These 15 rare dog breeds that start with M were bred for herding, hunting, guarding, or companionship, and many remain treasures of their homelands.
#1 Mahratta Greyhound
The Mahratta Hound is an Indian breed of dog that is prized for its prowess in hunting boar and panther. The breed is not recognised by any major kennel club.
#2 Majorca Shepherd Dog
The Majorca Shepherd Dog is a guarding and herding sheep from the Balearic Islands of Spain. The breed is not recommended for people lacking the ability to understand its actions and for inexperienced owners.
The back is straight and strong, and the loins are muscular. Most of the breed is short-haired. The Majorca Shepherd Dogs are all black or black with white markings on the breast.
#3 Maltese
The Maltese is a small dog breed that originated on the Mediterranean island of Malta. They tend to be divas or little princes and princesses. You must know that the Maltes can bite someone they think presents a danger.
The breed is also highly recommended for those with dog allergies. The American Kennel Club recognised the Maltese in 1888.
#4 Maremma Sheepdog
It is an Italian breed of livestock guardian dog that has strong protective instincts and loyalty to its family. The traditional use of the Maremmano is with sheep. It can also be an excellent family dog under the guidance of a dedicated owner. Their coat is long and thick.
#5 Markiesje
The Markiesje is the youngest branch on the Dutch canine tree. The breed is rather alert and will act as a watchdog. Also known as the Dutch Tulip Hound, the dog likes long walks and runs. It is not accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
#6 Mastín del Pirineo
The Mastín del Pirineo is a guardian dog from the north-eastern part of Spain. In 1954, the breed was fully accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
The weight varies between about 60 kg and 90 kg. Also known as the Pyrenean Mastiff, the dog’s job was to protect the flocks from predators. It was usually fitted with a spiked metal wolf collar.
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#7 Mastín Español
The Mastín Español is an extra-large-sized dog that is used as a livestock guardian dog. The breed’s body is rectangular and stocky. It has small eyes and ears resembling triangles.
They should have access to a secure yard to run and play. Also known as the Spanish Mastiff, the dog prefers to sit back and watch rather than play games.
#8 McNab Shepherd
The McNab Dog is a herding dog that originated in Northern California. It bonds tightly to its family members, including other household pets. The breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. They can work long hours without a break.
#9 Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd is a small herding dog breed that was developed in the US in the 1960s. The Miniature American Shepherd is a lively and loyal dog.
They are typically quite smart and eager to please. These dogs require frequent exercise and mental stimulation.
#10 Molossus of Epirus
The Molossus of Epirus is an extinct dog breed from Ancient Greece. Plato wrote of dogs of similar function and form.
#11 Montenegrin Mountain Hound
The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a rare dog breed that grows very attached to its master. It was developed in the Republic of Montenegro.
They were bred for traversing mountainous terrain and can be used for hunting wild boar and deer. The breed was first officially recognised in 1969.
#12 Mountain Cur
The Mountain Cur is a type of working dog that typically stands 16 to 26 inches tall and weighs 30 to 60 pounds. These dogs respond best to training with a lot of human contact.
They are friendly with people they know, as long as they are well socialised. Mountain Curs can live up to 14 to 16 years.
#13 Mountain Feist
The Mountain Feist is a small tree dog that is high-spirited, yet very lovable. These dogs are sometimes mistaken for Jack Russell Terriers.
They are quick to detect any noise and have an extreme drive to chase rabbits, squirrels, and other rodents. Mountain Feists get along well with other dogs in their pack or family.
#14 Mucuchíes
Mucuchíes, also known as “Snowy,” are Venezuela’s only native dog breed, which were bred from various livestock guard dogs brought by Spanish conquistadors.
They have dark eyelids and black noses. Mucuchíes are intelligent animals that form a strong bond with their families quickly. It can be aggressive towards strangers. Training and socialisation are a must.
#15 Mudhol Hound
The Mudhol Hound is a breed of sighthound from India. It is popular in and around the Mudhol Taluk of Karnataka.
They are typically tolerant of other dogs and of children. They are pretty low-maintenance in the grooming department. Mudhol Hounds need socialisation with a lot of people and sound on a regular basis.