15 Pups Who Combine Weird With Total Sweetness
“Normal is merely an illusion. What seems normal for the spider is chaos for the fly.” That quote applies perfectly to the canine stars you’re about to meet. They may not fit the mainstream dog show mold, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in charm.
Chinese Crested
With tufts of hair on its head and ankles, the Chinese Crested looks like a canine experiment gone right. Its nearly hairless body needs sunscreen but reveals an expressive, twitchy elegance. These dogs are surprisingly agile and excel at dog sports because they thrive on attention.
Puli
The Puli’s signature looks like it naturally forms dense, corded dreadlocks. Originally bred to herd sheep in Hungary, this breed moves with a hilarious and impressive energetic bounce. Beneath all that fluff is a brilliant dog that’s fast on its feet and surprisingly agile.
Bedlington Terrier
Have you seen a dog that looks like a lamb but acts like a warrior? The Bedlington Terrier’s arched back and fleecy coat are deceiving. Beneath that soft exterior is a bold, determined pup with a serious bite who is no stranger to scrappiness. After all, it was originally bred to hunt vermin.
Brussels Griffon
With big eyes and a tiny underbite, the Brussels Griffon could pass for a Pixar character. But it’s not just a pretty (or puzzling) face. This breed thrives on human companionship, often sticking to its owner like a shadow. Its vocal nature and sharp wit make its presence endearing.
Komondor
Few dogs have tackled wolves head-on like the Komondor has. Bred in Hungary to protect sheep from large predators, its mop-like cords aren’t for show. These dense, woolly tassels offer camouflage and protection. Despite its bulky build, it is fast and never hesitates when in danger.
Xoloitzcuintli
Over 3,000 years ago, the Xoloitzcuintli was revered by the Aztecs for spiritual protection. Its sleek, mostly hairless body radiates heat, one reason people once believed it could ease joint pain. This ancient breed is quiet and surprisingly cuddly once it warms up to you.
Affenpinscher
Originally bred to hunt rats, the Affenpinscher has no shortage of grit packed into its tiny frame. It’s playful and mischievous, with a scruffy beard and expressive eyebrows that give it a perpetually disgruntled look. Known as the “monkey dog,” this one is impossible to overlook.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Its excessive wrinkles once helped protect this giant during dog-to-dog combat in ancient Rome. The Neapolitan Mastiff’s loose skin shields vital organs during scuffles. Today, it’s a mellow guardian with a strong presence and a deeply affectionate nature toward its family.
Norwegian Lundehund
With six toes on each foot and flexible joints, the Norwegian Lundehund was built to scale cliff faces to hunt puffins in Norway. Its unique anatomy allows it to bend its head backward along its spine and stretch its legs outward. You’ll rarely see this agile pup out in the wild.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
This ancient Peruvian breed thrives in warm climates thanks to its mostly hairless body and naturally high body temperature. Its skin requires moisturizing and sunscreen, but the payoff is a silky, elegant frame with expressive almond eyes.
Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier’s oval “egghead” and triangular eyes are unmistakable. Bred in England as a gentleman’s companion, it has strength and a stubborn streak. Beneath its tough shell, though, lies a clownish personality, often fixated on tennis balls and prone to comedic bursts of energy.
Thai Ridgeback
Known for the ridge of fur that grows opposite the rest of its coat, the Thai Ridgeback is more than just a visual curiosity. Initially bred for guarding and hunting in Thailand, it’s independent and known to climb fences with ease. The distinctive backstripe is a dominant genetic trait.
Otterhound
Originally bred for hunting otters in medieval England, the otterhound is now recognized as a rare and affectionate companion. Its booming bark and keen nose make it hard to ignore. Plus, those webbed feet and oily double coat helps it endure in water like few other breeds can.
French Bulldog
The French bulldog’s bat-like ears and compact body made it a city favorite. While it barely needs exercise, it thrives on companionship. Bred in 19th-century Paris as a lapdog, it’s all about lounging and soaking up affection. All those goofy expressions make it a forever favorite.
Bergamasco
Despite its wild, mop-like coat that mats into thick, flat flocks, the Bergamasco is deeply affectionate and impressively composed. Its coat has three natural layers, each protecting it from cold weather and predators. This Italian herder is independent yet forms lasting bonds with its family.
