Last year, we pointed out eleven wacky dog breeds you’ve likely never heard of. And there’s plenty more where that came from. Sure, you might have one adorable mutt on your hands with a weirdly awesome mixing of breeds, but there are entire purebred breeds that make us giggle with doggie glee. So while we love the pups no matter what shape or size they come in, let’s take a look beyond the pupular Goldens and Labs to see what unique canines are currently dwelling across our fine world.
Pssst: want even more? Last week we pointed out eleven oddball breeds that show nature’s execellent sense of humor. Check ’em out!
1. Saluki
Image via WikiMedia
The Saluki (that. name.) is known as the Arabian Greyhound and is considered the “Royal dog of Egypt.” Sweet title! One of the oldest breeds of domesticated dogs, there are petroglyphs and rock arts in Golpaygan and Khomein in central Iran that showcase Saluki-like hounds along with their fellow human hunters, circa 8000–10,000 BCE. They now are found in two varieties: smooth and feathered. (Feathered, giggle).
2. Lurcher
Image via Wikipedia
Originating in Ireland, Lurchers are usually not a pure breed dog but a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed (usually a terrier, as seen in the photo). Because Lurchers are not purebreds, they are not technically recognized by any major kennel clubs. However, the North American Lurcher and Longdog Association was recently created to serve as a registering body for Lurchers and longdogs in the US and Canada.
3. Beauceron
Image via Vet Street
The Beauceron is a guard and herding dog breed from Northern France. As you’ve likely guessed, they’re one of the main dog breeds used to create the Doberman Pinscher, and thusly share many qualities. Though most popularly black and tan, you can also find this beautiful breed with both merle and harlequin coats. A messenger dog in both world wars, Beauceron’s are also known for their double dewclaws.
4. Laekenois
Image via Vet Street
This scraggle muffin is a type of Belgian Shepherd Dog, sometimes classified on it’s own and sometimes rolled into it’s main breed. While they aren’t currently popular in the US, you will find the woolly, tweed-lookin’ pups in Canada, Australia, Britain and throughout Europe. They share their brotherhood with the Malinois, Tervuren and Groenendael – three other breeds you may have never heard of!
5. Blue Lacy
Image via Pet Your Dog
If you’re from Texas, you’ve likely heard of this dog breed. Everyone else? Maybe not. They originated in Texas in the 19th century as a working dog and were first recognized in 2001 by the Texas Senate. In June 2005, Governor Rick Perry signed legislation adopting the blue Lacy as “the official State Dog Breed of Texas.” Pretty cool, though they aren’t currently recognized by any major kennel club.
6. Briard
Image via Wikipedia
You know it’s a hip dog when Charlemagne, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, and Lafayette are all said to have owned one. But had you heard of a Briard? The French herding dogs (but seriously, how do they herd anything with that haircut?) are regularly used in police and military search-and-rescue work and come in a variety of colors. A very loyal and protective breed, they have been described as a “heart of gold wrapped in fur.” D’awww!
7. Canaan
Image via Wikipedia
The Canaan is the national dog breed of Israel, though you can find them throughout the United States as well. So maybe you’ve heard of them? We hadn’t. Though its worth pointing out that this beautiful breed was the dog of choice for one John F. Kennedy back in the 1960s.
8. Clumber Spaniel
Image via Wikipedia
You’ve likely heard of most of the spaniel dog breeds, but Clumber is a new one on us! Developed in the UK, it is the largest of the spaniels, and comes in just one color. These drooly, snoring pups have famously been kept and bred by various British Monarchs, including Prince Albert, King Edward VII and King George V.
9. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Image via STNCL
And you thought you woke up with cow-licked hair! The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small Scottish breed in the terrier family. With a very long body, short legs, and a distinctive “top-knot” of hair on the head, it gets it’s name from a character in Sir Walter Scott‘s novel Guy Mannering. The once popular breed (in the UK) often appears as a “Vulnerable Native Breed” by the Kennel Club due to it’s low number of registrations each year. We say it’s high time to bring this mop-top back!
10. Eurasier
Image via Ztona.org
The Eurasier, or Eurasian as it’s sometimes known, is a breed of the Spitz type that originated in Germany. Easy to train and receptive to strangers, the fluffly pups come in four colors (pictured) and are known for being calm and rarely barking. Think of them as a much more reserved version of their brothers the Chow Chows.
11. Hovawart
Image via Wikipedia
In case you ever run into Jay Z and he’s looking to adopt a pup, refer him to the Hovawart (uh, get it?) The German dog breed originated in the Black Forest region and come in three color combos. The outstanding watchdogs are known for their skill at search-and-rescue and response to positive reinforcement training.
Love these rascals? Check BarkBuddy or Pet Harbor for available pups in your area. You can search based on breed, gender, age and size up to 200 miles from your home.
Featured image from Wikipedia.
