10 Rare US Dog Breeds

The Sicilian Cirneco dell'Etna hunting dog is from the Mediterranean. Their strong sense of smell and stealthy hunting tactics allow them to surprise small victims. Cirneco dell'Etna is only available in Italy, and only 200 people live in the U.S.  

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1. Cirneco dell’Etna

Long and low, the Skye Terrier originated on Scotland's Isle of Skye. Despite their diminutive size, they were designed to hunt badgers, otters, and foxes.  

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2. Skye Terrier

From Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia) comes the Cesky Terrier. They're little but strong all-purpose hunting terriers. The Cesky Terrier was introduced to America in the 1980s, but just 600 remain.  

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3. Cesky Terrier

Italian sheepdog Bergamasco Shepherds herd cattle and sheep. The Bergamasque Alps and Prealps, in the southern Alps, are their origin. This unusual breed is easy to spot due to its long, felted coat, yet it is rare in America.  

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4. Bergamasco Shepherd

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (PONs) are likely descendants of Tibetan Terriers and Pulis. It may even be linked to the Bearded Collie. A diligent veterinarian saved the PON from extinction during World War II. Despite being Poland's unofficial national dog, they're rare in America.  

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5. Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The uncommon and old Ibizan Hound is from Spain's Ibiza. Egyptian patterns like these tall sighthounds' elongated heads and tall ears date back millennia.  

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6. Ibizan Hound

American Foxhounds are scent hounds bred to hunt foxes. George Washington reportedly helped establish the breed. As one of the first American breeds, the American Foxhound is today quite rare.  

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7. American Foxhound

Herding dog from the French Pyrenees, the Pyrenean Sheepdog. Shepherds brought them to the U.S. in the 19th century, but they are now rare outside of France. The Pyr Sheepdog still herds in its homeland.  

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8. Pyrenean Sheepdog

Small Spitz-type Norwegian Lundehunds are from Norway. These essential working canines hunted puffins for sustenance along the seashore for centuries. They have six toes on each foot and an extra neck joint for flexibility, making them ideal for this job.

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9. Norwegian Lundehund

The Sloughi, or Arabian Greyhound, is an ancient Northern African breed. This slender, quick coursing hound was developed to pursue desert animals like foxes, jackals, and gazelles.

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10. Sloughi