15 of the World's Strangest Dog Breeds

If you are dog lover and enthusiast with a penchant for the weird and unusual, rather than cute and cuddly, then you are in luck. Let’s take a look at the world’s strangest dog breeds.

Bedlington Terrier

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Is it a sheep or a dog, or both? Meet the breed that seems like an amalgamation of two animals. This breed is known for its curly and wool like fur. In fact, it is often mistaken for baby lamb. No surprise there. Traditionally used for racing and for catching vermin, this dog is known for its athleticism despite its strange size and look.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Named after the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana, this is considered as one of the earliest breed of dogs in America. Although its origin may be sketchy, it was believed that the breed emerged from Native American Indians who cross bred molossers and greyhounds. This breed was formerly trained to hunt boar.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

Here’s one breed that does not resemble a flower of any kind. This breed has been around since before AD 750 and is one dog breed that is uncommon. Aside from its rather “hairless” look, this breed is known for its agility, its smartness and swiftness. This breed is both good at hunting and lure coursing.

Thai Ridgeback

This particular breed is gaining quite some popularity. What makes this breed unique is the ridge of hair that grows only on its back.

Azwakh

This breed traces its origin in West Africa. This is a very protective type of breed and is an extremely intelligent lure courser. It is quite lean and elegantly built.

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Shar-pei

If you think wrinkles are horrible think again. Meet the breed that makes wrinkles look adorable. Aside from its wrinkles, the Shar-Pei is also known for its black blue tongue. Shar-pei’s were originally bred as guard dogs so do not be surprised if they are quite wary of strangers. They are also perimeter dogs which mean that they work well in farms. The Chinese believed that their look would chase away evil spirits.

Mudi

This breed’s origin is of Hungarian origin. Mudi is one of the most versatile dog breeds you can find. Aside from its rather curly top coat, this breed is the perfect outdoor companion. It is a very talented hunter, rodent exterminator, flock guardian and herding dog.

Xoloitzcuintli

Known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the breed name is pronounced as show-low-eats-queen-tlee. This breed is native to Mexico and has shown that it had existed for more than 3,000 years. Its hairless features can be traced to possible mutations among indigenous American dogs which it suited for tropical climates. This breed serves as a guard and companion dog.

Chinese Crested

Despite its name, this particular breed did not originate from China. It is believed that the breed might’ve originated in Africa. This particular breed is quite known for its two distinct variants: the hairless and the powder puff. This breed is known for craving human companionship.

New Guinea Singing Dog

If you think all dogs bark, think again. Here’s one breed that is known for its unique vocalization. But this breed which is closely related to a wild dog, is an excellent companion and is quite intelligent.

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Catalburun

This is one of the rarest dog breeds that ever graced the planet. What makes this dog breed special is that it is the only dog breed that has a split nose and adorably suspended ears. Originally bred in Turkey as a hunting dog, this breed is quite known for their loyalty to their companions.

Russian Borzoi

Unlike most dogs, this breed hunts using its sight rather than its scent. For a breed that is known to be quite, they are quite athletic and independent. Their body shape is used for lure coursing.

Bergamasco Shepherd

This particular shepherd dog traces its origins in the Italian Alps. This breed has been around for over 2,000 years. Known for its felted fur, the bergamasco shepherd served as a herding dog in the Italian alps. Its signature coat is quite dense and hard. This breed is known to be alert, observant and patient with good self-control and balance

Puli

This breed is also known as the “mop dog” because of its long, ropy and corded coat similar to that of a dread lock. It traces its origin to Hungarian roots. This small- medium sized pooch is a great herder and possesses intelligence and a unique sense of humor. They’re quite protective of their masters and are wary of strangers.

Komondor

Similar to that of the Puli, this breed has been a working dog for ten centuries in Hungary. This breed also functions as a herding dog. Komondors have a natural instinct to protect. This breed is very calm and steady as what most natural guarding dogs usually have. Like any guarding dog, Komondors are quite wary of strangers.