Highlights: Highly Trainable, Serious, Serious. Though they bond well with families, outsiders can make them a bit hesitant.

Its numbers dwindled drastically during World War II, and despite rehabilitation efforts, the AKC estimates that only a few thousand Mudi remain worldwide.

And while some of these rare pooches might not be as ideal for family life as the golden retrievers of the world, others can be fabulous companions — if, of course, you can track one down (and pay the potentially high price).

© The American Kennel Club, Inc. All rights reserved, Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Puppy-Proofing Tips For Your Home And Yard, iy_2020; im_09; id_25; ih_06; imh_41; i_epoch:1601041273718, py_2020; pm_08; pd_28; ph_06; pmh_41; p_epoch:1598622100528, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Fri Aug 28 06:41:40 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1598622100528. Its distinctive curly coat serves as waterproofing for swims through frigid lakes.

In any case, it is a good idea to socialize them early on to keep them open to meeting new people and pets. Both able and sturdy, Black and Tan Coonhounds are a classic American breed. If it has a job, you can be sure it will get it done, and done right. Belgian Tervurens stand 22-26 inches tall and weigh 45-75 pounds, though their thick coat can make them appear larger than they actually are. The Bloodhounds sense of smell is one of the best. Scottish Deerhounds might not be the most popular of breeds, but they still have a dignity all their own. Accordingly, they make some of the finest watchdogs around.

If you’re seeking a new canine pet that’s “larger than life,” we’ve made it easy for you. Bred to stalk and hunt wild deer, they can have an almost prowling posture at times. They need little grooming but plenty of exercise. Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. The earliest dog breeders used wolves to create domestic dogs. Bred in the Netherlands, these retrievers also won't hesitate to make a splash while going after ducks or birds.

Another extremely lithe breed, the Sloughi is 24-29 inches tall but only 35-50 pounds. This “Apollo of Dogs” stands a massive 28-32 inches and weighs a whopping 145-175 pounds. They might look like the wind will blow them away, but OESs are actually quite sturdy. Their thick, wavy coat is distinctively oily. But when on the hunt, they keep their wits about them and have been described as keeping a sensible mindset at all times.

Gordon Setters are 23-27 inches and weigh 45-80 pounds, making them one of the lighter breeds on this list. With a name that roughly translates to “Bodyguard Dog” the Cane Corso puts its 23.6-27.5 stature and weight of up to 120 pounds to good use.

Though shorter than other breeds, they have a towering drive for work. Now here is a breed that has been around for a while. This dog loves to run and jump, making it an excellent flyball and Frisbee companion; a suspicious streak also means a mudi can be a great watchdog. But be careful: It's not common to see them exactly because this breed is best for the most dedicated dog owners.