PET INSURANCE

Discover the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds We’ve Insured 

Four Minutes
Jun 26, 2024

Did you know there are over 300 dog breeds recognized across the globe?1 And that number is always changing as new breeds get introduced. So it’s no wonder that some breeds are rarer than others. At MetLife Pet Insurance, we’ve had the pleasure of insuring some unique and uncommon pups throughout the years. From stabyhouns to the American black and tan coonhound, our coverage extends to a diverse range of dog breeds.

Read on to discover some of the rarest dog breeds from our MetLife Pet Insurance members.2

Rare Dog Breeds Insured With MetLife Pet

Dutch sheepdog (Schapendoes)

Dutch Sheepdog at a Glance3

Country of Origin

the Netherlands

Height

 

16 – 20 inches

Weight

 

26 – 55 pounds

Life Expectancy

 

12 – 15 years

Coat Type

 

Thick and long

The Dutch sheepdog, also known as the Schapendoes, is an attentive and creative breed from Holland. They are herding dogs who require plenty of exercise, as they love to run, jump, and play. Dutch sheepdogs are friendly, lively, and intelligent.3

Dutch sheepdog

Spanish greyhound (Galgo Español)

Spanish Greyhound at a Glance4

Country of Origin

Spain

Height

 

24 – 28 inches

Weight

 

50 – 65 pounds

Life Expectancy

 

12 – 15 years

Coat Type

 

Short, smooth, or rough

The Spanish greyhound, also known as the Galgo Español, is a medium-sized hound from Spain. An ancestor of the English greyhound, this breed is very athletic with a sleek and narrow build. They have a moderate level of energy and a friendly and calm temperament.4

Spanish greyhound

Stabyhoun

Stabyhoun at a Glance5

Country of Origin

the Netherlands

Height

 

19 – 21 inches

Weight

 

40 – 60 pounds

Life Expectancy

 

13 – 15 years

Coat Type

 

Smooth and short

Originally bred for hunting moles and rabbits, the stabyhoun is an obedient dog with an independent nature. They can be very inquisitive, often exploring their surroundings — so it’s important to keep a watchful eye. Good with kids and other dogs, stabyhouns make great family pets.5

stabyhoun

Miniature cocker spaniel

Miniature Cocker Spaniel at a Glance6

Country of Origin

Spain

Height

 

13 – 15 inches

Weight

 

15 – 30 pounds

Life Expectancy

 

12 – 15 years

Coat Type

 

Long and silky

The miniature cocker spaniel is a tinier version of the standard cocker spaniel breed, with a similarly friendly and affectionate temperament. They are playful and energetic as well as highly intelligent and trainable. Their long coats require regular grooming to reduce shedding and matting.6

Miniature Cocker Spaniel

Olde Victorian Bulldogge

Olde Victorian Bulldogge at a Glance7

Country of Origin

England

Height

 

18 – 20 inches

Weight

 

55 – 100 pounds

Life Expectancy

 

10 – 14 years

Coat Type

 

Smooth and short

The Olde Victorian Bulldogge is a newer breed developed by Carlos Woods.7 Similar to the Victorian bulldog, bred to be a healthier version of the English bulldog, this breed is intelligent and sociable.8 They can also be a stubborn breed that requires patience and consistent training.7

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Old victorian bulldog

Lancashire heeler

Lancashire Heeler at a Glance9

Country of Origin

Unknown

Height

 

10 – 12 inches

Weight

 

9 – 17 pounds

Life Expectancy

 

12 – 15 years

Coat Type

 

Short and dense

A small and sturdy breed, the Lancashire heeler has a lot of energy for their tiny frame. Originally bred for cattle herding and catching rodents, Lancashire heelers have gained popularity for their affectionate nature. While their exact origins are unknown, it’s believed that the breed is derived from a Welsh corgi and Manchester terrier.9

Lancashire Heeler

American black and tan coonhound

American Black and Tan Coonhound at a Glance10

Country of Origin

United States

Height

 

23 – 27 inches

Weight

 

65 – 110 pounds

Life Expectancy

 

10 – 12 years

Coat Type

 

Short and dense

The American black and tan coonhound is a cross between European hounds, foxhounds, and bloodhounds and was specifically developed for hunting raccoons during post-Revolutionary times. This breed is very athletic and active, but they can also be easy-going dogs who love to spend time with their pet parents.10

Portuguese Podengo

Portuguese Podengo at a Glance11

Country of Origin

Portugal

Height

 

16 – 28 inches

Weight

 

35 – 66 pounds

Life Expectancy

 

10 – 15 years

Coat Type

 

Smooth or wirehaired

The Portuguese Podengo is a playful, alert, and intelligent dog. This breed comes in two sizes — the smaller was traditionally used for hunting rabbits, while the larger hunted deer and boar. Portuguese Podengos can be suspicious of strangers but are very loving toward their families.11

Belgian Tervuren

Belgian Tervuren at a Glance12

Country of Origin

Belgium

Height

 

22 – 26 inches

Weight

 

45 – 75 pounds

Life Expectancy

 

12 – 14 years

Coat Type

 

Medium and dense

 

Bred for herding and guarding, the Belgian Tervuren is a protective, affectionate, and hardworking dog. Their intelligence and active nature mean they’ll need lots of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. They love to keep busy and are a good fit for someone with a similar lifestyle or mentality.12

Belgian Tervuren

American water spaniel

American Water Spaniel at a Glance13

Country of Origin

United States

Height

 

15 – 18 inches

Weight

 

25 – 45 pounds

Life Expectancy

 

10 – 14 years

Coat Type

 

Dense and curled/wavy

The American water spaniel is an active breed that adores swimming and hunting, having been specifically bred to excel in these activities. They are joyful companions who eagerly seek opportunities to please and thrive when given a purpose. However, without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, American water spaniels can become destructive and overly barky.13

Protect Your Pup With Pet Insurance

Every dog deserves protection from accidents and illnesses to enjoy a long and healthy life. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind and financial security for pet parents, helping to ensure their beloved companions receive the care they need. With a MetLife Pet Insurance policy, you can be reimbursed for the cost of treatments, medications, routine checkups, and more. Ready to get started? Fetch your quote today.

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