10 Unique Kinds of Dog Breeds

What makes a dog breed unique? Uncommon physical characteristics might be what we think of first — the long bodies and short legs of the Dachshund, for instance, or the flat face and curly tail of the Pug — but there are more factors to consider. How do we choose the most unique kinds of dog breeds? Should we look at dogs that have coats of unusual texture, or no coat at all? Is there something in a dog breed’s history or geographical origins that makes it stand out from the crowd?

We’ve selected 10 unique breeds to profile. They encompass a range of giant, standard, and small canine sizes from all around the globe. While some of them look like perfectly ordinary domestic dogs, novelty is not just a function of having an otherworldly appearance. Some of these dogs have remarkable talents, and still others make strange noises. Let’s take a closer look at some atypical dog breeds!

Unique dog breeds, A to Z:

• Bleu de Gascogne
• Carolina Dog
• Chinese Crested
• Komondor
• Kooikerhondje
• New Guinea Singing Dog
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Puli
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Xoloitzcuintli

This is a baby Kooikerhondje, a dog with a cool name and an unusual skill. Photo via Pixabay.

Bleu de Gascogne (Basset, Grand, and Petit)

You may be able to discern, from the name, that the Bleus de Gascogne are dog breeds of French origin, from the region of Gascony in southwestern France. These dog breeds were developed as hunting dogs, specifically scent hounds. Your French may be a bit rusty, but the variants — “Basset,” “Grand,” and “Petit” — refer not to the size of each dog, but instead to the size of their intended quarry, and the “Bleu” to the dark ticks and patches on their coats. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that, popular as they were in past centuries, they are foundational to the development of many modern breeds, including the Bluetick Coonhound.

Carolina Dog

The most interesting thing about the Carolina Dog is that it originated right here in America, and yet was unknown and unclassified until the 1970s! Also called the American Dingo, it bears a striking physical resemblance to its Australasian cousin. These are grouped with pariah, primitive, and landrace dogs, meaning that they developed on their own in the wild, without human guidance or breeding programs.

Chinese Crested

Notable Chinese Crested dogs are recognizable by their hairless appearance. Nearly hairless, I should say, because the “crest” refers to the tufts of hair that adorn their heads, feet, and tails. Even “hairless” is a misnomer since some Chinese Cresteds have full coats. This variety is known as the Powderpuff, and looks a lot like a terrier, only with a narrower muzzle. The hairless variety requires careful attention to its skin health.

Komondor

You may actually be familiar with the Komondor, even if you don’t recognize its proper name. This is a giant dog breed, which looks like a lumbering mop. Its long, heavy, corded coat gives these dogs their distinctive look. Don’t worry about learning to braid; the fur tangles naturally as Komondorok age. The coat is multi-functional, providing these livestock guardian dogs with protection from inclement weather and acting as a kind of natural armor.

Kooikerhondje

Hailing from the Netherlands, the Kooikerhondje is one of two dog breeds on our list with a special, if not downright bizarre, talent. These are technically hunting dogs, though their skill is not in pursuit, treeing, or retrieving, but in trickery. Kooikerhondje are trained to lure ducks along docks, leading them into cages or traps known as kooien. They look like small red-and-white spaniels, and were frequently depicted in paintings by Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt.

Dog facts: the Komondor has the heaviest coat of any breed. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

New Guinea Singing Dog

With a name like that, it should be easy to tell what makes this breed of dog unique. Like the Carolina Dog described above, New Guinea Singing Dogs developed in almost total isolation from humans. Still extremely rare as pets, NGSDs — also called Hallstrom dogs, after the first person to study them in captivity — these dogs are capable of making a wide range of sounds beyond simple barks, howls, and whines. Their relative wildness means that they have sharper teeth, not dulled by domestication, and more flexible bodies than common household dogs.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Like the Kooikerhondje, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a hunting dog with particular skills in and around water. Energetic and trainable, the Tolling Retriever’s webbed feet make him an adept swimmer. Originally from the eastern coast of Canada, these dogs use their tails to attract the attention of ducks and other waterfowl. When the fowls are close, the hunter has a much easier chance to acquire the target.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

Similar to Chinese Crested dogs, Peruvian Inca Orchids are known among the cognoscenti as hairless dogs. Like the former breed, the Peruvian Hairless actually does have hair. Typically, it manifests as a sort of mohawk on otherwise hairless individuals, although there are also rare examples with full coats. Smart and friendly dogs, Peruvian Inca Orchid dogs love to play, but need special care taken of their exposed and sensitive skin.

Puli

Puli are small and agile herding dogs from Hungary. Puli share not only a country of origin with the Komondor, but a corded coat style as well. Where the Komondor’s normal function is guarding livestock, Puli are generally herding dogs. As with other heavy-coated dogs, eye health can be a concern as these dogs age.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

From modern-day Zimbabwe in Africa, the thing that’s truly unusual about Rhodesian Ridgebacks isn’t the line of raised fur along their spines that runs counter to the rest of their coats. I mean, yeah, that’s odd, but, in the past, puppies born without the trademark ridge were frequently culled for no other reason. Ridge or not, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large, loyal dogs who respond best to positive training.

The Xoloitzcuintle is one of the most unique dog breeds. Photo via Shutterstock.

Xoloitzcuintli

Our final unique dog breed is the Xoloitzcuintli, which is easily my favorite dog breed name to say — or attempt to say — aloud. Known more commonly (where it is known at all) as the Mexican Hairless Dog. Like many breeds, such as the Poodle, Xolos are seen in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. What is strange is that the size is more of an anomaly than a function of breeding practices. Any or all three sizes may be born in a single litter!

What unique dog breeds would you add to the list?

This survey of unique dog breeds is not meant to be definitive, nor to privilege purebred dogs over mixed breeds or any other type of canine. Our mission today is simply to inform and entertain, to amuse and instruct. Hopefully we’ve introduced you to, or reminded you of, strange, unusual, or atypical dogs.

We’ve seen dogs who have interesting and intriguing physical or behavioral characteristics and intriguing skills, as well as those who may not be well known outside of their native countries. We did our best to avoid all so-called designer dog breeds and any teacup varieties. Have you owned, lived with, or met any of the dogs on our list? Which kinds of dogs who aren’t included here would you add?

About the author: Melvin Peña trained as a scholar and teacher of 18th-century British literature before turning his research and writing skills to puppies and kittens. He enjoys making art, hiking, and concert-going, as well as dazzling crowds with operatic karaoke performances. He has a one-year-old female Bluetick Coonhound mix named Idris, and his online life is conveniently encapsulated here.

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