The 20 Coolest Dog Breeds (And Why They’re Total Originals)
Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years, but not all pups fit the standard image of floppy ears, wagging tails, and golden fur. Some dogs look like mythical creatures, others act like escape-artist ninjas, and a few even sing like whales. Welcome to the world of extraordinary dog breeds—where weird is wonderful and every bark comes with a backstory.
In this article, we’re not just celebrating the cutest or fluffiest companions. We’re shining a light on the downright strangest, most eye-catching, and uniquely gifted breeds that make even the most seasoned dog lover stop and say, “Wait… what kind of dog is that?”
These are the dogs that defy expectations, whether it’s because of their ancient origins, bizarre talents, or head-turning appearances. Some have dreadlocks that rival reggae legends, others boast extra toes, hairless bodies, or faces that look eerily human. A few were believed to have healing powers, guided souls in the afterlife, or even served emperors and pharaohs.
But these breeds aren’t just oddballs—they’re full of character, charm, and incredible history. Many were bred for survival in harsh climates, stealthy hunting on cliffs, or for guarding sacred temples. They each bring something special to the table, from unmatched loyalty to almost supernatural instincts.
So, whether you’re a dog breed enthusiast, a curious reader, or someone just looking to discover the wild diversity of our canine companions, prepare to be amazed. These dogs aren’t your average pups—they’re walking legends, living artwork, and four-legged reminders that in the dog world, “normal” is overrated.
1. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds rock the dog world with their stunning multi-colored coats and mismatched eyes that can be blue, brown, amber, or even one of each! These medium-sized bundles of energy weren’t actually developed in Australia but on American ranches.
Born to herd, Aussies possess an uncanny intelligence that makes them quick learners and problem solvers. They can master complex tricks that leave other dogs puzzled.
Their boundless enthusiasm makes them perfect partners for active families who enjoy hiking, camping, or competitive dog sports. Without proper exercise, these clever pups will find their own entertainment—usually by reorganizing your living room!
2. Basenji
Nicknamed “the barkless dog,” Basenjis communicate through an unusual yodel-like sound called a “baroo.” These ancient African hunting dogs were so valued by Egyptian pharaohs that they often received better treatment than human servants!
Cat-like in their cleanliness, Basenjis meticulously groom themselves and possess an independent streak that might make you wonder who’s really in charge. Their wrinkled foreheads give them a perpetually concerned expression, as if they’re always contemplating life’s great mysteries.
Despite their small size, these athletic dogs can jump remarkably high and are known for their curious, mischievous personalities. A Basenji can open doors, climb fences, and devise escape plans that would impress Houdini himself.
3. Komondor
Walking down the street with a Komondor guarantees you’ll be stopped by curious onlookers asking, “Is that a dog or a mop?” These Hungarian guardians sport spectacular white cords that naturally form as they mature, creating a distinctive dreadlock appearance that serves a practical purpose.
Originally bred to blend in with sheep flocks and surprise predators, their unique coat provided protection from harsh weather and wolf bites. Beneath all that hair lies a fiercely loyal protector with an independent mind.
Komondors make decisions on their own, assessing threats and acting accordingly without waiting for commands. Their natural guardian instinct means they’re reserved with strangers but deeply devoted to their families—though prepare for some serious vacuuming around the house!
4. Xoloitzcuintli
Meet the dog that’s been around since before the wheel was invented! The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “show-low-eetz-QUEENT-lee” or simply “Xolo”) dates back over 3,000 years to the ancient Aztecs, who considered these dogs sacred healers with mystical powers.
Most striking is their lack of fur—their warm, smooth skin feels like heated velvet and was believed to draw out pain and illness when they slept next to sick people. Aztecs even buried Xolos with their owners to guide souls through the underworld!
Coming in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and both hairless and coated varieties, these intelligent, calm companions remain rare treasures. Their expressive faces show almost human-like emotions, creating an unusual bond with their chosen people.
5. Norwegian Lundehund
Imagine a dog that can close its ears like a seal, turn its head backward, and bend its joints like a contortionist! The Norwegian Lundehund evolved these extraordinary abilities to hunt puffins on steep, narrow cliffs along Norway’s coastline.
Most remarkable are their six fully functioning toes on each foot (most dogs have four), providing incredible grip on slippery rocks. Their neck flexibility allows them to turn their head 180 degrees to look directly backward, perfect for navigating tight spaces.
Nearly extinct during World War II with only six dogs remaining, this ancient breed was saved through careful breeding. Today, these spitz-type dogs with their friendly, somewhat mischievous personalities make fascinating companions—though their puffin-hunting days are fortunately behind them!
6. Tibetan Mastiff
When a Tibetan Mastiff enters a room, everyone notices. With their massive lion-like manes and imposing presence, these ancient guardians can weigh up to 150 pounds! Developed to protect Tibetan monasteries and nomadic camps in the Himalayas, they worked independently in harsh mountain conditions.
Their thick double coat withstands temperatures well below freezing, while their deep, booming bark was designed to echo across mountain valleys as a warning. Historically so valued that they were considered gifts worthy of emperors and kings!
Fiercely protective yet surprisingly gentle with family, these dogs think for themselves rather than blindly following commands. They operate as nocturnal guardians by instinct, often sleeping during the day and patrolling at night—just as their ancestors did for thousands of years.
7. Bedlington Terrier
First glance at a Bedlington Terrier might have you wondering if someone dyed a lamb blue and taught it to fetch! With their distinctive pear-shaped heads, arched backs, and curly, woolly coats, these charming dogs are often mistaken for sheep at dog shows.
Don’t let the cuddly appearance fool you. Originally bred in the mining town of Bedlington, England, these dogs were fierce ratters and formidable fighters when needed. Their unusual coat served as protection against rat bites and the harsh elements of northern England.
Despite their gentle lamb-like look, Bedlingtons possess lightning-fast reflexes and surprising strength. They’re known for their dual personality—quiet and dignified indoors, but ready for action and adventure the moment they step outside!
8. Chinese Crested
Half-naked and sporting a fabulous hairdo, the Chinese Crested looks like it just stepped off a punk rock album cover! These distinctive dogs come in two varieties: the truly eye-catching Hairless (with silky hair only on the head, feet, and tail) and the fully-coated Powderpuff.
Sailors once kept these dogs aboard ships as ratters, believing their warm, hairless bodies could heal sick crewmen. Their skin requires sunscreen in summer and sweaters in winter—making them perhaps the only dogs with a seasonal wardrobe more extensive than their owners’!
Extremely affectionate and people-oriented, Cresteds are known for their ability to use their front paws almost like hands. They’ll learn to wave, point, and even attempt to turn doorknobs with surprising dexterity.
9. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Sporting one of the most unusual coats in the dog world, the Bergamasco looks like it belongs at a reggae festival! Their distinctive fur forms natural “flocks” (not actually dreadlocks) that grow thicker and longer throughout their lives, eventually reaching the ground.
This extraordinary coat evolved for practical reasons in the Italian Alps, where it protected these sheepdogs from harsh weather and potential wolf attacks. The three different textures of hair (dog, goat, and wool) mat together naturally to form the flocks, which require minimal maintenance once formed.
Intelligent problem-solvers with ancient origins, Bergamascos were developed to work independently with minimal human direction. Their thoughtful, patient temperament makes them excellent with children, while their unusual appearance ensures they’ll never be mistaken for another breed!
10. New Guinea Singing Dog: The Canine Vocalist
What makes a dog truly rare? How about being thought extinct in the wild for 50 years! The New Guinea Singing Dog was rediscovered in 2016, confirming these wild canines still roam remote highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Their name comes from their extraordinary vocalization ability—they can produce a harmonic sound similar to a whale song, with rising and falling tones that can be held for up to 5 seconds. No other dog can create these melodic sounds that echo through mountain valleys.
Physically, they resemble a fox-dingo hybrid with a flexible spine allowing them to climb trees and navigate mountainous terrain with cat-like agility. Their intelligence and independent nature make them more like wild animals than domestic pets—a living link to how dogs looked before human domestication!
11. Puli: The Corded Canine Gymnast
Looking like animated bundles of yarn, Pulis bounce through life with cords that can grow so long they touch the ground! These Hungarian herding dogs have been working the plains of Hungary for over 1,000 years, their weather-resistant corded coats protecting them in all conditions.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Puli named Beast has made this breed more recognizable, but their incredible agility is what truly sets them apart. Despite looking like they can barely see through their cords, Pulis can change direction at full speed and jump impressive heights.
Their unique coat starts forming naturally around age one, gradually separating into cords that resemble dreadlocks. Surprisingly, a properly maintained corded Puli doesn’t smell and sheds minimally—though bath time can be an all-day affair as those cords take forever to dry!
12. Azawakh: The Elegant Desert Racer
Tall, lean, and built for speed, the Azawakh looks like a supermodel of the dog world! These West African sighthounds were bred by nomadic tribes in the Sahara Desert, where their incredible speed (up to 40 mph) made them excellent hunters.
Unlike most dogs bred for companionship, Azawakhs developed in a culture where they were treated almost as equals to humans—sleeping in tents with their families and even sharing food. This created a unique temperament that’s deeply loyal but somewhat aloof with strangers.
Their distinctive appearance includes visible hip bones and ribs—features that might concern those used to fluffier breeds but are completely normal for this desert athlete. With minimal body fat and short coat, they’re solar-powered dogs who love sunbathing even on the hottest days!
13. Brussels Griffon: The Bearded Ewok
With their expressive, almost human-like faces and prominent beards, Brussels Griffons look like they walked straight off the set of Star Wars! George Lucas actually modeled Ewoks after this breed, capturing their distinctive pushed-in faces and prominent eyes.
Originally bred to hunt rats in Belgian stables, these small dogs possess big personalities that far exceed their 5-15 pound frames. Their comical expressions seem to reflect actual human emotions—from profound disappointment when dinner is late to obvious judgment when you wear questionable outfits.
Famous for their shadow-like attachment to their people, Griffons will follow you everywhere—including the bathroom. They’re known as “velcro dogs” for their inability to comprehend personal space, making them perfect companions for those who never want to feel alone!
14. Thai Ridgeback: The Ancient Athlete
Sporting a distinctive ridge of hair that grows in the opposite direction along their back, Thai Ridgebacks belong to the elite club of only three dog breeds with this unique feature. These athletic dogs were so isolated in Thailand that they maintained their primitive characteristics for hundreds of years without outside influence.
Archaeological findings suggest they’ve existed for over 4,000 years, used for hunting, pulling carts, and guarding property in eastern Thailand. Their wedge-shaped heads and muscular bodies give them a wild, primitive appearance unlike most modern breeds.
Remarkably agile, they can jump incredible heights from a standstill—easily clearing 6-foot fences! Their short, velvety coat comes in four colors: blue, black, red, and fawn, with the blue being particularly striking and unusual in the dog world.
15. Ibizan Hound: The Bouncing Deer Dog
With their huge bat-like ears and deer-like grace, Ibizan Hounds turn heads wherever they go! These ancient sighthounds appear in Egyptian tomb paintings dating back to 3400 BC, though they were developed on Spain’s Balearic Islands where they hunted rabbits for thousands of years.
Their most spectacular talent is their incredible jumping ability—they can spring straight up from a standstill to heights over 5 feet! Watching an Ibizan Hound run and leap is like witnessing a combination of ballet dancer and kangaroo.
Clean-lined and elegant with pink-hued noses and amber eyes, these dogs maintain a playful puppy-like personality well into adulthood. Their sensitive nature makes them responsive to their owners’ emotions, often acting as mood barometers in the home.
16. Neapolitan Mastiff: The Wrinkled Warrior
Neapolitan Mastiffs look like they’re wearing a coat several sizes too big! These gentle giants are covered in loose, wrinkled skin that hangs in dramatic folds—a feature originally developed to protect them in battle by allowing them to twist away if grabbed.
Ancient Romans used these massive guardians in war and as arena fighters. Modern Neos maintain their imposing presence, weighing up to 150 pounds with massive, broad heads and jowls that sling drool with impressive distance (owning one means keeping towels handy throughout your home).
Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re known as “gentle giants” who form deep bonds with their families. Their natural protective instinct means they rarely need to act aggressively—their appearance alone is usually enough to deter any potential threats!
17. Catalburun: The Split-Nosed Hunter
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Among the rarest dogs in the world, the Turkish Catalburun possesses a completely unique feature—a fully split nose with a deep furrow running down the middle! This bizarre bifurcated nose isn’t found in any other breed and gives these dogs an unmistakable appearance.
Native to Turkey’s Tarsus region, their name literally means “fork-nose” in Turkish. This unusual nose structure supposedly enhances their already exceptional scenting ability, making them prized hunting dogs in their homeland.
With fewer than 200 purebred Catalburuns estimated worldwide, seeing one outside Turkey is extremely rare. Their unusual appearance extends beyond just the split nose—they have distinctive pink markings around their eyes that contrast with their primarily white coat, giving them a truly one-of-a-kind look.
18. Mudi: The Versatile Hungarian
Hungary’s best-kept secret, the Mudi (pronounced “moody”) might be the most versatile working dog you’ve never heard of! With fewer than a few thousand worldwide, these medium-sized herders can do practically everything—herd livestock, hunt rodents, compete in agility, serve as therapy dogs, and excel in search and rescue.
Their distinctive wavy-to-curly coat comes in unusual colors including smoke (a dilute black that appears almost blue), merle, and even a rare all-white. Their alert, fox-like expression and naturally upright ears give them a perpetually attentive appearance.
What truly sets Mudis apart is their problem-solving intelligence combined with an eager-to-please attitude. They learn new tasks quickly and adapt to changing situations with remarkable flexibility—a trait that made them invaluable on Hungarian farms where they needed to be all-purpose workers.
19. Lagotto Romagnolo: The Truffle-Hunting Teddy Bear
Looking like teddy bears brought to life, Lagotto Romagnolos sport dense, curly coats that feel like sheep’s wool! These Italian water retrievers transitioned to a unique career—they’re the only dogs specifically bred for truffle hunting, using their exceptional noses to find these expensive delicacies underground.
A single trained Lagotto can find thousands of dollars worth of truffles in one day, making them valuable working partners in Italy’s truffle industry. Their waterproof curly coat evolved for swimming in Italian marshlands before their truffle-hunting days.
Beyond their working abilities, they’re known for an endearing habit of using their paws like hands—they’ll reach out to touch your face gently or tap you when they want attention. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them popular with allergy sufferers, though it requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
20. Peruvian Inca Orchid: The Elegant Hairless
Ancient Incan royalty treasured these elegant hairless dogs as bed warmers and believed they possessed healing powers! Peruvian Inca Orchids (PIOs) date back over 3,000 years, appearing in pottery and art from pre-Incan cultures.
Unlike other hairless breeds, PIOs come in three distinct sizes (small, medium, and large) and can be completely hairless or have a sparse mohawk on their heads. Their skin can be solid or spotted in various colors, with the spotted varieties particularly striking.
Sensitive both physically and emotionally, these dogs form intense bonds with their people. Their hairless bodies run several degrees hotter than furred dogs, making them living heating pads that ancient nobility used to treat arthritis and other ailments—a comfort feature many modern owners still appreciate!
21. Swedish Vallhund: The Viking Wolf Corgi
Imagine a Corgi and a wolf had a puppy—that’s essentially a Swedish Vallhund! These ancient Viking dogs share ancestry with Welsh Corgis but developed independently in Sweden over 1,000 years ago, where they herded cattle and guarded farms.
Despite their short legs, Vallhunds are remarkably athletic and agile. Their wolf-like features—alert expression, pointed ears, and distinctive facial markings—combined with a long, low body create a unique appearance unlike any other breed.
Swedish Vallhunds have a fascinating physical trait called “harness markings”—lighter-colored fur that creates the appearance of straps around their shoulders, as if they’re wearing a harness. Many also sport a spitz-type curled tail and a variety of coat lengths, from short to medium-long.
