5 uncommon dog breeds that you might be interested in learning more about

Have you ever heard of a Barbet? What about a Koolie? Did you know that these are both breeds of dog? Considering the American Kennel Club (AKC) alone has over 200 registered dog breeds, while there are 360 registered dog breeds worldwide, there are so many dogs that you may not be familiar with.

During a recent study of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., both on a national scale and state by state, Market Watch put together a list of uncommon dog breeds. And while some we were familiar with, others were a bit of a surprise.

With these dog breeds being a surprise to us, we decided to do a little research so we could share some of our favorite uncommon breeds.

5 uncommon dog breeds that would make a great pet

The Barbet

If you aren't familiar with the Barbet, and you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, then this breed is for you! The Barbet is a French water dog that has an average life expectancy of between 13 and 15 years. And these curly coated dogs are not only super cute, but very friendly and smart. These pups were definitely a surprise to us because we had never heard of the breed, but they were so interesting in terms of personality, temperament and even the fact that they are considered a hypoallergenic dog. These pups could be perfect for families and maybe that will increase their popularity.

The Azawakh

Have you heard of the Azawakh? This is a breed of dog that comes from West Africa and is known for being fierce but affectionate with their owners. While they can be aloof, they are more likely to connect with the members of their family over other people. According to the AKC, this is a very loyal dog, with a tendency towards protectiveness. These pups have an average life span of 12 to 15 years, and they might just be your new favorite pup if you give them half a chance.

The Koolie

Another breed we had never heard of is the Koolie. And this is perhaps not the biggest surprise as this is a dog breed that doesn't seem to be registered with the AKC. That is because this is an Australian dog breed. On average, these dogs have a lifespan of 18 years and they are friendly, fun-loving, dedicated to their people, and patient. These pups can be great for families, and they are definitely a more loyal breed of dog.

The Porcelaine

The Porcelaine is a French dog breed that is good with children, other dogs, and people. These pups are perfect for families and while they may be amore independent dog, they are eager to please. This dog breed is known for being perfect as "a house pet and is easily crate trained and housebroken." We may never have heard of these pups before, but now that we have been introduced to them, we will definitely be paying more attention to this breed of loving and loyal pups.

The Kishu Inu

The Kishu Inu is actually a Japanese dog breed. They have a few different variations to their name and are also known simply as a Kishu. They are a more noble dog breed with ancient origins. These pups are considered to be docile and faithful. The Kishu Inu is still used as a hunting dog in Japan and they are said to be a rather quiet breed. These pups ae fairly healthy and have an average life expectancy of 11 to 13 years.