Have you ever wanted to own a rare small dog breed? A little mystery pup that will turn heads as he prances around at the local dog park? Here are a few of the most stunning rare dog breeds from tiniest to smallest that stand out in the crowd … if you can afford them!
Russian Toy Dog, Biewer Terrier, Bolognese, Brussels Griffon, Coton de Tulear, Affenpinscher, Lowchen, Bedlington Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier
We love our dogs. They’re an extremely important piece of our family unit and we couldn’t do without them. But sometimes we get the urge to look into the eyes of something a little bit different. A breed that we don’t see every day. A breed that puzzles us.
Most of us have seen that rare small dog breed that was so unfamiliar that it made us wonder if it was really a dog at all. The appearance, the coat, that all-so-different looking face, all fascinate and captivate us.
We go home and immediately start trying to Google what we think we saw.
Owning one of these rare dog breeds can be extremely rewarding. But it can also be expensive. And many times we are forced to go on the dreaded waiting list in anticipation of our new unique pooch.
But is it all worth it? Well, you decide.
In this post, you are going to learn all about the different rare small dog breeds, the temperament of these cuddly canines, and how much money these pricey little creatures will set you back.
After learning about these small dog breeds, you will be on your way to finding that perfect, rare pooch that will stand out in a crowd and keep everyone guessing!
This post is all about rare small dog breeds that are curious, baffling, and bizarre so that you can start brain-storming on your next new mysterious bestie!
#1 – The Russian Toy Dog // The Russkiy Toy
The tiniest of tinies in our rare small dog breeds list, the Russian Toy dog tips the scales at a whopping 6 pounds. He stands approximately 8-11 inches tall and has a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
Originating from Russia, the Russian Toy is the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) most newly recognized dog breed in 2022.
One of the smallest dog breeds in the world, the Russian Toy dog started out as English Toy Terriers and were companion dogs for Russian nobility in the 18th century. Because of the love of their small size, the upper class often went to social events carrying these little bundles of cuteness with them.
At the start of the 20th century, the breed became known as the Russian Toy Terrier. The name Terrier was later removed from the title of the breed in 2006.
These toy dog breeds are loving, playful, and cheerful. Their lifetime devotion to your family will have you falling in love with him instantly.
Russian Toys are easy to train and highly intelligent. They are true companion dogs that want to go everywhere with you. And, because of their size, they can!
How Much Does a Russian Toy Dog Cost?
These pocket-sized purebreds also answer to the names Russian Toy Terrier, Russian Terrier, Moscow Toy Terrier, and the Moscovian Miniature Terrier. They are an overall healthy breed.
These active canines will need daily walks because of their perky energy levels. But because their neck and trachea are so small and fragile, your new petite fur buddy will benefit from a harness rather than a collar.
If you notice that your fun-sized fur buddy is getting a little more vocal than usual, increase his daily walks. This will satisfy his pent-up energy and tire him out for a cuddly night at home.
Grooming is relatively simple. A gentle brush daily with a soft grooming comb or a quick wipe with a damp cloth should do the trick.
Russian Toy dogs are people-pleasers and want nothing more than to make you happy. They will seek your approval at every turn. These dainty little creatures are big-time snugglers and form close family bonds.
These cheerful little rascals thrive on human companionship and are great with the young and old alike. Like a lot of small dog breeds, Russian Toys do not like being left alone and will suffer separation anxiety because they miss you so much.
If this adorable, teeny-weeny rare small dog breed sounds like the perfect pooch match for you, be prepared to shell out anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 and up depending on the breeder.
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#2 – The Biewer Terrier – Let’s Talk Terriers
These beautiful, elegant, tri-colored toy terriers weigh around 4-8 pounds and stand about 7-11 inches in height. They have a lifespan of 16 years.
Pronounced “beaver”, this graceful breed came into its own in the mid-1980s when a German couple that prided themselves on raising and showing Yorkshire Terriers for 20 years, created the first Biewer. This was made possible through the occurrence of a recessive piebald gene in their Yorkies.
Their veterinarian suggested that they name the breed after themselves.
Also known as Biewer a la Pom Pon, Biewer Yorkie, and Biewer Yorkshire, these goofy, adorable rare small dog breeds love to put on a show and entertain their humans.
The whimsical personalities in these terrier breeds will have you laughing out loud while you are accepting the many toys they will deliver to you.
Biewer Terriers are tiny, confident, and proud pups that will protect their castle when needed but are not generally barkers. This makes them the ideal pint-size pooch for apartment living.
These entertaining canines thrive on companionship. They’re at their best when there’s another dog in the house for company when you’re gone.
Mellow, easy-going, and self-exercisers, their playful puppy-like personalities provide them with the exercise they need. But they love daily walks to show off their beauty and disposition.
Why Are Biewer Terriers So Expensive?
The Biewer Terrier was recognized as a breed in the toy group by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2021. These pint-size goofballs are decades old and in high demand.
How much is a Biewer Terrier you ask? Well, let me tell you.
Biewer Terriers are quickly growing in popularity. And just like the graceful, elegance of these beauties, so is their costly price tag. Pet pups go for $1,000-$3,000. If you want the “cream of the crop”, be prepared for that price to climb to around $3,500-$5,000.
The rarity of the Biewer Terrier can make them difficult to find, which may be one of the reasons for their lavish price tag.
They are highly intelligent, easy to train, and love to stay busy. Biewer Yorkies are a lot of personalities packed into a tiny frame. But at the end of the day, cuddling up in your lap is exactly where they want to be.
Since getting your hands on one of these rare small dog breeds is no easy task, this gives you time to check out the Biewer Terrier Club of America for more info on this animated, good-natured canine.
If you are looking for little dogs that stay small, then look no further than the affectionate, tiny, Biewer Terrier. Grab some cash and get yourself on the waiting list for this proud, confident canine that will never let you down.
#3 – The Bolognese // Rare Small Dog Breeds
These small, spunky, spirited, purebred lapdogs originated in Italy and were named after the Italian city of Bologna. This hypoallergenic toy breed is one of the oldest European companion dogs dating back to the 12th century. They were kept by the wealthy and gifted to the nobility.
Pronounced “bowl-oh-knees”, these snow-white bundles of fur also answer to the names Bichon Bolognese, Bolognese Toy Dog, Bologneser, Bolo, and Botoli Bottolo.
Bolos weigh about 5.5-9 pounds and are 10-12 inches in height. Their length is usually equal to their height. They have a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
Their family ancestry includes the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Havanese, Lowchens, and Coton de Tulear. You may also find mixes of the Bolognese: the Bolo-Tzu (Bolognese and Shih Tzu), Bolonoodle (Bolognese and Poodle), and the Bolo-Chi (Bolognese and Chihuahua). They’ve also been known to mix with a Beagle (Beaglolo) and a Pekingese, known as the Peekaboo.
Although they love children, Bolos are small and potentially fragile so make sure you monitor this gorgeous pup when around younger children.
A rare small dog breed in the United States, these faithful, easy-going, calm canines are cuddly lapdogs that do not require a lot of exercise. They are low-energy small dog breeds without the “yappy” bark that a lot of toy breeds seem to have.
Bolos are generally healthy dogs. They can be shy but will warm up to you very quickly. Despite their reputation for being a little stubborn, these gentle-spirited beauties are highly intelligent and easy to train. They love to please and pick up cues very easily.
All of these traits combined make the Bolognese the ideal pup for apartment living and seniors looking for that perfect pooch.
How Much Does A Bolognese Dog Cost?
Well, that all depends on what you’re looking for. These cuddly lapdogs will only cost you around $300 if you’re adopting. But buying from a breeder can send the price soaring anywhere from $1,000-$2,500.
Now, if you are looking for a Bolognese with full registration, you may want to set aside at least $2,000-$5,000 to make your canine wish come true.
But of course, depending on many factors, all these numbers could change. Just make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder if you are choosing that route over adoption.
This small dog breed almost became extinct at the beginning of World War II. But thanks to European breeders focused on rebuilding the breeds’ numbers and popularity, this priceless pooch endured.
The beautiful, kind-hearted Bolognese checks all the boxes when looking for your perfect forever furry friend. You can have all the prestige of owning a rare small dog breed without shelling out a ton of cash, and you will have one of the most devoted, hugable, snuggle buddies on the market!
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#4 – The Comical Brussels Griffon
The facial expression of this little cantankerous canine says it all. Descended from the German Affenpinscher and the Belgian street dog, the Brussels Griffon is a comical dog with an air of self-importance.
These tiny dogs with huge personalities have a human-like appearance and have won hearts around the world. These pups are compassionate and have a persona that’s larger than life.
These characters are named after Brussels, Belgium, and were originally bred to keep rodents under control in places where, well, rodents tend to gather.
We almost lost these whimsical little creatures to extinction. But thankfully, they were brought back by American and British breeders after World War I and World War II.
Brussels Griffon also answer to the name Griffon Bruxellois. These funny, goofy little tykes weigh around 8-10 pounds and measure 7-10 inches high. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years.
These feisty, animated little pups attract attention with their large, gleaming eyes, amusing and entertaining pout, and almost human-like expressions. Their self-important personalities are a constant source of amusement.
Although they truly love their human families, their comic but cocky demeanor may have you wondering. These energetic rare small dog breeds usually won’t stay still long enough to be considered proper lapdogs. But they will jump up in your lap from time to time for a very quick snuggle. Although, cuddle time must be on their terms, of course.
Brussels Griffons are beaming with self-confidence. They do better in an environment with adults or grown kids because they get annoyed with poking and prodding.
These naughty little pompous pups will often pout or cause mischief if they don’t get their way. They must be the center of attention and do not do well sharing the spotlight. They really do best in a one-pet household.
How Much Do Brussels Griffons Cost?
These quirky little creatures will set you back about $4,000, but that face and attitude may be worth the price. If $4,000 seems a little steep, you’re likely to find one cheaper if you are willing to take your time and wait it out.
But getting your hands on one of the rare small dog breeds will take some work on your part. It’s basically a supply and demand problem so most likely you will be put on a waiting list.
Brussels Griffons are a hypoallergenic dog breed, hilarious, goofy, alert, and watchful. They are highly intelligent dogs that require about 30 minutes of exercise a day.
These pint-size pups are not known to be aggressive, but if your attention is not solely on them, they may show their disapproval of you in other ways. Don’t be surprised if your priceless pooch decides to tear up expensive items that you hold dear. He may also leave little doodle drops behind for you to show his dissatisfaction with your actions.
Although these bubbly babies are full of self-confidence, and themselves, they do not like being left alone and may suffer from separation anxiety if they’re without you.
If you want a one-pet household, have grown kids, and want to devote your entire day looking into the eyes of this mischievous little comic, then the Brussels Griffon may be the perfect humorous hound for you.
#5 – Cuddly Coton de Tulear
Looking for a rare small dog breed that is as white as snow and from … wait for it … Madagascar? Well, look no further than the beautiful, white Coton de Tulear.
Named for the city of Tulear in Madagascar and bred as companions for royals in Madagascar, this beauty weighs between 7.5-13 pounds. They stand 9-12 inches tall and have a life expectancy of 14-16 years.
Also known as Coton or Cotie, these sweet-faced canines are in danger of extinction in their homeland of Madagascar. They are thought to have originated from little white dogs who swam to Madagascar after a shipwreck.
Pronounced “ko-tone dih-too-lay-are”, these hypoallergenic dogs are playful, affectionate, and easy-going. This precious pup is perfect for your new furry apartment bestie.
Coton de Tulears have a happy, clownish disposition and always seem to have a smile on their face. These social butterflies form an extremely close bond with their human families and get along well with everyone.
They love to play and entertain you. But after the show, they’re content with a good snuggle for the rest of the night.
Coton de Tulears are charming, entertaining, intelligent, and charismatic. They make an excellent furry addition to any family.
Is A Coton de Tulear Expensive?
The average price of these adorable, elegant pups is around $300. But if you’re looking to get these caring canines from a breeder, it could set you back as much as $4,000.
Daily walks are recommended for this devoted pooch. Coton de Tulear dogs are best for stay-at-home pet parents because they are exceptionally clingy. But looking at that adorable face and that smile that shows his teeth, who could resist?
If you’re looking for endless cuddling with a sociable, bubbly, white ball of fur, then this witty pup needs to top the list in your search for rare small dog breeds.
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#6 – Adorable Affenpinscher Dogs
Is this the face that only a mother could love? Not on your life. These curious, fun-loving, adventurous rare small dog breeds originated in Germany and will make a delightful addition to any family.
Pronounced “a-fuhn-pin-shr”, these expressive canines weigh in around 6-13 pounds and stand 23-30 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 11-14 years.
Originating in Germany, these black beauties also answer to the name Monkey Terrier. The French describe this little jewel as a “mustached little devil” because of its unusual facial appearance and dense, coarse, shaggy coat.
Your hypoallergenic Affenpinscher will need about 30 minutes a day of exercise to keep their perfect little physique in shape.
Although these Monkey Terriers may be tough, they’re still a rare toy dog breed. Stepping on or sitting on these tiny canines could be fatal for them.
Affenpinschers are a little suspicious towards strangers and love to bark. They also may not do well with small animals since they love to chase rodents.
These happy, mischievous, companion dogs love to cuddle up in your lap. Although they are fond of children, sometimes the energy of small kids can make Affenpinschers feel a little “annoyed”.
Monkey Terriers appear to have an air of comic seriousness and are spunkier than most other toy breeds. These animated canines are high-strung and may tremble when excited. Socialize this baby in order to keep him from being too harsh or wild.
How Much Does An Affenpinscher Cost?
Expect to pay around $500-$1,000 for an Affenpinscher pup. But for rare dog breeds, this price seems like a steal. Only a few of these small dog breeds are registered each year in the United States. Be prepared to be on a waiting list once you’ve decided on this attention-seeking canine.
Just looking at this precious face, you have probably already figured out that these babies can throw tantrums or pout when they don’t get their way. Although you will be tempted to laugh during these doggie hissy fits or when they are sulking, try to control yourself and correct the behavior. They are extremely bright and will understand and respond to your verbal no-no’s.
Taking themselves so seriously along with his “I’m better than you” facial expressions, this witty little comedian will be a hoot to watch
All in all, the Affenpinscher will adore his family and be the little Monkey Terrier snuggle bug that will melt your heart.
#7 – Lowchen // The Little Lion Dog
Known as the Little Lion Dog or Petit Chien Lion Dogs, this amazing rare small dog breed was once the rarest dog in the world. In the early 1970s, there were less than 70 Lowchens in the world.
Originating in Europe, France, and Germany, these hypoallergenic dogs have an average weight of 15 pounds and stand 12-14 inches tall. Their life expectancy is approximately 14 years.
These pups have been recognized as a breed since the Renaissance. They were extremely popular with noblemen but were practically extinct by the end of the 19 century.
But through careful breeding practices, the Lowchen was saved in the mid-1940s.
These playful, intelligent, and happy canines tip the scale when it comes to the affection they feel for their human family. They’re great with children and have a sweet, friendly face that you just can’t say no to.
These small purebred dogs are healthy, outgoing, positive pets that are easy to train. They are lively, adventurous, and playful but not hyperactive.
Little Lion Dogs are big-hearted, loving pups with calm personalities. They love to bark but with a little training, this trait can be controlled.
Just How Much Is A Lowchen Dog?
Well, just how deep are your pockets? Having your heart set on one of these awesome canine beauties will set you back a whopping $5,000-$8,000.
Although the Lowchen was saved from extinction, they are still one of the rarest dog breeds around. You probably won’t find very many of these priceless pups at the local dog hangout.
As with many rare dog breeds, don’t be surprised if you find yourself on the waiting list for this precious pooch. Even though the price tag is hefty, this charismatic little pup is in high demand.
Lowchens come in a variety of colors. But don’t get too attached to these beautiful puppy markings. As these handsome hounds mature, they will go through many different color changes.
These Little Lion Dogs are elegant and light on their feet as they trot gracefully beside you on walks. After their walk, a nice long cuddle in your lap is the perfect ending to a great day.
So head on down to the bank and grab a little dough so you can get on the waiting list to own your very own priceless rare small dog breed and be the envy of everyone at the dog park!
[RELATED POST: 6 Most Affectionate Small Dog Breeds That Love To Cuddle}
#8 – Bedlington Terrier // Terrier Breeds
These extremely rare small dog breeds originated in England and were named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland. They were originally bred to hunt but they have also been used in dog racing and several dog sports.
Bedlington Terriers are in a class by themselves. Their distinctive lamb-like appearance is sure to get you plenty of attention at the local canine watering hole.
Also known as Rothbury Terrier, Rodbery Terrier, and Rothbury’s Lamb, these unique beauties are closely related to the Dandie Dinmont, Kerry Blue, and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers.
Bedlington Terriers have a softer coat than most other terrier breeds. Although they tend to be a little bit stubborn at times, they are highly intelligent and pick up on training very quickly.
These hypoallergenic dog breeds have an average weight of 20 pounds and stand approximately 16 inches tall. These intelligent creatures have a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
Bedlington Terriers are extremely loving and make great companions for adults and children alike. They have a caring disposition and a genuine love for their humans.
While these handsome hounds are relatively healthy, they are prone to an inherited liver problem known as Copper Storage Disease, as well as a few others.
These active little characters will thrive with an adventurous family. They will need plenty of exercise and they love to be outdoors. They have a loyal, playful, and energetic spirit. If you’re in need of a running buddy, this is the perfect small dog breed for you!
How Much Do Bedlington Terriers Cost?
If you’re not on the hunt for a show-quality Bedlington Terrier, you can probably pick one of these sweet-natured canines up for around $1,500-$2,500. Otherwise, expect to shell out around $5,000 for one that is specifically bred for dog shows.
Bedlington Terriers demand constant companionship so don’t think you can leave your loving snuggle buddy home alone. These car-loving canines are exceptionally well-mannered so just load them up and take them with you.
These precious pups are very good at matching the mood of their owners. If you’re up for a brisk walk in the mornings, then so are they. If it’s time for cuddling in the evening, they’re perfectly happy with that too.
So if you’re looking to purchase a rare pooch that is sure to draw plenty of attention, then the adorable, mild-mannered, protective Bedlington Terrier may be just what you’re looking for.
#9 – Dandie Dinmont Terrier // Rarest And Most Endangered
And last only by weight — is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Known as being one of the rarest and most endangered of all purebred dogs, this small Scottish pup is fun-loving, affectionate, lively, and determined.
But there is a fear that this invaluable pooch will soon become extinct, so the Kennel Club in England has put it on their endangered native breeds list.
Weighing in between 18-24 pounds and standing 8-11 inches tall, these calm, reserved dogs were owned by farmers and gypsies and bred to hunt otters and badgers.
Known as the “gentleman” of terrier breeds because of their calm demeanor, these faithful canines are compact little companions with big personalities.
Although not aggressive, they will protect their territory. They don’t bark a lot but when they do, it’s surprisingly loud for their size. They are friendly but tough and make a great pint-sized watchdog.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are relatively healthy and calmer than most terriers. They love daily walks to keep their little physique in tip-top shape.
How Much Do Dandie Dinmont Terrier Puppies Cost?
Since there is a fear that these confident canines may become extinct, you can expect to pay between $1,500-$3,000 for one of these pups. And don’t be surprised when you find yourself on a waiting list for this rare small dog breed.
Be sure to keep these adventurous beauties on a leash. They have a chasing instinct and will jump at the opportunity to chase rats and squirrels.
Although Dandie Dinmont Terriers will usually choose one person to bond with, they will fit into your family perfectly and enjoy every family member.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers can live in almost any environment, but climbing is difficult because of their short little legs so stairs will be too dangerous for them.
If this rare little buddy sounds right for you, visit the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club. This is an official site for this breed and they may be able to help you with your search.
{RELATED POST: 11 Extremely Helpful Puppy Care Tips For Bringing Your New Pup Home}
Summing It All Up
Sadly, some rare small dog breeds are no longer here for us to admire and appreciate. There are so many recognized breeds that are at risk of eventually facing extinction.
Remember that any dog, regardless of the breed, can deviate from its normal breed standards. While the characteristics mentioned in this post may frequently represent these small dog breeds, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary.
Individual adoption agencies and the American Kennel Club are great resources when exploring your breed options.
It’s our responsibility as future proud pet parents to do our research until we find that perfect, mysterious, rare small dog breed that will ideally match our families and our lifestyle!
This post was all about finding those rare small dog breeds that will fascinate your neighbors and keep your friends wondering, “what in the world is that?”
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