13 Weird Dog Breeds that Make the Most Unusual Pets
Your dog’s name doesn’t have to be the only odd thing about them. Adopt one of these weird dog breeds; your furry friend will always be the center of attention.
Have you ever seen a dog and wondered, “What breed is that?” Sure, there are some way-too-adorable-for-words teacup breeds, but what about the ones that look so strange that they make you giggle?
Look at these unique breeds when you want a dog that stands out from the poodle crowd. From the ones that are difficult to pronounce to the ones that look so strange, it makes you do a double take, there’s something for everybody on this list.
1. Brussels Griffon
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Known for being curious and loyal, this little dog rarely weighs more than 12 pounds. But don’t underestimate them; their personality more than makes up for their tiny size.
Their wiry fur is one of the best things about them. Some people like to shave them, leaving long hair around their mouth to look like a stately beard. And if bedhead makes you giggle, this is the pup for you. Their fur sticks up in the funniest ways!
2. Xoloitzcuintli
As if the spelling wasn’t odd enough, this breed gets to brag about also being one of the oldest breeds. First, let’s understand how to say this million-dollar word. It’s pronounced show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee. They are named after the Aztec dog of the gods, and their bloodlines go back about 3,000 years.
Pet parents can choose from three sizes; the dogs can be hairless or coated. Bonus—these dogs are calm, too!
3. Bull Terrier
Even though a bull terrier sounds like a pretty normal breed, one look at its face will confirm that they aren’t like other dogs. In fact, does it look familiar? It should! Target’s official mascot is a white bull terrier named Bullseye.
Their egg-shaped heads and upright pointed ears make these dogs stand out in a crowd. Other than their short body and muscles, the bull terrier’s personality also stands out. They are affectionate, loyal, and known as a “personality breed.”
4. Tarsus Çatalburun
Also known as the Turkish pointer, this is one of the rarest breeds in the world. So, of course, it belongs on the list! How rare is it? Well, it’s estimated that only 200 of them exist today.
If you look at it and think, “That looks like a hunting dog,” you’d be correct. Turkish pointers are excellent partridge hunters with strong noses.
5. Bergamasco Sheepdog
This next breed prefers to live in colder places because of its super heavy and thick coat. The Bergamasco sheepdog has fur that looks like dreadlocks. Building up the coat takes a bit of care, but once you do, you will have a dog that turns heads.
The oddest thing of all is that you’re not supposed to use shampoo on their wooly coat. It could dissolve the protective film that builds around the hairs, making them waterproof. The International Bergamasco Association recommends
6. Affenpinscher
When the American Kennel Club describes the breed as “famously funny,” you know you’re in for a good time. The other nicknames for it just make it more popular. It’s known as a monkey dog and an ape terrier. In France, they call it a diablotin moustachu (‘mustached little devil’).
People even say the black fur reminds them of Ewoks from the Star Wars franchise. This dog gets attention.
7. Catahoula Leopard Dog
This is the state dog of Louisiana. In Canada, they compete as sled dogs (but you wouldn’t know it from their short coat). It’s a medium-sized dog with a spotted coat that is easy to spot.
Looks aside, the Catahoula leopard dog is also famously good with kids and other dogs. This affectionate dog might look like a leopard but acts like the most loving best friend.
8. Puli
No, you’re not seeing another Bergamasco sheepdog, and those aren’t ropes in their fur. This mop-looking pup is the puli. Those rope-like tendrils are called cords, and they form on their own. They are weatherproof and protect the dog from rain.
Watching a Puli prance has to be one of the cutest things ever. Those cords bounce, and they are surprisingly quick on their feet. And their personality is even better. They’re known as an excellent herder but prefer to stay home.
9. Borzoi
You might want to name this dog bullet, because the Borzoi can run 35-40 mph. It used to be known as the Russian Wolfhound and has a regal, aristocratic air to it.
But this might not be the best choice if you want an easy-to-train dog. They are fast and beautiful but also really stubborn. If you overlook that, these long-haired beauties can be affectionate family dogs.
10. Neapolitan Mastiff
Just look at those wrinkles! Some mastiffs grow to 180 pounds, making them formidable guard dogs. But don’t let their giant size scare you away. They are fantastic family dogs and will loyally protect your home if they can be bothered to get off the couch.
According to the Neopolitan Mastiff Club, they were purposely bred with those droopy wrinkles, hoping the ugliness would scare away intruders. And if you think they look familiar, you might be right. A Neopolitan mastiff was Hagrid’s dog in the Harry Potter movies.
11. Otterhound
Another rare breed, the American Kennel Club calls the otterhound a Vulnerable Native Breed because only 600 exist in the world. Why are they called otterhounds? They were bred in medieval England to hunt otters (which is outlawed today). That’s also why they have webbed feet.
These silly pups are some of the most boisterous, energetic, and smart. Their sensitive noses make them really good at tracking, and their hearts just want to please you.
12. Chow Chow
It looks like a fluffy furball, but it’s actually a serious and dignified dog that doesn’t have time for antics. Even the name is fun to say! The chow chow is a large dog with thick fur that resembles a lion’s mane.
Since they aren’t overly affectionate, they have the reputation of being a bit snobbish. But don’t underestimate them. They are incredibly loyal once you earn their trust.
