The American Kennel Club recognizes over 190 dog breeds and some of them are found in such small numbers which makes them rare and unique that’s why they might look unfamiliarly weird to us. But even if they look uncommon, these dog breeds are the perfect companion. From being your running buddy, playing with your little ones or just enjoying an evening cuddle, we are sure that these lovable and loyal dogs will become an irreplaceable member of your family. Let’s take a look at some strange and unusual dog breeds.
Also Read: Healthiest Small Dog Breeds.
1. Norwegian Lundehund
This dog has the amazing ability to tip its head back to touch its backbone. The Norwegian Lundehund was specially bred to hunt puffin birds on the arctic isles of Norway. They have six toes on each foot and they can reach in the crevices where the puffins’ nest is located because they are very flexible. The Norwegian Lundehound almost went extinct during the 1940s and today there are only 1,400 of them in the world.
2. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is known for their huge size, incredible fur, and their kind expression. This dog is an excellent guardian breed especially if you have children because they are watchful, independent, and friendly towards children.
3. English Foxhound
The English Foxhound are dog breeds that are gentle with children and other animals. You may rarely see this dog breed as house pets because they are pack hounds that are specially bred for fox hunts.
4. Swedish Vallhunds
This dog breed is athletic dogs, they are excellent in following orders, herding, tracking, and they have great agility. The Swedish Vallhunds were traditionally bred as farm dogs and they usually help in herding. This dog breed comes in a variety of color with different length of tails. They might look small but they are fearless dogs.
5. Sloughi
The Sloughi is an ancient dog breed and they are also known as the Arabian Greyhound. The Sloughi was bred to hunt fox, gazelle, wild pigs, and hare in the desert of North Africa. This classy and graceful dog is loyal to its owner and aloof with strangers.
6. Bedlington Terrier
At first glance, the Bedlington Terrier almost looks like a lamb because of its curly and pale-colored wool-like fur. But don’t be fooled by its huggable and furry appearance because this breed is more athletic than it looks. They are traditionally bred for catching vermin and racing.
7. Otterhound
The Otterhound is a very good swimmer because as its name implies, they were specially bred to hunt Otters. But when otter hunting became generally illegal, this dog breed became one of the most endangered dogs breeds today with only less than 1,000 of them exist worldwide. But this dog who has webbed feet and a rough double coat are excellent as pets too because they are a great family companion and they have a good sense of humor.
8. Cesky Terriers
This dog breed originated in Czechoslovakia where they were used for hunting. The Cesky Terriers are silent and less active breed compared to other terriers but they are persistent workers. Aside from being a good camping buddy, this dog is also perfect as family pets because they are eager exercisers, adventurous playmates and they are hypoallergenic too. No wonder this dog is the national dog of the Czech Republic.
9. Catahoula Leopard Dog
This dog breed is considered to be the first dog breed in the United States. This multi-colored spotted dog was traditionally used to hunt wild boars and it was named after the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana. Although Catahoulas aren’t one of the most popular dog breeds, sometimes you will see them mixed with other breeds to have a good designer dog. You can check this article to see some most popular Catahoula mixes.
10. 
This dog breed is believed to exist since before 750 AD and today, it remains to be an uncommon pet. The Peruvian Inca Orchid is smart, agile, and swift which makes them a good hunting buddy.
11. Cirneco dell’ Etna
This Sicilian sighthound dog breed is sweet, swift, and independent. They are low-maintenance and they are loyal to their owners. These beautiful dogs are perfect around children because they have a mild and gentle nature.
12. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback was formerly unknown outside Thailand but its slowly gaining popularity in the Western world. What makes the Thai Ridgeback unusual and unique is its hair that runs along its back in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat.
13. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a West African sighthound is the perfect dog breed if you want a fiercely protective guardian and companion. This dog with a short coat is also an extremely intelligent lure courser.
14. Chinook
The Chinook breed was developed during the early 20th century in New Hampshire and they are one of the rarest of the American Kennel Club breeds. Chinooks are patient, dedicated and smart dogs that can be trained in search and rescue and herding. It is New Hampshire’s official state dog.
15. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is an elegant, beautiful, agile dog that was traditionally used for hunting rabbits in the Maltese Islands. When they are not out hunting, these dogs are affectionate and friendly which makes them the perfect house pet. This dog breed is the national dog of Malta.
16. Lagotto Romagnolo
This dog breed came from the sub-region of Italy and they were traditionally used as a gun dog. This dog is also an expert in truffle hunting.
17. Komondor
You will not be able to ignore this dog because of its profuse white, head to tail dreadlocks. The Komondor is a large Hungarian flock guardian dog that is a fairly common breed in Hungary today. Despite its furry and friendly appearance, this dog breed is tough and strong that’s why during the World War II many Komondor dogs were killed by the Russian and German invaders to capture a house or farm that it guarded.
18. Mudi
This dog breed is a talented hunter, herding dog, rodent exterminator, and flock guardian. But it also makes a great jogging buddy because the Mudi likes long walks and jogs where it can run free. These dogs are known to shed so it may be a good idea to invest in a nice dog hammock to use in the car and protect your car’s interior.
19. New Guinea Singing Dog
This dog breed got its name from its unique vocalization. But the New Guinea Singing Dog is an excellent companion and bet because of its physical ability and intelligence.
20. Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is believed to have origins in different breeds like the Bloodhound and Mastiff which explains its loose skin, smooth coat, and large bones. They are best-known for their tracking ability and aggressive temper.