The Weirdest Dog Breeds You Have Likely Never Heard Of
There are dogs that look downright strange when you move beyond the usual Labrador and Shepherd breeds. Centuries of selective breeding left some dogs with extreme coats and unexpected body shapes, as well as skills specific to each breed. What looks strange today usually made sense at the time, with each breed molded around a specific job or environment.
Chinese Crested
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Seeing a Chinese Crested looks like a supermodel dog mid outfit change. Most of the body is bare skin, while silky hair spills from the head, feet, and tail. Adults that weigh under 12 pounds shed infrequently and bond intensely with owners. Sun protection matters because exposed skin burns easily on long summer days.
Komondor
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The Komondor is known for its naturally corded coat, which develops as the dog matures and forms dense white cords. This coat helped the breed blend into sheep flocks and provided protection while guarding livestock. Originating in Hungary, the Komondor was bred for independent territory defense, making secure fencing an important consideration for owners.
Xoloitzcuintli
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The Xoloitzcuintli dates back to the Aztec civilization and was once associated with spiritual beliefs. Many are hairless and warm to the touch, with missing teeth tied to genetics. Sizes vary widely, and mental stimulation keeps their sharp minds from turning anxious. This breed carries history in its bones, literally.
Brussels Griffon
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The Brussels Griffon is a small breed with a highly expressive face and compact build. It was developed through crosses with Pugs and Affenpinschers and later gained pop culture recognition for influencing the Ewoks’ look in Star Wars. Most adults weigh under 12 pounds. The breed forms strong attachments, seeks frequent interaction, and can be vocal. Early socialization helps prevent overly controlling behavior.
Bedlington Terrier
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The Bedlington Terrier surprises people as it is easy to mistake for a lamb. Beneath the curly coat sits a quick, determined hunter bred for rodent control in England. The coat barely sheds but needs constant grooming. Weighing about 20 pounds in adulthood, it’s important to balance affection with its stubborn terrier instincts that challenge first-time trainers.
Borzoi
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The Borzoi stretches elegance to an extreme, with a long head, long legs, and flowing coat. Developed in Russia for wolf hunting, this sighthound can sprint hard outdoors and lounge endlessly indoors. Adults often exceed 30 inches tall. A strong chase instinct means open spaces require fencing, especially around wildlife or neighborhood pets.
Bull Terrier
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That unmistakable egg-shaped head divides opinion, but Bull Terriers were shaped by 19th-century breeding choices and once carried bloodsport associations. Modern examples raised properly are energetic companions with clownish streaks, so they need consistent training. Their short coat stays low maintenance, but mental stimulation prevents destructive boredom.
Shar-Pei
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Wrinkles steal the spotlight with this breed, though they started as functional armor. Shar-Peis worked Chinese farms as guards and hunters long before becoming status dogs. Loose skin needs regular cleaning to prevent infections. Adults weigh around 40 pounds and stay reserved with strangers, forming deep loyalty within their household circle.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
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Hairlessness gives this breed a striking outline that traces back to ancient Peru. Used as a sighthound for small game, the Peruvian Inca Orchid mixes speed with sensitivity. Separation anxiety appears frequently without companionship. Some individuals wear light coats, others none, making them struggle with cold weather and often needing sweaters.
Neapolitan Mastiff
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Descended from ancient Roman guard dogs, Neapolitan Mastiffs still carry serious protective instincts. Everything about this dog feels oversized, from the wrinkles to the attitude. Adult males can weigh up to 170 pounds, which affects daily logistics quickly. Slobbering is constant, exercise needs stay low, and space matters more than anything.