From the Sahara Desert to the Norwegian islands, there are many amazing dog breeds that have kept a dedicated local fan base throughout centuries. And even though they are yet to reach the world fame of the beloved Golden Retriever or the popularity of the Poodle breeds, they are special in so many ways. These are the rare dog breeds, saved from going extinct but still not with us in large enough numbers to make dog lovers comfortable. So, whether you’re looking for an unusual dog breed to add to the family or are just curious to see what are some of the rarest dogs on the planet, here is an introduction to the world of precious canines and their fascinating abilities. Azawakh Azawakh is an elegant, rare dog breed and if you’re wondering how come you’ve never heard of these long-legged canine beauties before, that’s because until recently they’ve been roaming the lands of Western Sahara, where they originate. Although you’re still unlikely to meet one of them on their daily dog walk through the neighbourhood, Azawakh dogs are no longer confined to their homeland since the 1970s, when this unusual dog breed started to be introduced to other parts of the world as well. If you’re lucky to welcome this amazing sighthound into the family, keep in mind that their ancestors have been chasing gazelles in the desert for centuries. So, expect a born-to-run spirit and a fiercely protective nature, complete with elegant looks that’s guaranteed to make the Azawakh breed a dog lover’s favourite. Otterhound One of the world’s rarest dog breeds, the Otterhound is a British native that was once the trusted otter hunter partner of many Medieval fishermen. Their numbers are unfortunately dwindling, with less than 1,000 Otterhounds in existence around the world, making them quite an unusual sight these days. But you’ll have no trouble recognising them. A shaggy mane of hair, boisterous personality, waterproof coat and extremely affectionate nature – that’s the beloved Otterhound in a nutshell. Lagotto Romagnolo

Small pups have a lot going on for them. They’re cute, fit perfectly in our laps, they’re easy to travel with and will keep us entertained non-stop with their fun personalities. So, if you’re the lucky owner-to-be and looking for a small dog name that matches your friend’s diminutive looks to a T, here are a few options you can’t go wrong with. Our favourite names for small dogs Dot

Hairless cats have been around for an extremely long time, there’s even evidence of them dating back as far as the Aztec period. And then from the early 2000s, cats with no hair became very popular and many breeders set about developing new breeds, often created with the breed that’s considered to be the original hairless cat – the Sphynx. Hairless cat breeds are truly unique in appearance, but they also tend to be very affectionate and are known to climb under duvets and inside jumpers for warmth. If you’re thinking about bringing a beautifully bald cat into your home, you may be wondering about how to care for them and what breeds currently exist. Read on to find out you all you need to know. Are hairless cats actually hairless? First things first, you may be wondering if hairless cats are actually completely hairless. Some cats can be totally bald, but it’s far more common for them to have soft, fine, down-like fur which makes them feel like velvet. This fur may be a fine coating all over, or it may be isolated to patches like their tail or between their toes. Interestingly, some kittens can be born with fur and then they may lose it as they grow up. Are hairless cat breeds hypoallergenic? Many believe that because a cat has no hair, it’s automatically hypoallergenic, but that’s not true.

If you’re looking to bring a new four-legged friend into your home and love the thought of petting a soft coat but don’t want all the grooming requirements of a long-haired breed, a short-haired cat could be just what you’re after. Keep reading to discover how to care for short-haired cat breeds and learn all about our favourites and their unique personalities. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your next furry best friend! Grooming short-haired cats Short-haired cat breeds have relatively easy grooming needs as their coat is much less prone to matting and many tend to do a pretty good job of grooming themselves. With that being said, we still recommend grooming them every week or so, to keep their fur and skin in tip top condition and remove any dead hair which can cause those pesky hairballs. 11 short-haired cat breeds Now you know how to groom short-haired cats, check out our favourite 11 breeds below and find the purrrfect companion to add to your life. 1. British Shorthair

Looking for the best female dog name ever? We put together a list of the ultimate dog names that will have you saying "this is the one". Find an unforgettable girl dog name that perfectly matches the awesome new pup in the house. There are plenty of amazing dog names to choose from below, so let's get to it! Female dog names Princess A list of female dog names has to include the moniker "Princess". For the elegant, girly dogs that start to strut around the house from the first moment they walk through the door there is just no better way to address them than by using royal terminology. If you're not careful, your new pup will definitely rule your home. Goldie A name inspired by this precious metal is perfect for your treasured addition to the family. If your dog's colour is a match too, then Goldie is truly a no-brainer girl dog name. Luna

It may surprise you to learn that dogs come in two different coat types: double and single. A double coated dog is where there’s a dense undercoat that usually consists of shorter hairs and a longer top coat which are referred to as guard hairs. The fluffier dogs you encounter tend to be the result of a very dense undercoat, whereas the smoother breeds are generally single coated. This double coat doesn’t just serve to make them look cute and fluffy though, it’s incredibly clever! During the cooler months it acts as insulation and keeps them warmer, whereas when it’s hotter, it allows air to circulate and prevents them from overheating. That’s not all either, it also helps to repel moisture and dirt and keeps them cleaner! Grooming double coated dogs The most important thing you should know is that you should never, ever clip a double coated dog. Not only does this damage their luxurious locks (sometimes irreversibly), but it can actually make them overheat. The coat is designed to reduce exposure to UV rays and most double coated dogs are actually pink skinned and more susceptible to sunburn, so by clipping them you remove their built-in protection. The correct way to groom a double coated dog is with regular brushing (a few days a week is best for most), to prevent mats, tangles and to remove dead hair. By grooming often, you’ll improve the health of the coat, which in turn improves their ability to regulate temperature and increases airflow! Double coated dog breeds Now you know how to groom a double coated dog and what their unique coat is for, you’re probably wondering which breeds come with this type of fur. Check out our top 7 below! 1. Akita This large and muscular double coated dog from Japan has a very dense and plush undercoat with a short top coat. Akitas are prone to heavy shedding two to three times a year which is referred to as ‘blowing’ their coat. During this time the undercoat will shed profusely and don’t be alarmed if it comes out in clumps! At all other times of the year, they’ll just require weekly brushing. 2. Siberian Husky Siberian Huskies are known as naturally being very clean and seldom needing baths, just weekly brushing. They have a soft and dense undercoat with a medium length, straight top coat which serves to keep them warm whilst preforming their sled dog duties in the freezing temperatures of Siberia. The undercoat will shed around twice a year when it will require a good rake out. Interestingly, Huskies in cooler climates tend to shed far less than those in warmer areas. 3. Alaskan Malamute

If you spot a long-haired dog, it can be next to impossible to resist petting their luscious locks. Their fluffy coats give them an almost teddy bear like appearance which makes them nothing short of adorable. But this luxurious coat usually comes with great responsibility in terms of extra grooming to keep them in tip top condition. If you love your pups with a little extra fluff, keep reading to find out our top 12 long-haired dog breeds and their grooming requirements! 1. Afghan Hound One of the most famous long-haired dogs and possibly the most glamorous breed of all time, the Afghan Hound boasts a long and silky flowing coat that comes in shades of black, rust or cream. These gorgeous coats don’t just serve to make them look fabulous either, their original purpose was to protect them from the cold temperatures of the Afghanistan mountains from which they hail. Grooming requirements: High maintenance, coat requires misting prior to daily brushing to prevent damage. Regular bathing will also be required. 2. Bolognese Resembling a small cloud, the Bolognese has a glorious long, cotton like coat in a bright white colour. A firm favourite of Italian royalty thanks to their stunning appearance and fun natures, this long-haired dog breed makes a wonderful companion for those looking for a smaller fluffy dog with tonnes of personality. Grooming requirements: Surprisingly the Bolognese doesn’t shed very much, but they will need daily brushing to prevent tangles. The coat can be clipped shorter for easier maintenance. 3. Bearded Collie

White furbabies looking for a name to match their extra level of cuteness are in luck. We’ve scoured the internet for the best white dog names, so you can easily choose a moniker that will do your pet’s snow-white looks justice. From the whitest of white furs to pearl-like colours and every other light-coloured dogs out there, these canines have a great choice of monikers. Here are some of the most beautiful names that will perfectly suit your pup’s personality and looks. White male dog names Is your cuddly little ball of white fur a boy? The good news is that there’s a plenty of inspiration around. From weather-related white male dog names that somehow manage to make your pet look even cuter than they already are, to some of the best pop culture references that will easily double as a great dog name, here are our top ideas: Brian Fans of Family Guy won’t need too much convincing to choose the name Brian for their smart canine companion in a white coat. But even if you’ve never seen the show, trust us. The highly intellectual pooch in the series is now part of pop culture. So, if you’re after an iconic name that will get plenty of attention when out and about, Brian is the white male dog name you’ve been looking for. Frosty A truly ‘cool’ name, Frosty will suit any dog that has a snow-white coat. It’s also extremely cute, winter-inspired and short, which is always the best way to go with dog monikers. Is your dog also a bit feisty and difficult to impress? Frosty it is then! Ice

Scotland is a country of extensive beauty, of rolling green hills, gigantic mountains and towns that look fresh out of storybook. This charm and wonder that envelopes the land also transfers to their language, and the names of the towns, islands and people that are lucky enough to call Scotland home. So naturally they also make perfect names for our magical four-legged friends. Keep reading to find out our top Scottish dog names for both male and female canines and discover the perfect moniker for your new pup. Scottish girl dog names 1. Jessie This Scottish female dog name is a pet name for Jean or Jane, meaning ‘god is gracious’. 2. Maggie In Scotland, Maggie means ‘pearl’, which we think makes it the perfect choice for little white fluffy dogs, such as a Bichon Frise. 3. Shona Interestingly, Shona is the English spelling of the Scottish name ‘Seonaid’ which means ‘gift from god’. 4. Sorcha Sorcha’s a very unusual Scottish girl dog name that means ‘brightness’. As our dogs bring such light to our lives, it’s only fitting we give them a name which means exactly that! 5. Skye Aside from being a stunning Scottish island, Skye also means ‘cloud’, which we think makes it a great name for a big fluffy cloudlike dog such as a Samoyed. Or maybe, a Husky with beautiful blue eyes which look just like the sky itself! 6. Bonnie Bonnie means ‘pretty’, which of course, our wonderful little dogs are! This Scottish girl dog name would be the perfect choice for a little terrier. 7. Alba

Russia is a land of snow-capped mountains and cities bursting with colour. But it’s not just the beauteous country which deserves a special mention, they’ve also had a hand in creating some of the best-loved dog breeds in the world today. Russian dog breeds are typically large, working type dogs created to guard and hunt. However, the Russians also lay claim to a few adorable lapdogs, mainly bred to serve as companions to the aristocracy. Keep reading to find out our top 8 Russian dog breeds, some of which may surprise you! 1. Siberian Husky