You’ve probably come across many different breeds of shepherds running around in the park, but none are as rare and exotic as the breeds seen here. Some breeds were once owned by the wealthy French and German elite, while others prefered to remain isolated from the outside world.
New Guinea Singing Dog
These singing dogs have been isolated for over 10,000 years in the mountains of New Guinea. The different pitched howls produce a symphony when joined together. There are fewer than 100 Singing Dogs that remain outside of their natural habitat today.
Löwchen
The German translation for Löwchen is Little Lion. The Löwchen remains one of the most rare breeds out there, dating as far back as 1442. They were once owned by the wealthy elite of Germany and France. They can be seen through historical paintings as well.
Leonberger
These massive hounds are an interesting mix of a Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. They were rumored to have been bred to resemble lions, hence the name. Only 8 of them remain in existence today.
Bergamasco Shepherd
You might mistake one of these guys for a rag mop, but they are very friendly, and extremely obedient to their owners. They were bred in the mighty Alps.
Brussels Griffon
These little terriers originated from Belgium before the World Wars had begun. They were also used to hunt small rodents, and made wonderful companions. Very few exist today.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff relies on a thick coat of fur to keep warm during the harsh winters in Tibet. They typically weigh anywhere between 100 to 160 pounds or (45 to 64 kilos).
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The origin of this pint-size little fellow traces back to the early 1700’s in Scotland. This particular breed is a unique mix of a Skye Terrier and a Scotch Terrier. They are also very rare.
