Rare Beauty

Saluki

The majestic, independent, cat-like Saluki was the royal dog of Egypt, making it
perhaps the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. held in the highest regard
by the Egyptians, the Saluki was often mummified like the bodies of the Pharaohs
themselves. Saluki-like animals appear on ancient Egyptian tombs and excavations
of Sumerian empire sites between 7000-6000 BC show carvings and seals
that look similar to the modern breed. Its strength and endurance was recognized
and used by the Arabs to track and take down gazelle, while the English
dispatched the breed to hunt hare upon the Saluki’s import to England in 1840.
Like all sighthounds, the Saluki’s instinct to run requires leashing or a fenced
area when exercising. Its grace, strength, and endurance make it a natural in
both the show ring and at lure coursing events.

Chinese Crested

a true family dog, the Chinese Crested
is a playful, elegant toy breed that
loves human companionship. one
litter can commonly produce two varieties:
the hairless, which features
soft, silky hair on the head, tail, and
feet, and the Powderpuff, covered in
a soft, straight coat. Because it sheds
little to no hair, the Crested is recommended
for allergy-prone owners.
The breed is thought to have evolved
from African hairless dogs and to
have sailed the high seas aboard
Chinese ships during the plague,
chosen for its hairless status and
ability to hunt vermin. Its status was
elevated by the breed’s appearance
by the mid-19th century in European
art and in American dog shows in
the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, the
breed had acquired a considerable
following in the us. The burlesque
entertainer gypsy rose Lee acquired
a Crested in the 1950s and became an
ardent breeder and enthusiast, helping
to further popularize the breed.
It’s interesting to note that six of the
last ten World’s ugliest dog contest
winners were Chinese Cresteds. With
its champions and detractors, this
breed may truly exemplify the saying
“beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Leonberger

Revived after near-extinction in
World War I, the gentle and sweet
Leonberger has flourished as a
family pet and multi-purpose working
dog. Its lion-like looks speak to
its feline grace while its imposing
size is softened by an immense
coat that requires daily care (be
prepared for shedding). The breed’s
origins lie in Leonberg, Germany
as a family, farm, and draft dog.
They also attracted the attention of
popular German artists, becoming
models, and have been featured
on several European stamps, likely
due to their intelligent expression
and proud stance. Calm, reliable,
and friendly, they make excellent
family or therapy dogs.

Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a northern
breed of spitz-type dog bred to be a
companion-sized version of the Siberian
husky. energetic and intelligent,
it reflects its Northern heritage in its
distinctive face mask, colouring, and
curled tail. The Klee Kai, its name
derived from the dene term for “small
dog,” is alert, loyal, and reserved
toward strangers, making it an excellent
watchdog despite its small size.
They are very curious, agile, good
hunters if trained from an early age,
and excel in obedience class due
to their keen intellect. despite their
thick coat, Klee Kais are extremely
clean and rarely require a bath. This
rare breed has been recognized by
the United Kennel Club but has yet to
be recognized by the AKC or CKC.

Spinone Italiano

The sociable, docile, and highly
adaptable Spinone Italiano, also
known as the Italian Pointer, is
thought to be a cross between the
coarse-haired Italian setter and
dogs left behind by Greek traders
from the Adriatic coast, as well
as the White mastiff and even the
French griffon. The Spinone’s wiry,
dense coat, thick skin, ultra-soft
mouth and superb nose make him
the ultimate all-purpose hunting
dog able to navigate cold water and
underbrush where less-equipped
dogs fear to tread. deemed a “wash
and wear” breed by the AKC for its
ease of grooming (with the notable
exception of that messy, water-dripping
beard), the active, energetic,
and robust Spinone likes nothing
better than a romp through the fields
with its family.

Shiba Inu

Independent and reserved by nature, the Shiba Inu exemplifies loyalty and
affection to those who earn its respect. as the smallest of the Japanese
native breeds, the compact and muscular Shiba Inu is alert, agile, and has
the keen senses essential for a dog bred to hunt small wild game, boar,
and bear in Japan’s mountainous regions. The breed descended from the
primitive dogs of the ancient people of Japan and was named after its
hunting terrain or the colour of the brushwood leaves in the fall—Shiba
in Japanese means “brushwood” while Inu means “dog.” The breed was
almost wiped out after World War II from bombing raids and distemper,
but bloodlines have been combined since to produce the Shiba Inu as we
know it today.