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The Rare & Misc. Group
The following four breeds do not fit into sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, or herding categories. However, they offer a variety of benefits to prospective owners.
 | Havanese
The Havanese is an old breed of the Bichon family. The earliest references to the ancestors of the modern Havanese go back to Plinius (23 to 79 B.C.) in the Mediterranean region, and the breed may have originated on the island of Malta. Also known as the Havana Silk Dog, today's Havanese descended from the dogs that found a permanent home in Cuba, where they were popular among the wealthy Cubans. After the Cuban revolution in 1959, many of these dogs ended up in the United States.
Today the Havanese is a happy, outgoing, sturdy, and short-legged small dog. Combining an outgoing temperament with trainability, Havanese are excellent candidates for obedience training.
|  | Löwchen
Löwchen are referred to in words and photos as far back as the mid-l5th century. The breed is quite possibly from Germany, although for many years it was believed to have its origin in the Mediterranean. Regardless of origin, we know that the Löwchen has been a distinct breed for more than 400 years.
A small, bright, and lively dog, the Löwchen is a companion breed of great style. The breed's name translates from the German as "little lion." The name comes from the traditional Löwchen clip, with close-cut hindquarters and a full, natural mane.
|  | Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a guardian breed with its origin in Turkey. Probably more than 6,000 years old, the breed is impressive in size, serving as the Turkish shepherd's front line defense from predators. Developed to withstand Turkey's harsh climate, the Anatolian Shepherd has evolved to endure the nomadic lifestyle of the shepherds.
Loyalty, independence, and heartiness are the three factors most appreciated by fanciers of the breed. First entering the United States in the 1950s, the Anatolian Shepherd is a fiercely loyal guard dog and is not considered a "glamour breed." Faithful to its job, the Anatolian is highly intelligent and responsive to its master. However, its independent nature means it can be slow to respond to commands.
|  | Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano, or Italian Pointer, is Italy’s all-purpose hunting dog. It is also sometimes referred to as a Griffon, since that name formerly designated the hunting dogs of all continental Europe. Actually, the dog is a Pointer of the old school…a rather slow-footed dog similar to those used before the era of wing shooting.
Almost every country in Europe has had its own type of Pointer for at least three centuries, and each developed the dog in its own locality according to climate, need, and changing times. The Piedmonte district of northwest Italy is primarily responsible for the development of the Spinone into an all-purpose dog. It is said to outrank all other Italian gun dogs as a highly efficient worker.
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