20 Best Rare and Unique Dog Breeds

I like to share information about wildlife, animals, and pets—dogs in particular.

There are approx. 400 dog breeds in the world, out of which 190 are registered. And all these dogs have their own specialty and different identity. However, some dogs are rare, which look quite different from other dogs, or they have some characteristic that sets them apart from other dogs. In this article, know about 20 such breeds that look different from other dogs.

1: Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a medium sized, scent hound dog from the hound family of dogs. Basset Hound was developed to hunt hare that has an excellent sense of smell. The Basset Hound has a unique appearance and physical traits, it has short legs, long ear and rectangular shaped body.

Basset Hound Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : France
• Height : Average, 13 inches
• Weight : Average, 47.5 pounds
• Coat and Color : Tri-color, Black & Brown, Black & White, White & Chocolate, Lemon & White, Red & White
• Temperament : Gentle, Devoted, Friendly, Affectionate
• Life expectancy : 10 -12 year

2. Bergamasco Shepherd

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a medium sized, ancient breed, also known as Bergamasco, Bergamaschi, Bergamese Shepherd, Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, Bergamo Shepherd Dog. Its an excellent watchdog that doesn't like strangers that has been used as a therapy dog for handicapped children.

Bergamasco Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Italy
• Height : 21 to 23 Inches
• Weight : 57 to 84 Pounds
• Coat and Color : Black, Black & Brown, Merle, Fawn, Grey, Silver-gray, Light Fawn
• Temperament : Intelligent, Determined, Gentle, Devoted
• Life expectancy : 13 to15 years

3. Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a small sized dog breed, of the terrier category. Named after its native town, Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. The Bedlington Terrier dog was developed in the 1800s, for hunting rats, mice, and other small animals in coal mines. It's a hypoallergenic dog breed that has a pear-shaped head, and a thin, curvy tail and look like a sheep.

Bedlington Terrier Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England.
• Height : 38.00 to 4.00 Cm
• Weight : 7.7 to 10.0 Kg
• Coat and Color : Sandy & Tan, Blue, ,Blue & Tan, Liver, Liver & Tan, Sandy.
• Temperament : Energetic, Intelligent, Affectionate, Devoted.
• Life expectancy : 12 to 14 years

4. Bush Dog

Bush dogs, also called savannah or vinegar dogs, are very different from other breeds. Bush dogs have long, soft brownish-tan fur with highlights. Spotting a Bush dog in the wild is difficult as they are very shy. They are top-notch swimmers and can even dive underwater. The unique combination of a shy nature and extraordinary swimming talent makes them very special.

Bush Dog breed Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Central and North America
• Height : 55 - 75 cm.
• Weight : 6 - 9 kg.
• Coat and Color : Long, brown, and tan fur with lighter reddish tinges on the head, neck, and back.
• Temperament : Wild.
• Lifespan : 6 - 8 years

5. Catahoula Leopard Dog

Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dogs are very intelligent. The name "Catahoula" is actually taken from an Indian word meaning "clear water". These dogs have strong muscles and deep chests, blue eyes, and coloured patches on their fur. These coloured patches and eyes give them the appearance of a leopard. American and Canadian farmers developed this breed by combining native American dogs, Spanish Mastiffs, and Greyhounds as hunting and guard dogs.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Louisiana
• Height : 51 - 61 cm.
• Weight : 16 - 36 kg.
• Colour : Striking, short to medium-length fur that may be spotted, brindled, patched or solid.
• Temperament : Loyal, independent, protective, and territorial.
• Category : Sporting, hunting, and herding.
• Availability : North America, France, and Europe.
• Lifespan : 10 - 13 years

6. Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier is a small sized dog, from the terrier category of dog that are considered to be the descends from the Scottish Terrier and Sealyham Terrier. This dog was developed by geneticist Dr František Horák, to hunt vermin, it has bearded face, wedge-shaped head, long body, and long, silky hair coat.

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Cesky Terrier Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Czechia, Czechoslovakia
• Height : 10 to 13 inches
• Weight : 5.9 – 10 kg
• Coat and Colour : Grey Blue, Light Coffee Brown, long silky fur
• Temperament : Intelligent, Reserved, Nonaggressive, Gentle
• Lifespan : 12 - 15 years

7. Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium sized dog from Southern China, developed as watchdog and property guardian also used as a hunter, herder, and a fighter. This is a rare dog breed known for deep wrinkles and blue-black tongue. It has a unique appearance with short ears and eyes covered under wrinkles.

Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Southern China
• Height : 44–51 cm (17–20 in)
• Weight : 16–29 kg (35–64 lb)
• Colour : All solid colours except white
• Temperament : Aloof, Reserved, Independent, Devoted, Loving
• Category : Working
• Lifespan : 11 – 12 years

8. Chinese Imperial

The Chinese Imperial Dog is an ancient toy sized dog breed, native to China, having been in existence for over 2000 years. This is basically a smaller version of Shih Tzu's dog and also known as Imperial Shih Tzu. The Chinese Imperial Dog has a unique appearance with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face, and curled tail.

Chinese Imperial Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : China
• Height : 7 to 8 Inches
• Weight : Under, 9 pounds
• Colour : Any color including, Grey Blue, Light Coffee Brown with long fur
• Temperament : Active, Confident, Friendly, Playful
• Category : Toy
• Lifespan : 10-15 years

9. Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog is a small sized hairless dog, native to China. Chinese Crested Dog is available in two varieties, with and without hair, The hairy dog of this breed has silky hair on the head and claws, which gives them a unique appearance.

Chinese Crested Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : China
• Height : 11 to 13 inches
• Weight : 10 to 14, pounds
• Colour : Any color, can be mix of two or three colors
• Temperament : Active, Confident, Friendly, Playful
• Category : Toy
• Lifespan : 10 to 14 years

10. Chongqing Dog

Chongqing dog is centuries-old medium-sized dog, which originated in China. Its ears are erect, chest is wide and jaws are very strong and there are wrinkles on the face, short, "bamboo stick" tail and a reddish-brown coat gives a unique appearance to this dog.

Chongqing Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : China
• Height : 11 to 13 inches
• Weight : 10 to 14, pounds
• Colour : Any color, can be mix of two or three colors
• Temperament : Active, Confident, Friendly, Playful
• Category : Working
• Lifespan : 10 to 14 years

11. Cambodian Razorback Dog

The Cambodian Razorback is a medium sized, long haired dog. This is a rare dog which has a ridge of hair that runs along its back in the opposite. It is an energetic, active, agile and muscular dog that makes a good watch dog.

Cambodian Razorback Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Cambodia
• Height : 20 to 24 Inches
• Weight : Up to 60 pounds
• Colour : Brown, White, Light Brown, Black & Brown, Black & White, Brown & White
• Temperament : Active, Alert and Independent
• Category : Working
• Lifespan : Appx.12 years

12. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small sized dog, which was originated in the border country of Scotland and England. This dog was developed to hunt foxes and other animals that got its name after a fictional character in Sir Walter Scott's novel (Dandie Dinmont).

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Scotland
• Height : Adult,11 Inches
• Weight : 18 to 24 pounds (eight to 11 kilograms)
• Colour : Pepper or Mustard
• Temperament : Playful, Courageous, confident and Devoted
• Category : Terrier
• Lifespan : 12 to 14 years

13. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is large sized, mastiff type dog from Italy. Also, known as Neapolitan Mastiff or Mastino Napoletano, descendants of traditional guard dogs in central Italy. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a unique dog, known for his huge size and profoundly wrinkled fur.

Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Italy
• Height : 24 to 31 Inch
• Weight : 120 to 200 Pounds
• Colour : Black, gray, mahogany, tan, brindle
• Temperament : Protective, Obedient, Stubborn, Fearless, Dominant
• Category : Working
• Lifespan : 8 to 10 Years

14. Komondor

The Komondor, is a large sized hairy dog from Hungary, also known as the Hungarian sheepdog. It's a large, powerful guardian dog, which was developed to guard livestock and other property. It has a unique appearance with a long, corded coat and beard face. Sometimes referred to as 'mop dogs'.

Komondor Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Hungary
• Height : 25.5 to 27.5 Inches
• Weight : 80 to 100 Pounds
• Colour : white, curly wool type fur
• Temperament : Independent, Fearless, Affectionate, Calm, Gentle
• Category : Working, Herding
• Lifespan : 10 - 12 Years

15. Jonangi

The Jonangi is a medium sized, native Indian dog breed, which were used for hunting small game, as watchdogs and for duck hunting. Jonangi dog is available along the East Coast of India from Bengal to Kanyakumari. This breed is unique in that it is a hairless dog that does not bark and instead makes a yodeling sound. Perhaps the most similar breed to the Jonangi is the Basenji.

Jonangi Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : India
• Height : Male, 18–22 in (46–56 cm). Female, 18–22 in (46–56 cm)
• Weight : Male, 55–85 lb (25–39 kg). Female, 45–65 lb (20–29 kg)
• Colour : Black, White, Fawn, Brindle, Chocolate, Biscuit
• Temperament : Spunky, Vigilant, Primitive
• Category : Working
• Lifespan : 10 - 14 Years

16. Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a small to medium sized dog origination from Malta. This is basically a hunting dog that was developed to hunt rabbits in the rocky terrain of the islands, also known as Maltese name Kelb tal-Fenek means "rabbit dog". It is a slender-bodied dog that resembles small-sized gray hounds.

Pharaoh Hound Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Malta
• Height : 21 to 25 inches
• Weight : 45 to 55 pounds
• Colour : Chestnut, Red Golden, and Tan
• Temperament : Intelligent, Affectionate, Playful, Active, Trainable
• Category : Hunting
• Lifespan : 12 - 14 Years

17. Puli Dog

The Puli is a small to medium sized dog, originating from Hungary. Puli dog was to to be used for herding and livestock guarding dog. It has a unique appearance with long, corded coat and the tight curls of the coat and look like a small Hungarian Komondor dog.

Puli Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Hungary
• Height : 15 to 17 inches
• Weight : 25 to 35 pounds
• Colour : Black, White, Brindle, Cream, Brown, Silver
• Temperament : Loyal, Intelligent, Agile, Lively, Cheerful
• Category : Herding
• Lifespan : 12-16 years

18. Teacup Chihuahua

Teacup Chihuahua is a variety of pure breed Chihuahua, this is the smallest variety of Chihuahua dog breed, and the smallest dog in the world, also known as Pocket Chihuahua or micro Chihuahuas. This is a very devoted and good family dog, but it can be trusted with children only if well trained and socialized.

Teacup Chihuahua Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Mexico
• Height : 6 inches
• Weight : 2-4.4 lb (0.9-2 kg)
• Color : White, Black, Fawn, Cream
• Temperament : Affectionate, Alert and Loyal
• Category : Toy
• Lifespan : 7 – 12 years

19. Xiasi Dog (or Xiasi Quan)

The Xiasi Dog (or Xiasi Quan) is a medium sized hunting dog from China. This was used as a hunting companion and guard property in the mountains Guizhou province. Xiasi dog was considered the sign of good luck, bringing prosperity to their owners. This dog is introduced to endangered 300 Xiasi Hounds exist.

Xiasi Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : China
• Height : 17-20 inches
• Weight : 44-66 pounds
• Color : White
• Temperament : Intelligent, Aloof, Devoted, Loyal
• Category : Hunting
• Lifespan : 10-14 years

20. Xoloitzcuintli Dog

Xoloitzcuintli Dog is a medium sized, hairless dog from Mexico, also known as Xoloitzcuintle, Xoloitzquintle, Xoloitzcuintli. This is one of the unique dog which is hairless dog that have hair on its forehead.

Xoloitzcuintli Dog Breed Characteristics

• Origin : Mexico
• Height : 18 to 23 Inches
• Weight : 10 to 50 pound
• Color : Black, Brindle, Fawn, Dark Brown, Copper & White, Bronze
• Temperament : Gentle, Intelligent, Aloof, Alert, Companionable, Protective
• Category : Working
• Lifespan : 14 to 17 years

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2022 ARADHYA