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13 Strange Looking Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Dogster Team

13 Strange Looking Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

There are some strange and overall weird-looking dogs out there in the world. Have you ever wondered what they would all look like in a list? Then look no further as we have found the 13 strangest and weirdest looking dogs we could find.

No matter what they look like though, these dogs are all loveable pets and would make a great addition to any family.

If you are into unique-looking animals, enjoy our list that will make all your friends turn their heads to see your pet.

The 13 Strange and Weird-Looking Dog Breeds

1. Xoloitzcuintli

A closeup portrait of Xoloitzcuintli dog
Image By: Anders_Mejlvang, Pixabay
  • Lifespan: 13–18 years
  • Size: 18–23 inches (standard)
  • Colors: Black, gray-black, slate, red, or bronze
  • Temperament: Loyal, alert, calm
  • Weight: 30–55 pounds (standard)

The Xoloitzcuintli dog actually hails from the ancient Aztecs. It has a short coat and even can be hairless, making it great for those with pet allergies. The hairless type has tough, smooth skin that shows all the wrinkles a dog has. Their face is thoughtful and intelligent, and when this dog is in deep thought, its forehead wrinkles. This dog is a loving complaining but also a loyal watchdog to anyone that has one. This breed has toy and miniature sizes as well.


2. Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher_Shutterstock_Didkovska Ilona
Image by: Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Size: 9–11.5 inches
  • Colors: Black, gray, blonde, brown
  • Temperament: Confident, funny, fearless, loyal, stubborn
  • Weight: 7–10 pounds

This breed of dog has been described as a “money dog” for years now. Most Star Wars fans argue though that these small dogs look more like a Wookie or an Ewok. The Affenpinscher is a confident dog that doesn’t believe they are as small as they are. They are loyal and entertaining and are going to always imagine they are bigger than they really are.


3. Brussels Griffon

brussels griffon
Image By: otsphoto, Shutterstock
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Size: 7–10 inches
  • Colors: Black, black and tan, red, beige
  • Temperament: Loyal, alert, curious
  • Weight: 30-55 pounds (standard)

Next on our list is the Brussels Griffon, a dog known for its large eyes and beard. This funny-looking dog is a great family dog as they are loyal creatures. However, they don’t enjoy roughhousing at all. Typically, they have a special human, always sticking close and making sure you aren’t lonely.


4. Russian Borzoi

Two Russian Borzoi dogs in the snow
Image Credit: artbycharlotte, Pixabay
  • Lifespan: 9–14 years
  • Size: 26+ inches female, 28+ inches male
  • Colors: Black, cream, gold, red, sable, white, brindle
  • Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, regal
  • Weight: 60–85 pounds (female), 75–105 pounds (male)

The Russian Borzoi is an affection dog that has a large body and a small head. They look most similar to a Greyhound, but with more fluff. They love to rest their heads in the laps of the owners they hold dear. These dogs are built for speed, as they can reach 35 to 40 miles per hour. Before they were our house pets, they used to be wolf hunters and would hunt in packs of over 100 dogs. Today they are more content to just chase squirrels and other small animals on walks.


5. Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested
Image By: Veronika Andrews, Pixabay
  • Lifespan: 13–18 years
  • Size: 11–13 inches
  • Colors: Black, cream, white, slate, pink, blue, chocolate
  • Temperament: Affectionate, lively, playful
  • Weight: 8–12 pounds

The Chinese Crested is known for its furry head, furry feet, furry tail, and smooth body. They are a more fashionable type of dog because of their stunning looks. Chinese Crested are known to be playful and attentive to everyone in the family. They make great family pets and are loyal to their owners. While roughhousing isn’t their forte, they will play with just about anyone. The best part, these dogs don’t shed, making them great for those with allergies.


6. Komondor

Komondor
Image Credit: BORINA OLGA, Shutterstock
  • Lifespan: 10–12 years
  • Size: 5+ inches (male), 25.5+ inches (female)
  • Colors: White
  • Temperament: Loyal, dignified, brave
  • Weight: 100+ pounds (male), 80+ pounds (female)

The Komondor is one of the most recognizable dogs in the world. They are sheepherders, and their long hair keeps them protected from the weather and predators. Their fur almost looks like sheep’s wool, only it reaches down to the ground. You may not even know the name and have heard them by their common nickname “Mop Dog”. These dogs are friendly and make brilliant companions, even if with their odd looks.


7. Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terrier
Image Credit: No-longer-here, Pixabay
  • Lifespan: 11–16 years
  • Size: 15–17.5 inches
  • Colors: Blue, liver, sandy
  • Temperament: Loyal, charming, friendly
  • Weight: 17–23 pounds

The dog this one resembles the closest is a poodle that looks a little funny. If you go outside of dog looks, the Bedlington Terrier has a lamb like appearance. The dog’s coat is light and fluffy, but it makes the perfect dog for those who suffer from allergies. They are super playful and love to cuddle up next to you to relax.


8. Puli

Puli
Image Credit: kidsnewshu, Pixabay
  • Lifespan: 10–15 years
  • Size: 17 inches (male), 16 inches (female)
  • Colors: Black, silver, white
  • Temperament: Loyal, home-loving, protective
  • Weight: 25–35 pounds

The Puli is rocking the dreadlock style that we’ve seen before. These dogs are herding dogs and love to be working. They are extremely agile, even if they can’t see with the fur in their eyes, and love to be working. Being a medium-sized dog, they are acrobatic and love to be close to their humans too. Like most dogs who love to work they have plenty of energy to go around.


9. Neapolitan Mastiff

neapolitant mastiff_Ricantimages_Shutterstock
Image Credit: Recantimages, Shutterstock
  • Lifespan: 7–9 years
  • Size: 26–31 inches (male), 24-29 inches (female)
  • Colors: Black, blue, mahogany, tawny, brindle
  • Temperament: Loyal, watchful, protective
  • Weight: 150 pounds (male), 110 pounds (female)

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large dog that looks close to another mastiff on this list. These dogs look extremely intimidating because of their enormous size. However, these dogs are gentle giants and would much rather play with the family than attack anything. Their wrinkles give them a sagging look and their muzzle looks saggy, but under all those wrinkles is a cheerful dog who wants to spread joy.


10. Bull Terrier

bull terrier
Image Credit: Pixabay
  • Lifespan: 12–13 years
  • Size: 21–22 inches
  • Colors: Black, white, tan, red
  • Temperament: Mischievous, playful, charming
  • Weight: 50–70 pounds

If you’ve ever seen a Bull Terrier, you’d know their head looks like an egg. Their faces are pointed down and compared to their body it looks huge. Pair that with tiny eyes and you get a dog that looks a little strange. These dogs are very playful and funny, but they also are one of the more stubborn dogs on this list.


11. Peruvian Inca Orchid

Peruvian Inca Orchid
Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock
  • Lifespan: 12–14 years
  • Size: 16 inches (small); 16–20 inches (medium); 20–26 inches (large)
  • Colors: Black, blue, brown, gold, gray, tan, white, brindle
  • Temperament: Affectionate, noble, loyal
  • Weight: 17.5 pounds (small); 17.5–26.5 pounds (medium); 26.5–55 pounds (large)

The Peruvian Inca Orchid has roots in Peru and is a small muscular dog. They are used mostly as sight hounds, and they are dogs that know love to move. Their bodies are built for speed and stamina, making them great running partners. However, much like the Greyhound they look like, they are prone to anxiety when separated from their owners.


12. Bergamasco Shepherd

female-Bergamasco-Shepherd-dog_MarinaGreen_shutterstock
Image Credit: MarinaGreen, Shutterstock
  • Lifespan: 13–15 years
  • Size: 25 inches (male), 22 inches (female)
  • Colors: Black or gray
  • Temperament: Independent, social, intelligent
  • Weight: 70–84 pounds (males), 57–71 pounds (female)

The Bergamasco Shepherd is another dog that has naturally matted fur. As a puppy, these dogs have short and smooth hair that grows into these long, knotted locks. This fur keeps them warm from the cold and prevents predators from finding them a snack in the Italian Alps, where the breed is from. They are intelligent dogs and love to work, but a board Bergamasco is destructive.


13. Shar-Pei

shar pei_style81_Pixabay
Image By: style81, Pixabay
  • Lifespan: 8–12 years
  • Size: 18–20 inches
  • Colors: Black, cream, brown, fawn, lilac, apricot, red
  • Temperament: Independent, loyal, calm
  • Weight: 45–60 pounds

The Shar-Pei is a heavily wrinkled breed with a unique muzzle. This dog has been compared to a hippopotamus! As a puppy there are all wrinkly but as they grow older, they grow into their skin it would seem. The unique thing about these dogs is their tongue is a bluish-black, and that is perfectly healthy.

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

Conclusion

As you can see from this list, there is no shortage of dogs that look a little different than normal. That doesn’t make them any less lovable though! From our squishy Shar-Pei to our dreaded Puli they all love to be around their humans. All these dogs are great with children and love to run around and play. No matter their looks they are devoted to their families and will love each person they come across.

If a strange dog is up your alley, then check out a few of the breeds above. Your next best friend may look a little different but will have all the love in the world to give.


Featured Image Credit: Christel SAGNIEZ, Pixabay

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