Step into any dog park, and chances are you’ll spot a familiar lineup of Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and French Bulldogs. The World Canine Organization (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) recognizes 339 breeds of dogs.
Outside of the breeds that dominate the modern dog landscape, though, lies a whole other world of quirky dogs with fascinating histories and unique appearances.
These are the hidden gems of the dog kingdom, often from remote parts of the world or developed to perform particular, historical tasks. Here are 10 weird dog breeds that will capture your heart and open your doggy eyes.
New Guinea Singing Dog
This ancient dog from New Guinea’s dense, remote highlands is so rare it was thought to have gone extinct in the wild. The “singer” part of their name is no exaggeration; they let out a complicated, bird-like yowl with an ascending and descending pitch, a sound that doesn’t come from any other dog.
They are nimble, athletic, and highly intelligent, with elastic joints that allow them to climb and leap like cats. Their loner mentality and ancient pedigree render them a living fossil of the dog world.
Mudi
This Hungarian farm dog is a jack-of-all-trades, if you will. Their name is pronounced “moody,” but don’t let that fool you. They are not moody at all.
They possess a shaggy, easy-to-maintain coat and a lively, playful temperament. Originally bred to herd cattle and sheep, the Mudi is a gem in any dog sport you can think of, from agility to flyball.
A fun fact? It was accidentally discovered in the 1930s by Dr. Dezső Fényesi, who was trying to categorize Hungarian herding dogs and found that the Mudi was a distinct breed.
Azawakh
Elegant, elegant, and impossibly fast, the Azawakh is a sighthound from Sahel, West Africa. They have been companions to nomadic tribes for many centuries, protecting and hunting fast quarry like gazelle.
The leggy, long buildup that they have is what gives them a distinctive, cat-like style of running. Unusual for most sighthounds, the Azawakh forms a close, protective bond with its clan and can be standoffish with strangers, having a certain aura of ancient dignity.
Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund, or the “puffin dog,” was used to hunt puffins off Norway’s rocky coastline. To achieve this, it developed some remarkable physical features: six fully functional toes per foot, ears that fold forward to seal out dirt and water, and a neck that can twist so much that it can bend its head back against its spine.
That is right, it is sort of like a human-sized contortionist. Its incredible flexibility enabled it to slip through tight, rocky crevices.
Stabyhoun
Dutch Frisian calls it the “stand-by-me dog,” and that’s an accurate description of this gentle and equable Dutch companion animal. It’s a beloved national treasure in the Netherlands, where its numbers are controlled by rigorous population management.
It’s both an excellent hunting pointer and a silent companion at home, being an extremely tolerant patient with children and other pets. They are among the world’s rarest dog breeds, with fewer than a few thousand in existence.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Meet the world’s first retriever of water and the only purebred dog specifically defined as a specialized truffle hunter. This Italian breed boasts a curly, woolly coat similar to that of a Poodle, which insulates it from cold water.
Their keen sense of smell, topped with their trainability and focus, made them the perfect dogs to detect expensive truffles in the Italian fields. Their irresistible teddy-bear appearance hides a stubborn and clever mind.
Kooikerhondje
This sweet Dutch spaniel is a small dog with an illustrious history. There are paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries that depict dogs that closely resemble the Kooikerhondje.
They were bred to be used as decoy ducks, utilizing their soft, white, bushy tails to catch ducks (or “kooien”). They are friendly, loving, and sensitive dogs that love to be part of the family. The breed nearly became extinct after World War II, but was saved by dedicated fanatics cautiously.
Pumi
With its corkscrew curls, mischievous face, and semi-erect ears, the Pumi looks like a fairy-tale character brought to life. The Hungarian herding dog is a force to be reckoned with, full of energy, intelligence, and affection.
The Pumi is constructed for courage and athleticism, always ready for action and adventure. Its coat is a unique blend of wavy and curly fur, giving it an unmistakably rough but irresistible look that requires little in the form of grooming.
Thai Ridgeback
One of the few breeds with a “ridge” of hair along its back in the opposite direction of its coat, the Thai Ridgeback presents a dramatic sight. Created in Thailand, this dog was utilized as a hunting and guard dog, cut off from the Western world for centuries.
Consequently, it’s a very primitive breed with strong survival instincts. Extremely intelligent, extremely loyal to family, and having a spectacular athletic ability.
Otterhound
As a shaggy-coated, big-bodied giant of Great Britain with a resounding bark, the Otterhound is one big, lovable love. As their name suggests, they were bred to hunt otters to protect fish stocks in rivers.
They have webbed feet as well as a harsh, waterproof double coat and are good swimmers. The Otterhound is today rarer than the giant panda and has fewer than a thousand individuals left in the world. They are renowned for being friendly, goofy, and even-tempered.
Key Takeaways
The New Guinea singing dogs and Italian truffle hunters alike highlight the incredible diversity that exists within the world of dogs. Each has a unique story, a unique set of abilities, and a unique charm.
You might not get to see them in your neighborhood park, but they’re an excellent reminder of the rich history and incredible diversity that lies within man’s best friend.
Read more: 7 Morning Rituals Women Swear By for More Energy and Confidence
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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