We’re all intimately familiar with Bulldogs, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels. However, there are an estimated 360 globally recognized breeds, which means that there’s no doubt there are quite a few you’ve never even heard of before!
Every breed of dog is unique and has its own special characteristics, physical traits, and history. If you’re an avid dog lover, keep reading to learn about some dogs that are new to you and perhaps even find a new favorite breed.
1. Azawakh
Even if you manage to pronounce this dog’s name, we’re certain you haven’t heard it before! The Azawakh is a slender and elegant beauty dog hailing from West Africa, particularly Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
While being on the larger end of the scale, these pooches are taller than they are wide, sporting a sleek and slim look that aligns with their original purpose: hunting game like gazelles and other swift-moving animals.
They’re sleek, fast, and independent dogs, which often means they can be reserved and even aloof with strangers. However, these dogs are also fiercely loyal and affectionate when it comes to their families, making them great protectors and watchdogs as family pets. Because of their size and high energy levels, they need a good amount of exercise and love to run around.
2. Kooikerhondje
The little Kooikerhondje is a sweet and loving pup who makes an incredible family companion. They have thick, long coats in a range of colors, from orange to deep chestnut red, mixed in with their white fur.
As you might have guessed from the name, Kooikerhondjes come from the Netherlands. “Kooiker” is the Dutch word for “duck decoy,” indicating that these dogs played an important role in bird hunting, and they’re particularly fond of ducks.
Their lively personalities make them a fantastic choice for family homes. Kooikerhondjes are very friendly and affectionate, playful, and great with children. They need a lot of exercise as well as mental stimulation to be happy and healthy, and are always at their best when they’re surrounded by those they love and trust.
3. Lagotto Romagnolo
This Italian cutie comes from Northern Italy, where it steals hearts with its woolly, sheep-like coat. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a working dog known in Europe for its truffle hunting skills, even though it was originally bred for duck hunting.
This breed is one of few that is actually pretty laid-back, despite their hard-working backgrounds. They enjoy their exercise, and it’s important for their health, but they’ll be content to lounge around on the sofa for most of the day, too, making them a popular choice of pet.
Another reason these dogs are so well-loved is their affectionate nature and eagerness to please. They’re very intelligent and highly trainable, happy to learn new tricks and earn their owners’ praise. They’re every bit as loving and cuddly as they look!
4. Thai Ridgeback
There are only three breeds of dog in the world that sport the distinctive ridge of hair along their back that flows in the opposite direction of the rest of their coats. These are the Rhodesian Ridgeback, the Phy Quoc Ridgeback, and the Thai Ridgeback.
The latter of the three originates, of course, from Thailand and is a beautiful, strong, stocky breed that was mostly used as a guard dog. This is likely due to their independent, strong-willed, and protective nature.
Thai Ridgebacks are a more self-reliant breed, which might be more challenging to train for novice dog owners. However, they’re incredibly loyal, make exceptional watchdogs, and are a great choice of pet for a highly active family.
5. Mudi
This Hungarian herding dog is known and loved for being alert, playful, and incredibly intelligent, crowned a rare European gem! Although their name is pronounced “moody,” these dogs are anything but – instead, displaying a generally happy and approachable demeanor.
Their thick, almost-curly coats are beautiful and come in a wide range of colors, from pitch black to mottled grey to delicate creams. A huge bonus is that these gorgeous coats aren’t even tough to look after, and Mudis are actually relatively low-maintenance dogs.
As long as they’re well-trained and socialized, these dogs are great with children and other pets, well-behaved, affectionate, and energetic. They need a solid exercise routine to stay healthy and prevent them from tearing up the house, but they’re also a loving and cuddly companion.
6. Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo)
Now, this ancient Mexican breed is truly unique. Why, you ask? Because these dogs are almost entirely bald. Much like a Sphynx or Donskoy cat, these hairless pooches have their smooth skin on full display.
While their full name can be a little tricky to pronounce (try: sho-low-its-kweently), these Mexican pups go more frequently by just Xolo, which is a little easier on the tongue. The Xolo is a sleek, elegant-looking dog that actually comes in three different sizes: toy size, miniature size, and standard size – so you can have your pick!
They’re mostly known for being rare but also for being intelligent, playful, and highly alert, always darting after squirrels and other small prey. Xolos have a loud voice, and work well in family homes where they have space to run and active humans to play with.
7. Norwegian Lundehund
Last but certainly not least is the Norwegian Lundehund, which you might just mistake for a fox if you spot him in the woods. Hailing from Norway’s rocky island of Vaeroy, this unique pup is the only dog breed ever created to hunt puffins, according to the American Kennel Club.
An interesting fact about these dogs is that they have six toes on each foot, which allowed them to hunt those pesky puffins on rocky cliffs. Their hunting history also explains their energetic, alert, and playful nature. Lundehunds are active and require daily exercise to thrive.
While not known for being overly affectionate and even slightly stand-offish with strangers, these pooches are very loyal and loving when it comes to their families. Because of this, they still make excellent pets if you ever manage to come across one of these rare dogs!
