# 20 Rare Dog Breeds in the US: Pictures, Facts & History - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/20-rare-dog-breeds-in-the-us-pictures-facts-history/ - Published: 2024-02-19 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- The Terrier Breeds You‘ve Probably Never Heard Of When most people think of terriers, a few popular breeds probably come to mind – the feisty Jack Russell, the scruffy Airedale, or the spunky Scottish Terrier. But did you know there are over 30 distinct terrier breeds, some of which are quite rare? In fact, several terrier breeds are considered vulnerable by kennel clubs due to their small global populations. So what makes a dog breed rare in the first place? There are a few factors that can contribute to a breed‘s scarcity. Sometimes breeds from remote geographic areas don‘t spread far beyond their country of origin. Other times, shifts in a breed‘s original working purpose leads to a dwindling population, like we‘ve seen with many terriers that were developed to hunt small game. And some rare breeds simply never gain widespread popularity due to their unique care requirements or lack of mainstream exposure. For terrier lovers interested in a less common companion, these under-the-radar breeds can be appealing. Rare terriers offer the tenacity, boldness and lively spirit the group is known for, wrapped up in unique packages. Let‘s meet seven of the most uncommon and intriguing members of the terrier family. 1. Dandie Dinmont Terrier Hailing from the border regions between England and Scotland, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a distinctive look with a large, domed head and low-to-the ground body. Sturdy and muscular, Dandies weigh 18-24 pounds and have a soft, fluffy coat that comes in "pepper" or "mustard" colors. Like most terriers, Dandies are confident, smart, and independent. Bred to go to ground after badgers and otters, they retain a strong prey drive and a fondness for digging. Daily walks and playtime are a must to keep these active dogs happy. While generally amiable with people, Dandies may not tolerate young children‘s antics and can be scrappy with other dogs if not socialized early. The breed takes its name from a character in Sir Walter Scott‘s 1814 novel Guy Mannering – a farmer who kept these long-bodied terriers to catch rodents and other pests. Despite a long history, Dandies have dwindled in numbers to concerning levels, with only around 100 puppies registered each year in the UK. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America estimates there are less than 3000 in the world today. 1. Skye Terrier Another Scottish breed with a storied past, the Skye Terrier originated on the Isle of Skye several centuries ago. With their profuse, flowing coats and long bodies standing just 10 inches tall, Skyes almost resemble miniature Lassie collies. But don‘t be fooled by their luxurious locks – these are all terrier underneath. Skyes are renowned for their big personalities. Brave, tenacious, and more than a little stubborn, they needed confidence and independent problem-solving skills to flush out prey from rocky cairns. While more mellow than some terriers, they still require patient, consistent training and ample mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Reserved with strangers but deeply devoted to their families, Skyes bond closely with their favorite humans. Interestingly, Skyes were one of the first pets to reside in the White House, brought by James Buchanan before the Civil War. Queen Victoria was also fond of the breed. But the Skye‘s popularity has plummeted since those glory days. The UK Kennel Club has placed them on the "At Risk" list, with only 28 puppies registered in 2022. In the US, you‘d be lucky to encounter even one Skye Terrier in your lifetime. 1. Cesky Terrier Developed in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) in the mid 20th century, the Cesky Terrier remains scarce outside its homeland. With a silky grey coat, petite build and adorably shaggy face, the national dog of the Czech Republic looks a bit like a cross between a Yorkie and Schnauzer. But these mighty mites are all terrier – lively, curious and ready for action. The Cesky was created by crossing Scottish Terriers with Sealyham Terriers, in an effort to produce a smaller hunting dog suited to bolt rabbits and vermin from their dens. Quick and agile with strong chasing instincts, Ceskys need ample exercise and appreciate having a yard to patrol. They are typically family-friendly and relatively easy to train by terrier standards. Still very rare in North America, the AKC estimates there are only around 600 Cesky Terriers in the United States currently – compare that to over 50,000 Yorkshire Terriers! While finding a Cesky breeder stateside may pose a challenge, these plucky little hunters are worth seeking out for active terrier enthusiasts. 1. Glen of Imaal Terrier Named for a remote valley in Ireland where they originated, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a true working dog bred to dispatch vermin and hunt badgers and foxes in tough terrain. Their scruffy, low-shedding coat comes in shades of wheaten, blue, or brindle. Sturdy and muscular, with a big bark, Glens stand about 14 inches at the shoulder. Glen of Imaals are as spirited and courageous as any terrier, with a strong work ethic. While generally less excitable and vocal than some of their cousins, Glens still need a job to do, whether it‘s barn patrol duty or conquering agility courses. They can adapt to apartment living if given enough exercise. Weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping keeps their coats looking tidy. Like many rare breeds, the Glen‘s history contains a genetic bottleneck where their numbers dwindled to dangerously low levels. All current Glens descend from just a handful of dogs saved by dedicated breeders in the early 1900s. Today, this uncommon Irish breed remains scarce even in its native land. In 2022, only 36 Glen of Imaal puppies were registered with the Irish Kennel Club. 1. Sealyham Terrier With their adorably shaggy faces and jaunty expressions, Sealyham Terriers look like real-life teddy bears. But don‘t be fooled by their cuddly appearance – Sealys are spunky and spirited, with all the tenacity of their larger working terrier cousins. Originating in Wales as determined hunters of badgers, otters and other small game, Sealyhams have transitioned into affectionate but energetic companions. Standing about 10 inches tall at the shoulder and clad in a dense white double coat, often with patches of lemon, tan or badger markings, Sealys are small but sturdy. They have an upbeat, friendly demeanor and typically get along well with respectful children. However, these confident characters have minds of their own and may not back down from a confrontation with other dogs. Sealys are also enthusiastic diggers and chasers, so a securely fenced yard is a must. Sealyhams rocketed to popularity in the early 20th century, when they were favored by Hollywood elites like Alfred Hitchcock and Elizabeth Taylor. But the breed‘s star has faded considerably since then. In 2022, Sealyham Terriers were declared a Vulnerable Native Breed by the UK Kennel Club, with only 133 puppies registered. In the US, the AKC recorded just 77 Sealy registrations the same year. Fans of this merry little breed are working hard to boost their numbers. 1. Toy Manchester Terrier The Toy Manchester Terrier packs plenty of spark into a diminutive 12-pound body. These sleek micro-terriers have an elegant, compact build with a short, glossy black-and-tan coat. Bright, curious and brimming with confidence, Toy Manchesters want to be in the thick of family life. They enjoy frequent walks, playtime, and participating in dog sports like flyball and agility. The Toy Manchester descends from hounds used in the English city of Manchester to control vermin and rats during the Industrial Revolution. Over time, smaller specimens were bred down in size, although Toy and Standard Manchester Terriers are still considered the same breed in England. In America, the Toy Manchester gained AKC recognition in 1938, but remains quite uncommon, with under 100 registrations per year. While Toy Manchester Terriers can make delightful companions for the right owners, these busy little dogs require training, socialization, and plenty of enrichment to thrive. Their strong prey drive means cats and other small pets may not be safe sharing a home. Potential owners should also be prepared for possible housetraining challenges, as small dogs can be notoriously tricky in this area. 1. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) Not to be confused with the Toy Manchester, the English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) is a distinct breed in its own right. These tiny terriers have perky, upright ears and weigh just 6-8 pounds. Their short, sleek coats are always black and tan. English Toys are the ultimate "purse dog" – portable, cute as a button, and brimming with personality. Bred down from Manchester Terriers to warm the laps and hearts of English city dwellers in the 1800s, these vivacious micro pups will happily accompany their owners anywhere, but are also capable of amusing themselves at home alone. They retain a strong prey drive from their ratting ancestors, so pocket pets and English Toys don‘t mix. Regular walks and games are a must to keep their active minds engaged. Despite a devoted following in England, English Toy Terriers remain incredibly rare in North America. The AKC accepted the breed into their Foundation Stock Service in 2022, the first step towards full recognition, but only a handful currently reside in the US. Since breeding stock is so limited, it may be years before English Toy Terrier puppies are readily available stateside. What to Know Before Acquiring a Rare Terrier If your heart is set on an uncommon terrier breed, be prepared to do your homework. Researching breeders, getting on waitlists, and possibly traveling long distances to meet your puppy are par for the course with rare breeds. You‘ll also likely pay significantly more than you would for a more popular terrier type. Supporting responsible preservation breeders is important to maintain vulnerable breeds‘ health and genetic diversity. Look for breeders who conduct health tests recommended for their breed, provide a written contract, and carefully screen potential buyers. Avoid breeders offering multiple rare breeds, selling puppies online with no questions asked, or not willing to show you their dogs‘ living conditions. Another option is adopting an adult dog through a breed-specific rescue. Many uncommon breeds have national networks of dedicated volunteers who rehome dogs in need. While puppies are seldom available through rescues, adopting an adult allows you to bypass housetraining and teething phases. Offering an experienced home to a rare breed rescue dog in need can be a tremendously rewarding experience. Living with a Rare Terrier While each uncommon terrier breed has its own unique charms, living with any terrier requires a certain lifestyle. These are busy, inquisitive, often stubborn dogs that need training, socialization, and plenty of outlets for their natural instincts. Terriers often have a strong prey drive, a love of digging, and a distrust of strange dogs. They are also renowned barkers, so if peace and quiet is a priority, a terrier may not be the best fit. On the flip side, terrier owners will tell you that life with these characterful little dogs is never dull! Terriers are entertaining and engaging companions, with a zest for life that is impossible to resist. They are also affectionate, loyal, and refreshingly low-maintenance in the grooming department compared to many small companion breeds. As you‘ve seen, rare terrier breeds have fascinating histories and unique qualities that set them apart from their more common cousins. From the stoic Skye to the vivacious English Toy, these uncommon breeds each have a special magic all their own. For experienced dog owners willing to embrace the terrier lifestyle, a rare breed can be incredibly rewarding. With dedicated efforts to promote and preserve vulnerable breeds, these remarkable little dogs will be around to delight future generations of terrier lovers. --- Source: [20 Rare Dog Breeds in the US: Pictures, Facts & History](https://33rdsquare.com/20-rare-dog-breeds-in-the-us-pictures-facts-history/)