Unique Dog Breeds…
For a moment, step away from the common favorite dog breeds like retrievers and hounds, poodles and terriers, and check out these five unique dog breeds.
1. Azawakh
Breed History: Originally from the African Sahel region, this sight hound has accompanied wanderers for generations as hunting a guard dogs.
Appearance: Resembling the stature of a greyhound or whippet, this breed weighs between 33 and 55 pounds and stands about two feet tall.
Personality: This smart breed have a strong drive to chase prey and must be supervised around other small animals. They love their families fiercely and adapt best to new situations as puppies.
Health Concerns: The Azawakh has a susceptibility to hypothyroidism and a bleeding disease called von Willebrand’s.
Trainability: Like most purebred dogs, early and consistent training is best.
Grooming Requirements: This breed has an easy care short coat and should be brushed just once a week. Trim her nails and clean her ears regularly and you’re good to go.
Fun Fact: The breed is referred to as “Aidi N’Ailluli,” meaning “Noble Dogs of the Free People.”
Reference Links: http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/azawakh
2. Kooikerhondje
Breed History: This adorable breed comes to us straight from Holland and was used for duck hunting. It’s suspected that this breed may have sprung from the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Appearance: She typically stands no more than 16 inches high, weighs between 20-24 pounds and has a life span of 12 to 14 years.
Personality: The Kooikerhondje makes an excellent pet for the whole family. He loves to play especially when it involves running into water.
Health Concerns: All dogs can have some health concerns but, generally, the Kooikerhondje as a breed has a good track record.
Trainability: He is very intelligent and, therefore, learns quickly. He tends toward a bit of mouthiness so training not to play bite is important.
Grooming Requirements: This breed has a medium length coat with a bit of a wave to it with feathers on legs and tail. Once a week brushing should keep her coat in good shape but you’ll need to do more in peak shedding season. Her coat is naturally water proof so you should only have to bathe if she rolls in stinky doggie perfume.
Reference Link: http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/kooikerhondje
3. Sloughi
Flickr photo via Photo Evenements 54 & Black Photo
Breed History: The Sloughi comes from that part of Africa in the northern Sahara region.
Appearance: Males tend to be taller than females. A male Sloughi averages about 28 inches tall and weighs between 55 and 65 pounds. A female, on the other hand, typically stands about 25 inches and weighs between 35 and 50 pounds.
Personality: This breed loves their families and tend to bond closely with them. They love nothing better than to lie on a soft rug or blanket inside. This breed is cautious with strangers but affectionate with friends.
Health Concerns: A rare health issue with this breed is night blindness. Make sure any breeder you buy a puppy from has had DNA testing for this condition on the parents.
Trainability: Sloughi’s respond well to gentle and consistent training. They adapt well to children and other animals if introduced to them when young. They do have a strong instinct to chase.
Grooming Requirements: Their coat is short with no undercoat and dirt tends to fall off as the coat dries. They need protection on their feet and bodies if living in a cold climate.
Reference Link: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/sloughi.htm
Finnish Lapphund
Breed History: Part of the herding breed, the Lappie began his existence to help nomadic people herd reindeer. Because of this, they do not tolerate heat well.
Appearance: This spitz-type breed is a smaller dog with the tallest being about 21 inches. They weigh in at between 33 and 53 pounds so there’s lots of muscle in that little body.
Personality: She is a barker by nature because she had to herd large game. She’s a good watchdog and is generally calm and peaceful with people.
Health Concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy is a problem that can occur in this breed. Make sure any breeder has had testing done on the parents and has the appropriate certifications.
Trainability: Lappies will not give you pure obedience for the asking because they are independent thinkers. They love positive reinforcement like treats and play and need at least 30 minutes of good exercise each day.
Grooming Requirements: With a thick coat for warmth, she will need to be brushed regularly especially in shedding season.
Reference Link: http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/finnish-lapphund
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Breed History: This breed is one of the four Swiss mountain dog breeds and is the rarest of them as well. When not herding in the mountains, she is guarding her family zealously.
Appearance: A member of the Mastiff group, the Appenzeller has muscles but not heft. They stand between 18 and 23 inches tall and weigh approximately 50-70 pounds.
Personality: This breed tends to be shy with strangers but effusive with friends and family. He’s good with children when raised with them and it’s important to socialize him early on.
Health Concerns: This is one of the breeds that has few serious health concerns. Always ask for health certificates on the parents from breeders before buying a puppy.
Trainability: This is a working dog breed and, as such, has high demands for training and exercise. If you are active outside, she will go along with you on just about any adventure.
Grooming Requirements: She has a straight haired double coat that needs a brushing once a week or so to remove dead hair and dirt.