With over 340 recognized dog breeds worldwide, some obviously don't attract as much attention. Although people might have their hearts set on Golden Retrievers and French Bulldogs, there is a whole world of tedious dog breeds out there with interesting histories, characters, and physical traits to be discovered.
Let’s check out 10 dog breeds you may not know about (but may fall in love with).
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Lagotto Romagnolo (lah-GO-toh roh-MAHN-yoh-lo)
The Truffle Hunter with a Heart of Gold -
Origin: Italy
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Key Traits: Loyal, loving, very trainable
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Fun Fact: These curly-haired pups are world-renowned for their ability to sniff out truffles.
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Best For: Families or individuals wanting an energetic, watersport companion.
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Thai Ridgeback
The Svelte Guardian from Southeast Asia -
Origin: Thailand
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Key Traits: Independent, protective, athletic
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Fun Fact: It's one of the only dog breeds that have a natural ridge of hair on its back growing in the opposite direction of the rest of its coat.
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Best For: Experienced dog owners that better appreciate a strong-willed and loyal protector.
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Mudi (MOO-dee)
The Plucky Herding Dog from Hungary -
Origin: Hungary
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Key Traits: Alert, smart, agile
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Fun Fact: Mudis excel in canine sports, and they were originally bred to herd sheep at a high rate of speed.
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Best For: Active individuals that enjoy training and mental challenges.
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Xoloitzcuintli (show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee)
The Ancient Aztec Healer -
Origin: Mexico
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Key Traits: Calm, loyal, easy-care
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Fun Fact: Often called the "Mexican Hairless Dog", the Aztecs revered these dogs and thought they had "healing" powers.
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Best For: Anyone with allergies, or those who want a low-shedding and unique pet.
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Kooikerhondje (KOY-ker-hond-yuh)
The Dutch Duck Decoy Dog -
Origin: Netherlands
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Key Traits: Happy, willing, cute
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Fun Fact: Kooikers were used to lure ducks into their traps with their fluffy tails—no joke!
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Best For: Families or people looking for an intelligent dog with a good-natured disposition.
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Azawakh (AHZ-ah-wahk)
The Noble Sprinting Desert Dog -
Origin: West Africa
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Key Traits: Reserved, lean, dignified
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Fun Fact: Azawakh dogs are as fast as a greyhound and have provided protection for communities, including nomadic camps, for centuries.
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Best For: Someone who likes quiet and elegant company.
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Catalburun (Jatahl-boo-ROON)
The Split-Nose Scenthound -
Origin: Turkey
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Key Traits: Devoted, inquisitive, scent-driven
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Fun Fact: The Catalburun has a split nose which enhances the dog's ability to track and hunt.
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Best For: Hunters or those who enjoy dogs with a unique appearance.
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Telomian
The Village Tree-Climbing Dog -
Origin: Malaysia
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Key Traits: Agile, alert, adaptable
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Fun Fact: Telomians are said to climb trees and share living space with humans in the jungle.
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Best For: Adventurous individuals who enjoy primitive dogs that like and want human companions.
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Otterhound
The Big Water Worker with a Wet Nose -
Origin: United Kingdom
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Key Traits: Jolly, shaggy, loves water
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Fun Fact: Otterhounds were bred to hunt otters, with webbed feet and a good nose!
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Best For: A water-loving household that has space for a large and lovable idiot.
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Norwegian Lundehund (LOON-deh-hund)
The Puffin Acrobat Hunter -
Origin: Norway
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Key Traits: Flexible, curious, loyal
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Fun Fact: Lundehunds have an extra toe and can bend their neck backwards. Built to climb cliffs and hunt puffins!
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Best For: Breed enthusiasts, or those who are attracted to dogs with strange acrobatic descriptions.
Want to learn more about your unusual dog?
So, you want to adopt, want to learn about canine history, or are you just curious about how many breeds there are? There is so much more to learn.
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Learn about rare breeds at Wellington Dogs!
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Think about adopting a dog in need!
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Shop uncommon-lover gear, or gifts!
Together, let's give love to the world's underappreciated furry friends—because every dog deserves their moment in the sun.
