Also known as the Czechoslovakian wolfdog, this dog breed came to be after an experimental crossing of a Carpathian wolf and a German shepherd. According to the Czechoslovakian Vlcak Club of America, only 208 purebred dogs of the vlcak breed were believed to exist in the U.S. as of 2014. How bad do you want to play fetch with this adorable dog?

Lagottos are affectionate, devoted and not at all demanding. Combine that with how adorably fluffy these beautiful dogs are and you'll want one — if you can find one. The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient breed originating in the Romagna region of Italy, according to the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Canada, and are not only efficient water retrievers but they're best known for being the only purebred dog in the world recognized as a specialized truffle searcher. And sticks, apparently.

The African sighthounds (or gazehounds) love to run (but hopefully not run away), so it's no wonder they're thin and leggy. These rare dogs are loyal to their humans, but as far as everyone else goes, they could care less.

The rare dog breed originating from France was nearly lost after the French Revolution but dedicated breeders, like the AQGAPD, vowed to bring the hunters back. Don't mistake their friendly appearance, however; the Griffon Nivernais have dominant personalities and aren't ideal for first-time dog owners. So. Scruffy.

This old breed from the Netherlands used to solely exist for duck hunting. The Kooikerhondje nearly became extinct after the Second World War, making them especially rare. And while the Canadian Kennel Club doesn't recognize the breed, the American Kennel Club welcomes them.

These energetic, adorable dogs nearly became extinct after the Second World War, and while they're still around, they aren't common, by any means. The Lundehund was bred to hunt for puffins in Norway; now, both the puffin and the Lundehund are protected by Norwegian law, says the Canadian Kennel Club.

The breed is one of the oldest breeds of stock within the dog world, says Canada's Guide to Dogs, and remains extremely rare outside of Thailand, so much so it isn't recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club.

These shepherd and farm dogs come from Portugal and, according to Canada's Guide to Dogs, is one of the oldest breeds from the Iberian Peninsula.

Fewer than 800 of this old British breed of water dogs exist in the world today, says the Otterhound Club of America. When the otter became a protected species in 1978, the otterhound's usefulness came to an abrupt halt. But the owners of two purebred packs were determined to keep the breed alive. That face.

The Mexican hairless dog is called the first dog of the Americas and according to the Canadian Kennel Club, is one of the world's oldest and rarest breeds. The Countess Lascelle De Premio Real was primarily responsible for the re-establishment of this almost extinct native breed, which is now considered the official dog of Mexico.