The city is full of bulldogs and Labradors, but those popular varieties are hardly the only dogs that make wonderful pets. Next weekend, the American Kennel Club will put on its annual “Meet the Breeds” showcase at the Javits Center. (For tickets and info go to meetthebreeds.com.) Attendees will have the chance to meet more than 160 different dog breeds and 50 different cat breeds.
“You can see what the personalities are like, ask questions and hang out with the dogs,” enthuses Lisa Peterson, a canine expert and AKC spokesperson.
Some of the pups that will be at the event are creatures rarely seen roaming NYC streets — like these four breeds, which are the least popular in the city, according to the AKC:
PULI
With a coat of wavy, curly cords that naturally mat together in clumps, the Puli appears to have doggie dreadlocks. The breed originated in Hungary as hunting dogs, and a tough, thick coat helped keep them warm in the harsh winter climate. But, the dreads aren’t ideal for the city, as they easily attract dirt from the streets and require high-maintenance grooming. “[Pulis] are very loyal to their families and make a good city dog with the right owner who can provide the grooming and exercise that they require,” says Peterson.
Pulis can also be incredibly social media savvy. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s white Puli, “Beast,” has racked up over 1.6 million fans on the social network.
XOLOITZCUINTLI
Pronounced “showlow- eats-queen-tlee” or “Xolo” for short, this 3,000-year-old breed is one of the oldest and rarest dogs in the world. Commonly known as the “Mexican hairless dog” because of its short, flat coat, these exotic pooches prefer to spend chilly winter nights indoors, and won’t be caught in the cold without the latest canine outerwear.
“They are quiet dogs that don’t bark a lot, are easy to groom and do not require a ton of exercise,” says Peterson. “Of all the breeds on this list, the Xolo is best suited to the city lifestyle.”
But they’re not entirely low-maintenance. The bald bowsers require regular bathing and, in true New York form, skincare is of the highest importance. Xolos need to have moisturizer applied regularly; those with fairer skin also need sunscreen in summer.
DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER
This jaunty breed, easily recognized by the puffy crown of hair on top of its head, originated on the border of Scotland and England and has long been popular among both gypsies and the wealthy, including the occasional royal. Once used regularly as vermin hunters, they became a rarity during World War II, when many kennels lacked the food and resources to keep these terriers thriving.
Peterson says the Dandie, which typically weighs between 18 and 24 pounds, is the perfect addition to a metro home. “[The breed] does not shed, which is great for apartment living,” she notes. “However, because they were bred for hunting vermin, Dandies are at their best when they have room to run around and use those instincts.”
Still, they are considered one of the most docile of the terrier breeds, are usually quite undemanding of their owners and prove suitable for older children.
They are generally healthy but prone to back issues because of their elongated bodies.
KUVASZ
Originally bred to protect livestock in Hungary, this hefty hound — weighing up to 115 pounds and standing 30 inches tall at the shoulder — doesn’t take kindly to strangers. When trained early on and well socialized, the Kuvasz can be an especially polite and devoted family friend, with a clownish sense of humor and puppylike vitality.
But they’re certainly not for everyone. “This dog needs the right type of owner,” Peterson warns. “They tend to be reserved when meeting strangers, not very affectionate and prone to barking.”