Not all dog breeds fit the typical image of being cute, fluffy, and familiar in appearance. Some breeds have unusual or rare physical features that make them stand out. There are over 200 recognized dog breeds worldwide, each with distinct physical characteristics.
While some dogs have unusual appearances, others resemble animal features and can appear unfamiliar at first glance. These strange dog breeds with hairless bodies or dreadlock-like coats simply stand out from all others.
Here are seven unusual dog breeds known for their distinctive appearance.
1. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is one of the funniest breeds you’ll ever see. This is because they have an almost hairless body but have fluffy tufts only on their head, feet, and tail. With almost no hair, they require careful skin protection, including protection from sunburn and dryness.
The Chinese Crested is very small in size. This breed is very gentle, loving, and affectionate towards its owners. Some dogs of this breed are born with full hair covering their body and are also called “powderpuff” because of their soft fur.
2. Komondor
The Komondor dog breed looks like a giant mop walking around, especially because of its corded coat. Its entire body is covered in thick, white cords that look very similar to dreadlocks on human hair.
While this breed was originally used as a guard dog, it is now also kept as a loyal and friendly companion. For ages, its heavy coat protects it from the harsh weather and sometimes even from frequent predator attacks while guarding the livestock.
3. Xoloitzcuintli
Xoloitzcuintli is known for both its unusual name and appearance. This dog breed comes in three sizes: a toy size, a miniature size, and a standard size. It has almost no hair or fur on its body. Because of their short coats, these dogs have an almost ancient, statue-like appearance.
Tracing its history as one of the most efficient ancient Mexican breeds, the Xoloitzcuintli was considered sacred historically. This dog is known for its warm skin with colors ranging from black to grey and sometimes even bronze.
4. Bedlington Terrier
If you stare at a Bedlington Terrier, you’ll see more of a lamb and less of a dog. This dog breed is known for its curly coat, a pear-shaped head that resembles a lamb’s, and an arched back. It has a gentle and delicate appearance but offers you the most energetic times of your life.
Bedlington Terriers are surprisingly an athletic breed that runs the fastest and were originally bred for hunting. They look very soft on the outside, but when it comes to their lively spirit, they are known for their speed and agility.
5. Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small, cute, split-sized dog breed that is born with extra toes and typically has six toes on each foot. Once you know how they were originally bred to hunt puffins along steep coastal areas, you’ll understand why these extra toes help them grip rocky cliffs.
This dog breed has a very flexible neck and smooth joints and is also known as a Lundie or Puffin Dog. Their fox-like appearance is complemented by ears that can fold shut, a rare trait among dog breeds. One of the most interesting facts about the Norwegian Lundehund is that they can tilt their head so far that it touches their spine; this is also a feature that very few dogs can do.
6. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a stunning sighthound breed that is agile, smart, and swift and has its origin in Peru. This breed has been around for centuries and has very sensitive skin, despite being hairless. They are relatively rare outside their native region.
Because of the lack of fur, it is very sensitive to temperature changes, so it needs protection from both the sun and the cold. Their appearance is minimalist, looking very sculptural and completely different from a normal dog.
7. Otterhound
Otterhounds are one of the rarest breeds of dog with a shaggy, messy-looking rough coat. Having its origin in Medieval England, this dog is known for its webbed feet, very specific sense of smell, and love for swimming. They were bred to hunt the otters in the water, but what makes them unusual is how rare they are.
What truly makes them unusual, however, is just how rare they have become over time. They are friendly, energetic, and need plenty of space and exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Conclusion
To conclude, “strange” does not mean “negative” at all. It rather means something unusual yet fascinating enough. Each dog breed mentioned above has different traits that make them look strange.
From almost hairless skin to highly distinctive facial features, these breeds stand out from all others. With over 200 recognized dog breeds worldwide, they show how diverse dogs can be. Because they come in so many shapes and sizes, there is no particular way a dog looks, yet all are worth loving.
