Your closest friend’s Shih Tzu, Lady Gaga’s French bulldogs, the Shiba Inu, are undoubtedly the first dogs that come to mind when you think of dogs.
You’re probably not picturing a six-toed animal, a wild animal that climbs trees, or a dirty mop on four legs, but these things do exist, and yes, they belong to the same species as your typical poodle.
Breeding dogs for thousands of years have produced some incredibly odd puppies and wacky dogs. Here are just a few of the most unusual dog breeds in existence:
Witch or Tiger Dog
One of our breeds, commonly known as the witchdog or the tiger dog, is among the oddest dogs. These are canines that their wolf ancestors would be proud of. They are expert hunters, and because their claws are sharper than most dogs, they can scale walls and climb trees to get to their prey.
Additionally, they are said to exclusively reproduce with members of their species, making them a purebred line.
In 2015, dog researcher Tom Asmus, who looked after 10 witchdogs in Bukidnon, sent DNA samples to the World Canine Genome Project. According to Esquire, their samples have not yet been examined by a canine geneticist to determine whether they are distinct breeds. If they are, the aso ng gubat could be the first canine breed to be recognized as a distinct breed in the Philippines.
Xoloitzcuintli
Although there is a less common coated variety, this dog is born without hair due to a genetic abnormality that also results in the absence of premolars, and may appear to be the victim of an excessively zealous dog groomer.
Xoloitzcuintli was named after the Aztec god Xolotl and has existed for more than 3,000 years. These dogs served as both underworld guides for the dead and guards of the living for the Aztecs.
Basenji
Despite having a canine appearance, the American Kennel Club describes this breed as “cat-like” primarily due to its independence and propensity to groom itself like cats.
Basenjis were prized so highly that Egyptian kings were given them as gifts. They were developed in Africa to hunt reed rats. They make excellent family dogs and interesting modern companions, but their independence can be challenging to teach.
Basenjis do not bark, but they howl, yawn, and yodel instead. According to one hypothesis, Basenjis originated in the wilds of Africa, where their barking may serve as a warning to nearby predators like leopards. Yodeling, on the other hand, is less effective at locating someone.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese crested is a regular at the World’s Ugliest Dog competition, taking home nine victories from 2002 to 2019. They have spotted skin, odd hair patterns, and a general air of having cheated death.
According to the American Kennel Club, they are one of the breeds that the Chinese “miniaturized,” descended from larger African hairless dogs.
Sailors loved the breed because of their prowess in catching rats on Chinese commerce ships. Chinese Crested then spread to every continent as they sailed across the oceans.
The breed has made appearances in some movies and television shows, including 102 Dalmatians, New York Minute, and Ugly Betty, despite gaining the reputation of being the world’s most ugly dog.
Norwegian Lundehund
Until you count their toes, these canines that resemble foxes can appear normal. They have (at least!) six toes and extra paw pads on each paw since they were developed to hunt puffins in Norway’s cliffs and snow-capped mountains.
They also have forelegs that can be turned 90 degrees to the side, a neck that can fully bend back to almost touching its spine, and ears that can fold forward to block snow from entering.
According to the Institute of Canine Biology, these special dogs are currently facing “job loss” because puffin hunting has been outlawed in Norway. However, with renewed interest and thanks to their “energetic, alert, and loyal” temperaments, they may be able to find new employment as the family guard dog.
Otter Hounds
In medieval England, a fisherman bred otterhounds to chase river otters who frequently stole the day’s catch as their best friends.
Otterhounds are now uncommon; the American Kennel Club estimates that there are only 1,000 surviving in the world.
These shaggy dogs are scenthounds, or “a nose on four legs,” as one owner put it. They have webbed feet and a double-layer coat (the undercoat is water-resistant). They appear not to merely lap at their water bowl like typical dogs, but will instead dunk their heads as they drink instead! Water dogs whole and through!
They reportedly enjoy singing as well.
Saluki
Salukis are lean and graceful dogs who resemble the canine version of supermodels, but they are athletes who can run up to 35 mph.
Salukis, bred by Bedouins for their speed and keen eyesight, were used to hunt gazelle in the Middle East. Furthermore, Salukis had the distinction of being “the noble one” — the only dogs permitted to share tents with their masters — even though they were considered dirty in their culture.
Despite being trained for racing, some Salukis are still employed for hunting today. In the United Arab Emirates, Saluki races are conducted similarly to horse races.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
This dog, although looking like a dirty mop, is a skilled shepherd from the rocky Italian alps, where its scraggly coats kept them warm in the bitter cold.
Unexpectedly, their unique coat appears to be simple to clean.
According to the Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America, a mature Bergamasco “can simply give a good shake and there is nothing left caught in its coat even after rolling in leaves and pine needles.”
They also claim that bathing is only necessary one to three times a year, which is unbelievable given how long it must take for their coats to dry.
Bergamascos are tough, healthy dogs that the American Kennel Club describes as “loyal, loving, and trainable with a dash of mountain-dog independence” underneath their thick coat.
