You’re probably familiar with popular breeds like Labrador retrievers, poodles, bulldogs, and golden retrievers. But did you know that the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes at least 200 different dog breeds — including many you’ve likely never even heard of. Let’s explore the most unusual and uncommon dog breeds out there!
1. Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo)
Xolos come in many different sizes.
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The Xoloitzuintli, or Xolo for short, dates back thousands of years and was revered by the ancient Aztecs. While some Xolos have fur, most are hairless or nearly hairless, with just a touch of hair on their heads, tails, or feet.
2. Komondor
The Komondor is a Hungarian guardian dog.
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With its unusual corded coat, the Komondor looks a bit like a four-legged mop, but don’t let that fool you. Komondorok are surprisingly agile and lightning-fast!
3. Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan hound originated on the Balearic Islands of Spain.
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Ibizan hounds may look serious, but they have very playful personalities. These intelligent dogs are amazing problem solvers and escape artists who will always keep you entertained.
4. Cirneco dell’Etna
Cirneco dell’Etna are loyal and gentle dogs.
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The Cirneco dell’Etna is an unusual and uncommon Italian breed named after the Mount Etna volcano in Sicily. These lithe and slender dogs are unusual outside Italy.
5. Finnish Spitz
The Finnish spitz is a very vocal dog.
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A national treasure of Finland, the Finnish spitz is a stunning red dog with an elegantly curved tail. These uncommon dogs look like foxes with their pointed ears, long snouts, and gorgeous double coats of golden-red fur.
6. Otterhound
Otter hunting is now illegal.
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The otterhound is a shaggy sweetheart with an affectionate and even-tempered personality. During Medieval times these unusual dogs were bred for otter hunting with uniquely webbed feet for swimming. Unfortunately, today the otterhound is a rare and vulnerable native breed.
7. Mudi
There are only a few hundred mudi dogs in the United States.
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Accepted by the AKC in 2022, the mudi is an all-purpose dog from Hungary. Mudi dogs are intelligent and energetic companions who are always up for an adventure with their favorite human.
8. Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are strong and hardy.
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The Lagotto Romagnolo is a sweet Italian breed originally bred as a hunting and water dog. Today, these curly-coated canines are also beloved family members. Some people even use them as highly prized truffle hunters!
9. Canaan Dog
The Canaan dog is the national dog of Israel.
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This unusual and uncommon breed has an ancient ancestry with roots in the Middle East. With a dingo-like, wild appearance, Canaan dogs have amazing skills in herding and various dog sports.
10. Azawakh
Azawakh dogs are calm and happy to hang out around the house with their humans.
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Originating in West Africa, the Azawakh is a regal breed with a tall and slender body. Fueled by a high prey drive and seemingly endless energy, these dogs transform into calm and fiercely loyal companions with their families.
11. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca orchid dogs are affectionate and loyal.
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Like their name, these unusual and uncommon canines have a history linked to the Incan Empire. Some Peruvian Inca orchid dogs may have tufts of hair on their heads, feet, or tails. However, most are completely hairless.
12. Sloughi (Arabian Greyhound)
Sloughi dogs are sensitive and need positively reinforced training.
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A regal sighthound from North Africa, the sloughi has a greyhound-like build. Bred for hunting and guardianship, these sleek dogs are often aloof and reserved with strangers. However, they form strong bonds with their families.
13. Norwegian Lundehund
Norwegian lundehunds can turn their legs out for better mobility.
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Like its name, the Norwegian lundehund comes from Norway where it was originally bred to hunt puffins along the rocky coast. These unusual dogs have incredibly flexible joints and six toes on each paw (compared to the usual four)
14. Chinook
Chinook dogs need plenty of exercise to stay fit and healthy.
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The chinook, an uncommon and nearly extinct dog breed, originated in New Hampshire as a sled dog. These powerful canines are as hardworking as they are eager to please. They are also calm and do well with families, children, and other dogs.
15. Cesky Terrier
The Cesky terrier is the national dog of the Czech Republic.
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These feisty canines were bred for hunting in Bohemian forests with short legs and sturdy bodies. Cesky terriers are intelligent, clever dogs that love to be challenged.
16. Skye Terrier
The Skye terrier is one of the most uncommon terrier breeds in the world.
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Hailing from the Isle of Skye, these charming dogs have served as beloved companions of European royalty, including Queen Victoria and Mary Queen of Scots. However, today Skye terriers are endangered in the UK.
17. Belgian Laekenois
Belgian Laekenois dogs have a lot of energy to burn.
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The Belgian Laekenois is a sporty dog with curly fur. Although affectionate companions, they need lots of mental and physical activity and enrichment and are always on the move.
18. Bedlington Terrier
Many Bedlington terriers love playing in the snow.
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The Bedlington terrier may look like a cute little lamb, but it’s actually an uncommon and unusual dog breed from Northumberland, England. These curly-coated chambers are true working dogs, excelling in activities like dog sports, hunting, racing, and even swimming.
19. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dandie Dinmont terriers have mustard- or pepper-colored coats.
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The Dandie Dinmont terrier stands out with its short legs, long body, and impressive hairdo. Despite their regal appearance, these terriers are hardy, tough, and determined. However, unlike other terrier breeds, Dandie Dinmonts are usually more calm.
20. Estrela Mountain Dog
Estrela mountain dogs need lots of space.
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A large and formidable breed from the Estrela Mountains of Portugal, Estrela mountain dogs are calm and courageous canines. Their impressive size, intelligence, and alertness make them excellent police dogs.
21. Hovawart
Hovawart dogs need lots of time and attention from their owners.
©iStock.com/Dora Zett
A versatile working dog, the hovawart is an uncommon and unusual breed from Germany. While their guarding instincts and work ethic make them excellent family companions and working partners, Hovawarts are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
22. Kai Ken
Kai Ken dogs are excellent watchdogs.
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A spitz-type dog breed from Japan, the Kai Ken or Tora Inu (tiger dog) has a unique brindle (stripe) coat. This ancient breed was trained to hunt wild boar, deer, and even bears.
23. Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Nederlandse kooikerhondje dogs love being the center of attention.
©Lisjatina/Shutterstock.com
The Nederlandse kooikerhondje, a small spaniel-type breed from the Netherlands, is a beautiful dog with silky white and orange fur. Although originally bred for duck hunting, these dogs are sweet, affectionate, and playful.
24. Pyrenean Shepherd
Pyrenean shepherds are naturally gifted herding dogs.
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Built for the challenging terrain of the Pyrenees Mountains, the Pyrenean shepherd is a big ball of energy. These agile dogs are also intelligent and need plenty of mental enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.
25. Stabyhoun (Stabijhoun)
The stabyhoun’s name means “stand by [me] dog”.
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One of the most uncommon and unusual dog breeds in the world is the stabyhoun. These affectionate dogs come from the Friesland province of the Netherlands, where they were bred as versatile working dogs.
26. Swedish Vallhund
Swedish vallhunds may have sailed with the Vikings!
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With a history going back at least 1,000 years, the Swedish vallhund is a very uncommon and unusual breed. These compact, short-legged canines were originally bred for herding livestock. They also have friendly and playful personalities.
27. Thai Ridgeback
Thai ridgebacks are powerful dogs originally bred for work and hunting.
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Originally from Thailand, the Thai ridgeback has a striking, reversed ridge of fur running down its back. This unique feature makes the dog’s coat stand out, with the ridge growing in the opposite direction from the rest of the hair.
28. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Many Bergamasco sheepdogs bond with one particular human companion.
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The first thing you’ll notice about a Bergamasco sheepdog is its stellar fur coat. Unlike most dogs, these Italian herders don’t really shed. Instead, their fur shapes into dense mats (or “flocks”).
29. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Polish lowland sheepdogs are intelligent and can have quite the stubborn streak.
©Paul Cotney/Shutterstock.com
The Polish lowland sheepdog sports an impressively shaggy coat that complements its strong, muscular build. Originally bred for herding, these uncommon and unusual dogs can thrive in apartments as long as their exercise and mental needs are met.
30. Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
“Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen” translates to mean “large, low, shaggy dog of the Vendéen region”.
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The grand basset griffon Vendéen (or GBGV), comes from France’s Vendéen region, where it was bred to hunt anything from small rabbits to wild boar. Despite their tough and powerful physiques, however, GBGVs are calm, patient, and affectionate dogs.
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