Americans love dogs, but they also have very boring taste. Yes, we love German shepherds, poodles, beagles and labs as much as everyone else, but the world is full of amazing and weird dog breeds that don't get the kind of love that they deserve. Some are unique twists on popular breeds that look totally stunning, while others are popular in other parts of the world but totally unknown here.
Whether you like unusual markings, fancy hairdos or totally unique looks, there's a breed on this list for every type of dog-lover.
Who knows, someday these breeds could become hits in this country as well, but until then we'll admire them from afar.
1. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Where to begin with this adorable little dog? It has the best features of a Basset hound and a terrier, which soft and fuzzy fur. Don't let his cute looks fool you, these dogs used to hunt wild boar, but they're also known for being friendly with other pets.
2. Red Heeler
If you love corgis but prefer having a large dog, this breed is a good compromise, since these dogs share a lot of their features. They're actually a cross between Collies and dingoes, which makes them good working dogs and friendly companions.
3. Bergamasco
The Bergamasco is an Italian dog known for being covered in huge scales like a lizard - okay, not really, but you could believe it right? They actually have 3 coats of hair that naturally get matted over time. The dog is perfectly comfortable, because the matted hair actually protects them from the weather.
4. Brindle Greyhound
Is this a rare breed of racing tiger? No, it's a plain old greyhound, but the special coat really makes them look like the big cat. Warning: if you buy one of these totally adorable dogs, be prepared to share the couch with them, because they're notorious snugglers.
Click the next page for even more unusual breeds, including a special version of the dalmatian!
5. Lemon Dalmatian (and other colors)
I feel like, up until now, my whole life has been a lie, because I was completely unaware that dalmatians came in more colors than the classic black and white variety. Through mutations and breeding there are actually quite a few dalmatian colors. Their spots can be blue, lemon or orange, as well as brindle (tiger stripes). There are even dalmatians with unusually long, fluffy coats. How come none of these were featured in the movie?!
6. Bedlington Terrier
If a poodle's curly hairdo isn't punk rock enough for you, the mohawked Bedlington terrier is a perfect match. Their intimidating looks also match their personality, because they're known to be unfriendly with other dogs.
7. Puli
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is one of the famous owners of this breed known for its "dreadlocks." Pulik (the special word for a group of Puli) need to have their matted hair cleaned and trimmed regularly, or else it will drag on the ground and make them look like they're floating.
8. Lancashire Heeler
Another corgi-terrier mix, these loyal and friendly farm dogs get their name from their short size. They have a nasty habit of nibbling on people's heels, but that's just their playful side showing. they're also tough, and can carry a toy the size of their body.
9. Borzoi
The "Russian wolfhound" isn't as scary as the name implies. Borzoi literally means "fast," and these greyhound-like dogs are known for racing around at top speed, pointy-nose first. Borzoi are known for being smart but stubborn, and do things at their own pace (unless you offer them some food).
Click the next page for even more unusual breeds, including an adorable twist on the Border Collie.
10. Pumi
This Hungarian dog breed has a long history stretching back over 1,000 years, but mainly they're known for their adorable "teddy bear" looks. Believe it or not, these tiny dogs were used to guard farms, mostly using their yappy barks to frighten away bigger animals. Today, they're still used to track down missing people. Which makes sense, because they look just like Snowy, the dog that followed Tintin the boy detective around.
11. Czechoslovakian Vlcak
This breed is for all of the Game of Thrones fans out there. A cross between German shepherds and wolves, these intimidating dogs have the pack instincts of the wild animal with the loyalty of a family dog. Although, the first few groups of puppies were apparently too wolf-ish, and "impossible" to train.
12. Merle Cocker Spaniel
When puppies are born with coat that mixes colors, the result is either stunning or silly. The blended version of the Cocker Spaniel is definitely the former, with a look that might remind you of Australian collies....or Oreo cookies.
13. Lilac Border Collie
This version of the border collie has softer brown colored fur, which almost makes it seem like a printer ran out of ink before it finished making them.
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