7 Unique Dog Breeds That Are Guaranteed To Turn Heads At The Local Dog Park

Looking for one of those eccentric and unique dog breeds that you wouldn’t normally find on your morning stroll? As proud pet parents, we know that every precious pup on the planet is unique in their own special doggie way. But let’s take a look at some unusual and most unique dog breeds that may make you do a double-take!

Unique dog breeds are Bergamasco Sheepdog, Norwegian Lundehund, Swedish Vallhund, Lagotto Romagnolo, Mudi, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Schipperke.

Unique dog breeds have fascinating histories. Most of these little-known canines have roots dating back centuries.

Some resemble a fox and a wolf. One even has a gorgeous, goofy grin. We’ll take a look at some of these most unique dog breeds that have a few extra toes, some with fewer teeth, and one that can stretch his flexible neck back and touch his own spine.

So whether you’re looking for a truffle hunter, a pup that plays games with himself to entertain you, or a cool canine that sports amazing dreads, we’ve got the scoop for you!

In this post, you are going to learn all about unique small dog breeds, unique large dog breeds, and which ones are the best family dogs.

After learning about these unusual dog breeds, you will understand why more and more people are working so hard to keep these unfamiliar and sometimes rare dog breeds alive and safe from extinction.

1. Bergamasco Sheepdog

This unique large dog breed originated from Italy and is easily recognized by its unusual matted coat. These mats begin to show themselves after the pup is about seven months to one year old. This show-stopping hairdo will touch the ground by the time he’s five years old.

Also known as Alpine Sheepdogs, they are a healthy and hypoallergenic dog breed. This protective pup is rumored to have been cross-bred with sheep in order to confuse predators of livestock.

Bergamasco Sheepdogs make great cozy canines for seniors because of their calm, patient, and instinctive mannerisms.

They are not aggressive but make excellent watchdogs.

Are Bergamasco Dogs Good Family Dogs?

You bet! The Alpine Sheepdog forms a deep connection with his human family. He strongly believes that it is his primary job to protect his humans and his castle.

These affectionate large dog breeds have a deep affection for kiddos and consider themselves the “watcher and protector” of children. These kind-hearted canines are gentle and kind but a little shy around strangers.

Bergamasco Sheepdogs make outstanding emotional support dogs for kids. Their deep devotion and tenderness around children are exceptional.

Today, these gentle-spirited pups are primarily family companions and show dogs.

For more information on this beloved dog, visit the Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America.

2. Norwegian Lundehund

This rare small dog breed features six toes on each foot and elongated rear footpads. He has one less tooth on each side of his mouth and an elastic neck that can bend so far back that he is able to touch the top of his head to his back. Not only that, but this amazing pup can open, close, and even wiggle his pointy little ears. He also has an exceptionally flexible shoulder joint. This allows him to spread his forelegs out to his sides and catch himself from falling if he were to slip on rocks.

Now that’s impressive! The amazing range of motion on this breed is incredible.

Norwegian Lundehunds were bred to scale cliffs and hunt puffins, which were a vital food source for the farmers. Having all these unique characteristics helped this awesome dog do his job in the slippery rocks and peaks in the remote islands of Norway.

These unique small dog breeds are the most agile hounds ever to evolve. They were around even before the Ice Age happened.

Norwegian Lundehunds are energetic, alert, and loyal. They make great hiking companions and would thrive with an active family.

This talented, comedic canine loves to play games and will challenge himself with a little round of hide-and-seek with his favorite toys.

He is slightly taller than a fox and can pounce like a cat.

But in the end, he’s a loyal, devoted part of your family that would lay down his life for yours.

Why Are Norwegian Lundehund So Rare?

The government began levying taxes on the Norwegian Lundehunds, making it nearly impossible for residents to afford to keep them. Coupled with the sudden interest in puffin hunting with nets, the farmers and fishermen were forced to make a hard decision. They decided that it was much cheaper to catch the puffins in nets rather than using these handsome hounds.

If that wasn’t enough to send this precious pooch soaring into extinction, the puffin became an endangered species. This meant that the Lundehunds were no longer needed as working dogs.

By the 20th century, the numbers for these unusual dog breeds had dwindled down to almost nothing.

Thankfully, the Norwegian Lundehunds were saved from complete extinction by an English Setter dog breeder named Eleanor Christie. She read an article on these sweet, kind-hearted dogs and decided to breed what was left of the Lundehunds.

Ms. Christie’s loving efforts managed to save the breed.

But still, even today, it is expected that there are only about 1,400 of these priceless and protective rare dog breeds left in the entire world.

{RELATED POST: 6 Most Affectionate Small Dog Breeds That Love To Cuddle}

3. Swedish Vallhund

Swedish Vallhunds are native to Sweden and were bred to be cow herders over 1,000 years ago. This spunky and spirited pup is built long and low to the ground, making it easy for them to herd livestock by nipping at their heels.

Relatively new to the United States, these Swedish Cow Dogs are members of the Spitz family and cousins to the Corgi.

Dating back to Viking times, this unique dog breed almost became extinct in 1942. But thankfully, breeders took an interest in these “little Viking dogs” and were able to save the breed.

Are Swedish Vallhunds Good Pets?

Yes! Swedish Vallhunds are adaptable and extremely easy to live with. They are playful, intelligent, and devoted dogs. They love attention and will create games to entertain their family.

These alert, fearless, and protective pups make great watchdogs and get along well with other animals, especially horses. But they can be a little territorial with cats that they don’t know.

Swedish Vallhunds are friendly, inquisitive, and love playing with kids. But because of their build and herding history, you may find this perky pooch nipping on your ankles and heels during chasing games.

These are active pups that you will need to keep busy. But while they are energetic and playful, they can also be calm and mellow when needed. And they are always looking for a good old hug from their favorite human!

4. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo originated from Italy and has been around for over 1,000 years. They are truffle hunters at heart but are also known for being the world’s oldest water rescue retriever. This hypoallergenic dog breed was also used by locals to hunt for waterfowl, thus the name Lagotto, meaning “Duck Dog”.

More and more, these precious pups are becoming companion dogs because of their laid-back, friendly, and loving mannerisms. They are loyal, caring, and devoted dogs that make wonderful family members.

The Lagotto Romagnolo breed will thrive with active pet parents that love the water as much as they do. If you have a pool or pond, you have found your forever furry swim partner.

Because of their truffle hunting background, these adventurous water babies also love digging. Lots of digging.

Although they can be a bit vocal, they are an intelligent breed and respond well to training with positive reinforcement.

This adorable, cheerful breed forms very close bonds with their humans and may suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Also, because of their loving and supportive nature, these caring canines have often been used as emotional support dogs for people with autism, anxiety, or disabilities.

Is The Lagotto Romagnolo Rare?

Yes indeed! The Lagotto Ramagnolo (plural Lagotti Romagnoli) was a retriever dog in the marshes of Romagna. But once the marshes were drained, this breed lost its job as a waterfowl hunter and retrained to hunt truffles.

During this time, the Lagotto Romagnolo started being crossed with other breeds that were also known for their hunting skills. This meant that the purebred Lagotto all but diminished, and by the 1970s, they almost became completely extinct.

But since then, breeding enthusiasts have been hard at work to increase the numbers of this affectionate dog breed.

Lagotti Romagnoli are a little more common in Italy, but still extremely rare in the United States. In fact, in 2009, there were only 500 of these rare dog breeds known to exist in the U.S.

[RELATED POST: 9 Most Affectionate Large Dog Breeds That Are Proven To Take Snuggling To The Next Level}

5. The Mudi // Cute Unique Dog Breeds

Pronounced (“moody”), this Hungarian-born herding dog is rarely spotted outside of his homeland. In fact, there are thought to be only a few thousand of these people-friendly pups left today.

The Hungarian Mudi (plural Mudik) were not only herding dogs but also used in search and rescue missions.

A bit vocal, this athletic pooch is a playful and friendly companion just looking for a Frisbee partner. They form very close bonds with their family and will protect them and his castle with all the power that his little 25-pound body can muster up. For a smaller pup, this courageous canine seems to be afraid of nothing.

Mudik loves kiddos and gets along well with other pets in the household, although they are known to have a little stranger anxiety.

The Mudi is a rare dog with a loving, pleasant disposition. If you are able to find them, you will have a devoted, caring canine that will go to any extent to protect you!

{RELATED POST: 9 Stunning Rare Small Dog Breeds: Can You Afford #7?}

6. Icelandic Sheepdog

Known as “the Viking’s Dog”, the Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland’s only native dog breed. These cold-climate canines originated from the dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings and were used to herd and guard sheep, horses, and cattle.

How rare are Icelandic Sheepdogs? This beautiful fox-looking breed with goldish-brown eyes was near extinction by the end of the 19th century. Diseases killed over 75% of this loving dog breed.

But thankfully, bringing in dogs from abroad was banned in 1901 in order to give the sheepdog time to recover. Finally, in the mid-1950s, Icelandic Sheepdogs were brought to the United States.

Today there are about 100 Icelandic Sheepdog puppies born every year. Even though they are still considered a rare dog breed, this precious pup continues to recover and the popularity of this adorable breed has never been greater!

Are Icelandic Sheepdogs Good Pets?

Most definitely! There is no place this cozy canine would rather be than with you. They are loyal, loving, and devoted family pets. These fur babies adore kids, get along well with other pets, and are even friendly with strangers.

After all, they were faithful companions to ancient Vikings centuries ago!

These unique dog breeds think they are the heart of the family unit and take that role very seriously. They will bark to alert their humans to anything and everything, but much too friendly to be considered a proper guard dog.

Icelandic Sheepdogs are extremely smart and have even been known to figure things out on their own – like opening doors! This witty, comedic canine will keep you laughing and entertained all day, every day.

These smiling, happy hounds are high-energy pups that love exercise and playtime. They will thrive with active pet parents.

As long as you are giving this furry family member enough exercise, he will melt into a calm, cuddly snuggle bug who wants nothing more than to be by your side.

{RELATED POST: 11 Extremely Helpful Puppy Care Tips For Bringing Your New Pup Home}

7. Schipperke // Unique Small Dog Breeds

This small dog breed that originated in Belgium has stirred up quite the debate over the years. Is he a Spitz? Is he a miniature sheepdog? Who knows? But what we do know is that this precious pup is faithful, charming, and curious.

The Schipperke has been known in Belgium since medieval times. They were originally bred to work on and around docks and barges, keeping watch and helping to control the rodent population on the boats.

Schipperke means “little captain” in Flemish. Even today, these unique dog breeds have kept the age-old tradition of their love for boats and water.

Is The Schipperke A Good Dog?

Yes! These faithful companions prefer to be with their family over everything else. These cuddly fur babies love loads of attention. They are incredibly kid-friendly, patient, and gentle. They do very well with other dogs and cats that are in the same household, especially if they grew up together.

These goofy little creatures are lovingly known as the “Little Black Devil” because of their zany and mischievous capers. This adventurous, curious, and clever canine will poke his nosey snout in every nook and cranny in your home, always on the prowl for a new quest.

Although these devoted dogs are highly intelligent, they also tend to be a little stubborn. They will let you know if they are simply just “not in the mood to listen.”

Don’t be surprised if, during these sassy moods, your headstrong hound wanders off to do his own thing.

Schipperkes have a sensitive soul and do not respond well to loud, rough treatment. They can be a little vocal, but they think this is necessary to warn their pet parents of danger.

These mischievous little rascals are always busy and need lots of exercise to avoid getting too bored.

Schipperkes are small but mighty. They will give you tons of affection and hours of entertainment!

{RELATED POST: 5 Adorable Dog Behaviors That Prove Your Pooch Loves You}

Remember that any dog, regardless of the breed, can deviate from its normal breed standards. While the characteristics mentioned in this post may frequently represent these unique dog breeds, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary.

Summing It All Up // Unique Dog Breeds

Dogs are some of the most amazing creatures on the planet. History is filled with stories about these astonishing little souls dating back thousands of years.

There are so many unique dog breeds on the canine family tree, and each one of them is special in their own way. Maybe they’re unusual because they have distinctive traits, maybe they’re only found in exotic places, or maybe their coats or eyes give them that “pizazz” that you don’t see every day.

Regardless of the reason, whether the precious pooch is rare, unique, or one that we see all the time, they all have one thing in common — they just want to be loved!

This post was all about unique dog breeds so that you can find your very own extraordinary little buddy to join your pack!

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