There are over 340 dog breeds recognized by the World Canine Organization, and each one has its own unique characteristics that make them special.
However, some breeds stand out from the rest due to their unusual appearance, quirky personality, or fascinating history.
Here are the strangest dog breeds that people have ever seen…
1. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a breed of dog that is known for its unique appearance.
This breed is hairless, except for a tuft of hair on its head, feet, and tail.
They come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless variety has soft, smooth skin, while the powderpuff has a long, soft coat.
Despite their lack of fur, Chinese Cresteds are very affectionate and love to cuddle with their owners.
They are also very intelligent and trainable, making them great pets for families. However, they can be prone to skin problems and need to be protected from the sun.
Here are some interesting facts about Chinese Cresteds:
- The breed originated in China and was used as a companion dog for sailors.
- They have been featured in several movies, including “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and “The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear.”
- Chinese Cresteds are often dressed up in costumes and entered into dog shows, where they compete in categories such as “Best Dressed” and “Most Unusual Looking.”
2. Puli
The Puli is a Hungarian breed known for its long shaggy coat that resembles dreadlocks. It is a medium-sized dog that is both agile and energetic.
The Puli’s coat is its most distinctive feature, and it comes in various colors, including black, gray, and white.
The Puli’s coat requires a lot of maintenance, and it can easily become matted if not groomed regularly.
The Puli can be kept corded, brushed, or with a clipped coat. Until a Puli puppy is 8 to 10 months old, there is no grooming to do except for regular bathing and ears, and grinding toe nails.
When the puppy’s coat starts to grow, it needs to be separated into cords regularly to prevent matting.
Aside from its unique coat, the Puli is known for its intelligence and loyalty. It is a highly trainable breed and excels in obedience and agility competitions.
The Puli is also a great watchdog and will bark to alert its owner of any intruders.
3. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the most unique dog breeds in the world.
As the name suggests, these dogs are hairless, although some may have a small amount of hair on their head and tail.
But don’t be fooled by their lack of fur, these dogs are tough and resilient.
They were originally bred by the Aztecs for their meat, but they also served as loyal companions and protectors.
Despite their ancient lineage, Xoloitzcuintlis are still relatively rare today.
According to the American Kennel Club, they are the 151st most popular breed in the United States. But for those who appreciate the unusual, they are a true gem.
One interesting fact about Xoloitzcuintlis is that they come in three different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.
The toy size can weigh as little as 5 pounds, while the standard size can weigh up to 55 pounds.
Another unique trait of the Xoloitzcuintli is their temperament. They are known for being calm, affectionate, and loyal to their owners.
However, they can also be wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs.
4. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a breed of dog that originated in Italy.
This rustic breed is known for its unique coat that forms naturally occurring loose mats, or “flocks” of hair.
The coat is made up of three different textures that create flat layers of felted hair, which gives the Bergamasco Sheepdog its distinctive appearance.
This breed is medium to large in size and was originally bred for herding sheep.
However, they are now used as companion dogs due to their gentle and calm nature.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is also known for its loyalty and protectiveness towards its family.
Despite their unique appearance, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a low-maintenance breed.
Their coat barely sheds and requires minimal grooming. In fact, their coat is so low-maintenance that the American Kennel Club describes it as “self-cleaning.”
If you’re considering getting a Bergamasco Sheepdog, keep in mind that they are a rare breed and may be difficult to find.
Additionally, they may not be suitable for first-time dog owners due to their stubborn nature.
However, if you’re up for the challenge, the Bergamasco Sheepdog can make a great addition to any family.
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their enormous size and wrinkly appearance. They are one of the largest dog breeds in the world, weighing in at 110 to 150 pounds.
With their droopy faces and massive bodies, these dogs are often described as looking like a cross between a bulldog and a hippopotamus.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Neapolitan Mastiffs are actually quite docile and affectionate with their families.
They are loyal and protective, making them great guard dogs. However, their stubborn nature can make them difficult to train.
One of the most distinctive features of the Neapolitan Mastiff is their wrinkled skin. This breed has an abundance of loose skin, which gives them their signature look.
However, this also means that they require regular cleaning to prevent skin infections.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the most active dogs and prefer to lounge around the house. However, they still require daily exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity.
A short walk or playtime in the backyard is usually sufficient for this breed.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 110 to 150 pounds |
| Coat | Short, shiny fur |
| Coat Color | Black, blue, mahogany, tawny, or brindle |
| Life Span | 7 to 9 years |
| Temperament | Protective, stubborn, fearless, companionable, loyal |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | Italy |
6. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a small breed of dog that is often mistaken for a lamb due to its curly, woolly coat.
This breed is known for its unique appearance, which sets it apart from other dog breeds.
One interesting fact about the Bedlington Terrier is that it was originally bred for hunting.
Despite its cute and cuddly appearance, this breed is a skilled hunter and can be quite tenacious when it comes to chasing prey.
Bedlington Terriers are generally peaceful with other pets, though some can be scrappy with strange dogs.
With his terrier heritage, one should expect that running animals will be chased. Bedlington Terriers can be stubborn, but do respond well to obedience training that is upbeat and includes lots of praise and food rewards.
Due to their energetic nature, Bedlington Terriers require regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
They are also intelligent dogs that enjoy learning new tricks and commands, making them a popular choice for obedience training.
7. Komondor
The Komondor is a breed of dog that looks like a giant mop.
This breed is known for its long, white, corded coat, which can reach up to 27 inches in length.
The cords are made up of hair that has naturally matted together, giving the dog a unique appearance.
Despite their silly appearance, Komondors are actually quite serious dogs. They were originally bred to protect livestock, and they take their job very seriously.
They are fiercely loyal and protective of their family and will defend them at all costs.
Komondors are also known for their intelligence. They are quick learners and can be trained to do a variety of tasks.
However, they can also be stubborn at times, and it’s important to establish yourself as the pack leader early on.
If you’re considering getting a Komondor, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, their coats require a lot of maintenance.
You’ll need to brush and separate their cords regularly to prevent matting. Second, they are large dogs and require a lot of space to move around.
Finally, they can be a bit aloof with strangers, so it’s important to socialize them early on.
8. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid, also known as the Peruvian Hairless Dog, is a rare and unique breed that is sure to turn heads.
As the name suggests, this breed is hairless and has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other dogs.
History
The history of the Peruvian Inca Orchid dates back to pre-Inca times, where they were highly valued by the Inca people.
According to legend, the Inca believed that the dogs had healing powers and kept them as pets.
Today, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is the national dog of Peru and is considered a rare breed.
Appearance
The Peruvian Inca Orchid comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large, with the small size weighing between 8 to 17 pounds and the large size weighing between 40 to 55 pounds.
This breed’s most notable feature is its hairlessness, which makes it an excellent choice for people with allergies.
The skin of the Peruvian Inca Orchid can come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, gray, and white.
Personality
Despite their unique appearance, Peruvian Inca Orchids are friendly and affectionate dogs.
They are intelligent and easy to train, making them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.
This breed is also known for being energetic and playful, making them great companions for children.
9. Borzoi
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a majestic breed that has been around for centuries.
These dogs were originally bred for hunting wolves and other game in Russia and are known for their speed and agility.
One of the most striking features of the Borzoi is its long, silky coat.
They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, gray, and tan.
Their coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best.
Borzoi are known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
They are loyal companions and make great family pets.
However, they can be a bit reserved around strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people.
If you’re considering adding a Borzoi to your family, keep in mind that they are a large breed and require plenty of exercise.
They enjoy running and playing in open spaces, so a large yard or access to a park is ideal.
10. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small, scruffy-looking dog breed that originates from Belgium.
They are known for their unique appearance, with a short, flat face, a thick beard, and a wiry coat that comes in a variety of colors, including red, black, and tan.
Despite their small size, Brussels Griffons are known for their big personalities.
They are intelligent, curious, and playful, and they love to be the center of attention.
They are also known for their stubbornness, which can make them a challenge to train.
Brussels Griffons are not the most active breed, but they do require daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
11. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small breed of dog that originated in Scotland.
They are known for their unique appearance, with a long body, short legs, and a distinctive topknot of hair on their head.
This breed is often described as “big dogs in small bodies” due to their sturdy and muscular build.
One of the most interesting things about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is their name.
They are named after a character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel “Guy Mannering.”
The character, Dandie Dinmont, was a farmer who owned several terriers that looked similar to this breed.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners.
They are also playful and energetic, making them great companions for active families.
However, they can be stubborn at times, so training and socialization are important.
Here are some quick facts about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier:
- Weight: 18-24 pounds
- Height: 8-11 inches
- Coat: Soft and silky, with a mixture of colors including pepper and mustard
- Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
12. Catalburun
The Catalburun, also known as the “Split Nose Pointer,” is a rare breed of dog that hails from Turkey.
As the name suggests, the Catalburun has a distinctive split in its nose, which is believed to help it track scents more effectively.
According to Trending Breeds, this breed is also known for its hunting abilities, particularly when it comes to game birds like partridge and francolin.
In fact, the Catalburun is one of only three breeds in the world with a split nose, which makes it a unique and interesting breed to behold.
While the Catalburun’s split nose may be its most distinctive feature, it is also known for its athleticism and agility.
This breed is highly energetic and loves to run, making it an ideal companion for active families who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Unfortunately, the Catalburun is also one of the rarest dog breeds in the world, with only a few hundred specimens in existence today.
However, for those lucky enough to encounter a Catalburun, they are sure to be charmed by its unique appearance and lively personality.
13. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is a unique breed that originated in Thailand.
They are known for their distinctive feature of a ridge of hair that runs along their back in the opposite direction of the rest of their coat.
This breed is also recognized for their athleticism and jumping ability.
Appearance
Thai Ridgebacks are medium-sized dogs that can weigh anywhere from 35 to 75 pounds.
They typically stand between 20 to 24 inches tall at their shoulders.
Their coat is short and smooth and comes in black, blue, fawn, or red.
Personality
Thai Ridgebacks are known for their independent and protective nature.
They are intelligent and loyal dogs that can be bold and stubborn at times.
They are not the best breed for first-time dog owners as they require a firm and consistent hand in training.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Thai Ridgebacks are also known as “Mah Thai” in their native country of Thailand?
In addition, they were originally bred to hunt and protect against cobras, making them a unique breed with a fascinating history.
14. Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a breed of dog that is known for its unique physical attributes.
It is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world, and one of the oddest.
This six-toed, puffin-catching dog is a sight to behold!
Physical Characteristics
The Norwegian Lundehund has some interesting physical attributes. It features at least six toes per foot, as well as elongated paw pads.
This is because it was bred to hunt puffins on the steep cliffs of Norway, and needed extra grip to navigate the rocky terrain.
In addition to its extra toes, the Lundehund is also incredibly flexible.
It has the ability to bend its head backward to touch its spine, as well as splay its legs out to the side like a frog.
Personality
The Norwegian Lundehund is a friendly and energetic dog that loves to play.
It is also very intelligent and curious, which can sometimes get it into trouble.
Due to its hunting instincts, it can be stubborn and difficult to train.
15. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a West African sighthound that is known for its slender and elegant appearance.
This breed is not only unique in its appearance but also in its personality. Azawakhs are fiercely independent, and they can be quite aloof with strangers.
They are also known for their high energy levels and their need for daily exercise.
History
The Azawakh has a long history that dates back to ancient times. T
his breed was originally bred by the nomadic Tuareg people of the Sahara Desert, who used them for hunting and as guard dogs.
Azawakhs were highly valued by the Tuareg people, and they were often given as gifts to other tribes and leaders.
Characteristics
Azawakhs are tall and slender, with long legs and a short, fine coat.
They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, brindle, fawn, and red.
Azawakhs are known for their keen eyesight and their ability to run at high speeds.
They are also highly intelligent and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks.
Care
Caring for an Azawakh can be challenging, as they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
They are also prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and bloat. Azawakhs should be fed a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level.
