature, we love them all the same!
The Barbet–translated from the French word for "beard"–is most distinctive for its fur that looks like a, well, beard! This breed rose to prominence in 2020, and is also known for its love of swimming.
The Miniature American Shepherd, or MAS for short, is a small herding dog that is highly intelligent and very athletic. In fact, it was bred specifically for dog sport competitions, before it was recognized as an official breed in 2015.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound was bred on American soil to be a hunting dog in the Smoky Mountains. If you want this dog for yourself, be warned: it’s bark is alarmingly loud!
This dog breed was entirely an accidental result of a genetic fluke. A dog named Josephine was born completely hairless in 1972, and her offspring have carried the same genetic marker ever since. The American Hairless Terrier was finally recognized as a new breed in 2016.
This breed originates from the tropical island of Madagascar, where, according to legend, they were rescued from shipwrecked pirate ships in the Mozambique Channel.
As you can probably guess from the name, the Dogo Argentino comes from Argentina, where it was bred in the early 20th century to hunt wild boar. But although this breed may have had a tumultuous history, they are actually very affectionate and fiercely loyal!
Only recognized in 2015, the Berger Picard is actually an incredibly rare breed. It actually almost faced extinction after both World War I and World War II.
The Xoloitzcuintle–also known as the Mexican hairless dog–is the ancient Aztec dog of the gods and has been around for 3,000 years. Strangely, though, this dog was only recently added to the list of recognized breeds.
The Pumi was originally bred from the more commonly known Puli and was recognized in 2016. In fact, the two breeds share very similar physical traits, except that the Pumi’s corded hair doesn’t mat in the way that the Puli’s does.
Whatever you might believe, the Russell Terrier is different from the Jack Russell Terrier, although their physical traits are remarkably similar. The Russel Terrier is very friendly and inquisitive, and was developed for foxhunts in England.
This dog breed is used in Spain as a general purpose sheepdog and guard. With its shaggy coat, it is quite similar in appearance to its cousin, the Portuguese Water Dog.
This incredibly rare breed still sticks around its native hunting grounds of Sicily, Italy. Interestingly, the name of the dog comes from the island’s Etna volcano, and there are only about 100 new purebred dogs registered every year.
The Mudi is a close relative of the Pumi and Puli, and is often used in herding. They are highly energetic and need regular exercise, so be prepared if you are intending to get one!
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen–or GBGV, for short–was officially recognized in 2018. It can be quite a stubborn scenthound!
This beautiful Turkish breed is truly an imposing shepherd, and known to be a fearlessly protective and loyal guardian of livestock. The dog’s name, translated from Turkish, means "white head," which is a distinguishing feature of the breed.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is an incredibly intelligent and usually stubborn breed that is a mix between the Alaskan Husky and the American Eskimo Dog. It can be very energetic and curious, but reserved with unfamiliar people and situations.
The Tamaskan Dog was intentionally bred to look like a wolf. Its origins can be traced back to Finland and the United Kingdom in the 1980s, but, surprisingly, some dog organizations do not acknowledge the Tamaskan as a legitimate breed.
In 2019, the Azawakh breed was recognized outside of its native West Africa. But despite its recent recognition, this dog has been around since ancient times. And fun fact: their legs make them excellent runners on the hot Saharan sand.
Another Italian dog breed joins this list, with the official recognition of the Lagotto Romagnolo in 2015. This breed is at least partly responsible for most of the water retriever breeds that are around today. These dogs are especially adored for their penchant for hunting for truffles.
Another breed from the rough Sahara is the Arabian Greyhound, also known as the Sloughi. This dog’s legacy can be found on rock and tomb paintings in Algeria and Egypt, with its slender body and floppy ears on display.
This breed has made recognizable appearances in quite a few Dutch paintings from famous artists, such as Rembrandt and Jan Steen. But despite its history in the Netherlands, it only became an official breed in 2018.
The Portuguese Podengo is notorious for being a difficult dog to train. The breed is incredibly intelligent and is known to hunt deer, boar, and rabbits in the Portuguese countryside.
Another dog that is difficult to train is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. It originated from the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia, where the dog was bred as a guardian dog for livestock. This breed is fearlessly bold and self-confident, so it should never be taken lightly!
Sources: (Front of the Pack) (American Kennel Club) (DogTime)
See also: Mistakes dog owners make all the time
Indeed, it may be shocking to learn that there are still new dog breeds being recognized today. Many of us just assumed that all dog breeds had been figured out some 100 years ago. Sure, there aren’t entirely new dog breeds that have been introduced in the last 10 years, because creating a new breed takes many decades to achieve. Nonetheless, we’ve curated a list of some breeds that have been officially recognized by various kennel clubs around the world.
Curious? Click through this gallery to discover what these new breeds are.
This rare, small-sized dog breed from England was developed in the 19th century for herding cattle and controlling vermin. However, it only recently became recognized by the American Kennel Club, joining the official 2024 Dog Show. Known for their agile build and friendly demeanor, they come in colors like black and tan or liver and tan. Loyal and trainable, these dogs make excellent companions for active families, thriving on mental and physical stimulation while bringing joy and energy to any household.
The Belgian Laekenois is one of the four varieties of the Belgian Shepherd, known for its distinctive rough, fawn-colored coat. Originally bred for herding and guarding sheep in Belgium, this medium-sized dog is intelligent, loyal, and protective. With a strong work ethic and high energy levels, the Laekenois excels in obedience, agility, and protection sports. They thrive in active environments, making them ideal companions for experienced dog owners who can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation.
The Bracco Italiano is an ancient Italian hunting breed known for its elegance and versatility. With its distinctive short coat, long ears, and athletic build, this breed excels in both pointing and retrieving game. Friendly and affectionate, the Bracco Italiano is a loyal companion that thrives on human interaction. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation, making them ideal for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures. Their gentle nature and keen intelligence make them excellent family pets.
New dog breeds you've probably never heard of
Did you know there are new kinds of dogs?
LIFESTYLE Pets
Indeed, it may be shocking to learn that there are still new dog breeds being recognized today. Many of us just assumed that all dog breeds had been figured out some 100 years ago. Sure, there aren’t entirely new dog breeds that have been introduced in the last 10 years, because creating a new breed takes many decades to achieve. Nonetheless, we’ve curated a list of some breeds that have been officially recognized by various kennel clubs around the world.
Curious? Click through this gallery to discover what these new breeds are.