Come with us and explore the incredible variety and whimsical nature of the most fascinating dogs on the planet!

As man’s best friend, dogs are known for their loyalty, selfless love and dedication to their owner. Usually their specific breed predetermines their overall character as well as their physical appearance. We all have stumbled upon some pretty funny or even shocking dog looks either in the park or in the canine magazines.

Here are some of the most curious dog breeds know to men:

1. A dog or a sheep?

Bedlington terrier dog
Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock

Take for example a breed called Bedlington Terrier. Most people tend to confuse such terriers with lamb, yes lamb! This lamb looking dog breed originally developed in Bedlington, England is actually very active. It needs heaps of exercise every day in order to keep it healthy and happy.

Bedlington Terriers are usually grey to whitish in colour, and have a decent amount of fluffy fur on them. The good news though, is that their specific type of fur makes them ideal for allergy-prone owners.


2. The Rasta dog!

 
Bergamasco Shepherd at the park
Image Credit: volofin, Shutterstock

Another worthy example of a weird-looking domesticated canine is the Bergamasco Shepherd. This dog, as its name implies, is bred for helping animal farmers with their stock.

Its furs gradually tend to matt and stick together in clumps, which later become even more tangled thus giving the dog a distinct look. The funny dreadlocks that this Shepherd breed is so well known for actually distinguish it as a true Rastafarian.


3. The moving frieze rug

Hungarian puli dog surrounded with tall green grass
Image Credit: The Len, Shutterstock

A good competitor of the Bob Marley hairdo breed is the Puli. The Puli has thick corded fur that protects it from zero outside temperatures in the winter quite well.

The Puli’s distinct fur coat is practically water resistant as well, which is good news as winters in Hungary (the country where the Puli breed first appeared) can be quite cold and wet.


4. The double-nosed hunter

Catalburun Dog
Image Credit: LensLyric, Shutterstock

From strange furs and hairs to split noses! The Catalburun is basically a Turkish pointer. However, a Catalburun has a split nose, which is attributed to inbreeding somewhere down the line.

This dog is only found in Turkey. The local people that breed and look after these guys assume them to have superior tracking skills, thanks to their strange yet very useful nose.


5. Hairless with style!

Chinese crested dog pet
Image Credit: Veronika_Andrews, Pixabay

If you are into exotic house pooches, then the Chinese Crested dog will surely fascinate you. The Chinese Crested is a furless dog. This makes it a somewhat higher maintenance animal because his delicate skin is exposed and needs moisturising and protection from the sun – remember there is no fur. This breed also needs regular bathing in order to avoid skin infections.

Believe it or not, Chinese Crested is considered to be one of the ugliest dog breeds out there, and these doggies usually win first spot at ugly dog competitions – yes, there are many such events staged every year.


6. Prematurely old

Neopolitan Mastiff dog on a meadow
Image Credit: Christian Mueller, Shutterstock

There are many guard dog breeds, but this one is quite special – it looks way too wise for its age. The Neapolitan Mastiff has droopy skin around its face and neck, which some people find even cute. Usually all those facial wrinkles make these dogs appear quite ancient – just like a grandpa.

Mastiffs were originally bred in Italy, ancient Rome to be exact. They were a worthy part of the Roman army. The legionnaires trained them to wear special armour with sharp spikes on their back, with the help of which they could knock down the enemy horses.


7. Out of proportions

Borzoi or Russian Hunting Sighthound dog
Image Credit: BarboraChr, Shutterstock

The Russian Borzoi impresses with quite a disproportionate body type – it has small head and a really long body and slender legs. If you think you have the patience and tenacity to train and discipline dogs, try out your luck with a Russian Borzoi.

This purpose bred dog is highly athletic and similar in appearance to a greyhound, but very unruly. The Borzoi (meaning fast dog in Russian) is agile and willing to chase small animals and prey for as long as it physically can. Canine experts say these hounds are best trained by experienced dog handlers as they do as they please because they lack the concept of obedience that other dogs have.


8. The angry sailor

Brussels Griffon
Image Credit: Catherine_P, Shutterstock

Brussels Griffon is a small yet really temperamental dog. It has angry look and a thick beard complemented by a characteristic moustache. Compared to other breeds, this little guy likes dominating, or at least tries to dominate other dogs around.

Most people find the Griffon to be quite cute with its bearded face and the hilarious aura the dog has about it. The Griffon can be described as a bossy, four-legged caricature.


9. The mini Big Foot

black affenpinscher dog at the park
Image Credit: sulochana nadeeshani, Shutterstock

The Affenpinscher has a very hairy face. Its facial fur could grow so thick that you could practically see the dog’s resemblance to the mythic creature the Big Foot. The initial purpose of this German Affenpinscher breed was no other but to hunt and kill rats. The Affenpinscher is relatively small in size, which does make it more efficient when rat eradication time comes. The dog has distinctive burly, long fur.

The Affenpinscher can be described as playful, active, adventurous and fun loving, though at times these little guys can be quite stubborn.


10. The rabbit-eared hobbit

french bulldog on the grass
Image Credit; CraneBird Studios, Shutterstock

Short and petite at first sight the French Bulldogs could make you believe they have something in common with rabbits – or at least their long ears will. However their character is much stronger than that of a trembling fluffy bunny. They were originally bred in France, to attack and kill bulls. Back then this violent and cruel ‘sporting activity’ was in its hay day, luckily the tradition was abolished. The dog in question is no other but the now super cute French Bulldog.

Despite its dark and violent origin, this dog breed has changed into one of man’s most affectionate companions. These little guys crave human attention and will happily interact with you at every chance they get.

Natalie Goodale is a freelance writer, who loves spending time with her Shih Tzu dog, Roxane. She is involved in a number of projects, the most current of them all being a mutual initiative with San Antonio Dog Life.


Featured Image Credit: May Gauthier, Unsplash