7 Unusual Dog Breeds You May Not Know of ...

When it comes to unusual dog breeds, you have to include the Peruvian Inca Orchid. What's different about this breed is that they can be coated or hairless. The breed was first pictured all the way back in 750AD on pottery from the Moche civilization. This breed has a lot of energy and needs to be exercised often, but they do not make good outdoor dogs. They require little grooming and aren't the best around children and small pets. So if you are considering getting a Peruvian Inca Orchid, be sure you have the right environment to bring one home.

The Stabyhoun breed is from a region in the North Netherlands and unfortunately, there aren't many dogs left in this breed. There are approximately just 3,507 Stabyhouns left. This, of course, makes this dog breed extremely rare. However, the Dutch Association for Stabyhouns is doing its job to keep the breed up. They do selective breeding to minimize the risk of birth defects and to control inbreeding. Although there aren't many left, prices for a Stabyhoun are relatively affordable. Since they are a part of Dutch heritage, they want to make sure they are available to citizens. These dogs are known as a working man's dog. They are great hunters and are also great at guarding their owner's property.

Although the name suggests this dog is a mastiff, this is not the case. Mastiff used to just be a term to describe a large dog, but as the meaning has changed, the name no longer fits the breed. A better term would be the Tibetan Mountain Dog, but Mastiff it remains. The Tibetan Mastiff is a flock guardian dog. It is know for its ability to confront predators the size of leopards and wolves. Through socialization and domestication, they can make good backyard dogs. They like to have another canine companion. They are naturally nocturnal so they make good guard dogs, barking at things that go bump in the night. A unique quality about the Tibetan Mastiff is that they have a relatively long lifespan for their size. This ancient dog breed is perfect for anyone who has a fondness for large dogs.

Bedlington Terriers are often compared to lambs for their looks. They can come in blue, liver, and sandy colors and may often have tan spots. A distinctive feature of this breed is that their fur forms a top knot on the dog's head. They are great swimmers and are surprisingly strong dogs. They can be quite stubborn so training classes are a must. This breed is very active and the dogs are known for their picky eating habits. While they may chase other animals outside, it has been found they are good with small children. All in all, this breed makes for a good family dog.

Also known as the Catahoula Cur, this dog is believed to have first been bred in North America. If you live in Louisiana, you have probably heard of this particular breed considering it is the State Dog of Louisiana. The Catahoula Cur has been bred for its temperament rather than its appearance, so you get a lot of variety with this breed. They are a large dog that can weigh up to 90 pounds. This breed is extremely intelligent and active but they do not do well being left alone. So only get this breed if you have plenty of time to dedicate to your canine companion.

The Azawakh is a breed that comes from Africa. Azawakhs are known to be protectors because they form tight bonds with their owners. However, they are still capable of doing things independently. They do not have natural aggression toward other animals, but they can be trained to protect livestock. Their gentle temperament makes them great family dogs. This breed has incredible endurance and can even run in temperatures above 100 degrees. Wow!

The Catalburun is relatively unknown outside of its native land, Turkey. They are known for their distinctive "split nose." Their bodies are sturdy and strong and they are surprisingly agile. This breed does not do well with other pets but are great with their owners and children. They can be antisocial around strangers, which makes them excellent guard dogs. Catalburuns are intelligent and hardworking. They are prized for their stamina. This makes them a favorite breed among hunters. These dogs typically remain calm throughout their long lives.

I love researching about unusual dog breeds. It's amazing how long some of the breeds have been around or that some of these breeds are only found in certain places on Earth. Did you know about any of these unusual dog breeds? What's your favorite breed of dog?