1. Bolognese
Image Source/ Reddit
Nope, not a typo. And also not the delicious Italian Spaghetti Bolognese we all know and love. The Bolognese breed does come from Bologna in Italy though! Better known as the Bolo, is the perfect easy going pet. It’s a lapdog who loves a low key lifestyle, meaning a walk or a low energy game is all it needs. They don’t shed much either so bonus points for that.
2. Otterhound
Image Source/ Reddit
The Otterhound is a rare and wonderful dog breed. There are only around 600 in the world! It has a waterproof coat and webbed feet so loves a good swim in the water. They are bouncy enough to get excited when you get home but also independent enough that they’re happy spending time on their own too. The perfect combination!
3. Schipperke
Image Source/ Reddit
Another dog from Belgium, the Schipperke was nicknamed ‘the black devil’ although its personality is not fitting of that. It’s a mischievous and inquisitive breed, but will be fully dedicated to its owners. Just be wary of their escape tactics, it will happily scale any fence given the chance.
4. Chinese Crested
Image Source/ Reddit
Unusually NOT from China, the Chinese Crested is actually from Central America! ‘Cute’ in an acquired taste sort of way, these dogs were used as ratters on ships and also traded for goods. Chinese boat crews loved these dogs, hence their name. They can either be hairless or powderpuff and any litter will have a variety of both.
5. Ibizan Hound
Image Source/ Reddit
Slender and graceful like a deer, the Ibizan Hound is very distinctive because of it’s large amber eyes and red and white fur. A Spanish breed that comes with a smooth or wiry coat. It used to hunt rabbits, but now is quiet and great with child. Just be aware of how high it can climb!
6. Portuguese Podengo
Image Source/ Reddit
A pint-sized Portuguese bundle of joy. It’s inbuilt in them to run and play until they drop, making them a very high energy pet. They are a great, healthy dog breed that tends to live long and happy lives. Their coats also need minimal grooming, coming in either wirey or smooth forms.
7. Coton de Tulear
Image Source/ Reddit
Coton de Tulear is the royal dog of Madagascar. You might see similarities to a Maltese and Bichon Frise and they do share some ancestors. This little furry lapdog will be an entertaining and sociable pet, but they will soon have you wrapped around their little paw.
8. Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Image Source/ Reddit
Found mainly in the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains, Treeing Tennessee Brindle’s are fast and agile. Their instinct is to hunt, meaning they’re constantly alert and hunt their prey by forcing them up a tree, hence the name. They will need several walks a day and constant interactions like games and chasing balls.
9. Berger Picard
Image Source/ Reddit
A movie star dog! The Berger Picard was the star of Because of Winn-Dixie. It may look a little scruffy, but don’t let it fool you. This dog is a proud French pedigree. It was traditionally a sheep dog, but numbers have dipped of the year so is not well known world wild. An athletic but loyal dog that will crave your attention.
10. Cane Corso
Image Source/ Reddit
Descended from Roman war dogs, the Cane Corso is great for hunting, herding and guarding. Making a comeback over recent years, they will definitely need an experienced dog owner who knows how to train their instincts. It’s a large dog that can be very protective.
11. Boykin Spaniel
Image Source/ Reddit
These golden eyes will make you fall in love straight away. Combined with their soft, chocolate coat the Boykin Spaniel wold be a great asset to any household. Although, we must not underestimate this breed. It’s a hard working spaniel that was bred for tracking wild turkeys as has been recognised as the state dog of South Carolina.
12. Canaan Dog
Image Source/ Reddit
One of the oldest American Kennel Club’s breeds and also the national dog of Israel! They’re a great guard dog given their highly territorial nature and their extraordinary hearing and sense of smell. You would definitely feel safe with one in your home, plus they are extremely loyal to their family. They need a lot of training but can definitely get on with other dogs too.
13. Leonberger
Image Source/ Reddit
Another German dog, and a favourite of the European royals. They resemble a lion and they are a very affectionate breed, so would definitely enjoy a good cuddle. They need to be trained well, as a whopping big dog, they can cause some damage and are naturally built to think they are in charge.
14. Icelandic Sheepdog
Image Source/ Reddit
The Icelandic Sheepdog nearly went extint in the 1950s, but now their numbers are slowly increasing. The native dog of Iceland is an intelligent breed, that is a natural herder. They are known for their strong attachment to their owners which can lead to separation anxiety and excessive barking. But with some patience, they can be trained to avoid this.
15. Australian Kelpie
Image Source/ Reddit
A great candidate if you need someone to round up your herd. Even if that herd is sheep, other dogs or even kids! It needs a lot of mental stimulation, exercise and training, so may not be the best choice for a first time owner, but an Australian Kelpie will be a great companion.
16. Thai Ridgeback
Image Source/ Reddit
You would never really see this breed outside of Thailand, although they do look similar to a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Both have the distinctive ridge of hair on their backs. Their ancestors jobs was to keep cobras away from their humans and be able to kill one if necessary. Nowadays, they are just fiercely loyal companions that can be very protective.
17. Norweigian Lundehund
Image Source/ Reddit
A breed from Norway, the small Lundehund has six fully functioning toes and extra paw pads, all designed to help them navigate rocky terrains in the hunt for puffins. They also have an ‘elastic neck’ which allows its head to stretch so far back it can touch its spine!
18. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Image Source/ Furry Friends
Hair envy? You would definitely do a double take at this dog if it walked past you. Is that even natural!? Yes it is. The strands of hair get woven together, giving a felt appearance. It’s not just for show though, as it was to help their ancestors stay warm in the Italian Alps. They’re not as hard to maintain as they look and they don’t shed!
19. Pyrenean Shepherd
Image Source/ Reddit
This cute, scruffy face of a Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog that will be absolutely devoted to its human parents. They love to be active and playful but also loves to spend time and smile at its owners. You can get rough or smooth faced coats, but both with bright intriguing eyes.
20. Cesky Terrier
Image Source/ Reddit
You know you’ve made it when you’re on a postage stamp… and these Cesky Terriers are no stranger. The national dog of the Czech Republic, they are a very dignified creature. They love to be around other dogs and would make a great small pet for a family.
21. Belgian Laekenois
Image Source/ Reddit
These native Belgian dogs are super fluffy and will have you wanting to run your fingers through it’s coat. They won’t sit around for long though as these dogs love an active lifestyle and would much rather be up and running around. It’s one of four Belgian dog breeds around today.
22. Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Image Source/ Reddit
Named in honour of President Roosevelt, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an outgoing and friendly dog that would make a great family pet. President Roosevelt appointed these dogs to get rid of the rat infestation in the White House. Although these days they are much more suited to social homes.
23. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Image Source/ Reddit
Originally from Germany, clue is in the name, but one of its great skills is their incredible ability for tracking. It can even tell between a wounded animal it’s hunting and other animals of the same species. The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound’s need a lot of space to roam and burn off their energy but they are also a calm and lovely family dog.
24. Saluki
Image Source/ Reddit
The slim build of a Saluki lends itself to its immense agility and fitness. It’s skills were used in Egypt as hunting hounds of pharaohs back in the day. They were so well respected in their time that they were actually mummified like the pharaohs themselves!
25. Estrela Mountain Dog
Image Source/ Reddit
One of the oldest breeds in Portugal! It’s got a very unique mix of features, including a black mask with small ears. It is very much known as a companion for life. They are a great dog that live long and happy lives and will be both a protector and playmate all in one.
