There are several strange-looking dogs in the world, but since beauty is subjective, some owners consider them gorgeous rather than odd-looking. If you’re curious about learning more about weird-looking canines, we’ll discuss the 13 strangest and weirdest-looking dogs we could find.
No matter what they look like, these dogs are all loveable pets and would make a great addition to any family.
The 13 Strange and Weird-Looking Dog Breeds
1. Xoloitzcuintli
| Height: | 20–30 inches |
| Weight: | 25–40 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 14–20 years |
| Colors: | Black, brindle, brown, bronze, brindle, copper & white |
| Suitable for: | Families with older children, experienced owners |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, alert, sensitive, companionate, loyal |
The Xoloitzcuintli dog hails from the ancient Aztecs. They have a short coat and can be hairless, making them suitable for those with minor allergies. The hairless type has tough, smooth skin that makes their wrinkles more visible. Their face is thoughtful and intelligent, and when the Xoloitzcuintli is in deep thought, their forehead wrinkles. They make loving companions and excellent watchdogs. They’re available in toy and miniature sizes.
2. Affenpinscher
| Height: | 9–12 inches |
| Weight: | 7–10 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Colors: | Black, silver, gray, red, beige, tan |
| Suitable for: | Adults looking for a loyal but not overly demanding dog |
| Temperament: | Loyal, intelligent, somewhat stubborn, not overly clingy |
The Affenpinscher was also called the “monkey dog” or “ape Terrier.” The Affenpinscher is a confident dog that doesn’t believe they are as small as they are. They are loyal and entertaining and make excellent pets, but they’re bold nature can make them challenging to train.
3. Brussels Griffon
| Height: | 7–8 inches |
| Weight: | 8–10 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | Red, black and tan, red, black |
| Suitable for: | Most canine-loving homes |
| Temperament: | Active, loyal, affectionate |
Next on our list is the Brussels Griffon, a dog known for their large eyes and beard. This funny-looking pup is loyal and makes a great family dog. However, they don’t enjoy roughhousing and aren’t ideal if you have young children. Typically, they bond with one person in the family more strongly than the others.
4. Russian Borzoi
| Height: | 26–30 inches |
| Weight: | 60–105 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 9-14 years |
| Colors: | Sable, Gold, Red, Brindle, Blue, Fawn, Mahogany, White, Black, Tan, Cream (and any combination thereof) |
| Suitable for: | People looking for a beautiful dog with a rich pedigree who aren’t afraid to put in some work |
| Temperament: | Calm and agreeable but can be stubborn and protective |
The Russian Borzoi is an affectionate dog with 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. They are built for speed, and they can reach 35 to 40 miles per hour. Before they were pets, they used to be wolf hunters and would hunt in packs of over 100 dogs. Today, they are more content to chase squirrels and other small animals on walks.
5. Chinese Crested
| Height: | 11–13 inches |
| Weight: | 8–12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13–18 years |
| Colors: | Cream, slate, black with white and tan, white, chocolate, black, palomino, pink and chocolate, pink and slate, apricot, blue |
| Suitable for: | Families with older kids, seniors, small-space living, people looking for a low-shedding dog |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, playful, eager to please, smart, loving |
The Chinese Crested is known for their fluffy head, furry feet, furry tail, and smooth body. They 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. They don’t shed, making them great for those with allergies.
6. Komondor
| Height: | 25–28 inches |
| Weight: | 80–100+ pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Colors: | White |
| Suitable for: | Active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog |
| Temperament: | Loyal & loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, gets along with other pets |
The Komondor is one of the most recognizable dogs in the world. They are sheepherders, and their long hair protects them 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”. They are friendly and make brilliant companions, even with their odd looks.
7. Bedlington Terrier
| Height: | 15 to 16 inches |
| Weight: | 17 to 24 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 11 to 16 years |
| Colors: | Blue, liver, and/or tan |
| Suitable for: | Active families or singles looking for an allergy-friendly breed |
| Temperament: | Gentle, alert, merry |
The Bedlington Terrier slightly resembles the standard poodle. However, if you look elsewhere in the animal kingdom for a comparison, the Bedlington Terrier has a lamb-like appearance. The dog’s coat is light and fluffy, but they’re ideal for those who suffer from minor allergies. They are incredibly playful and love to cuddle up next to you to relax.
8. Puli
| Height: | 16–17 inches |
| Weight: | 25–35 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Colors: | Black, silver, white, rust, brindle, cream, or brown |
| Suitable for: | Single-pet homes, those looking for a low-shedding dog, and experienced pet owners |
| Temperament: | Loyal, intelligent, easy to train, wary of other pets and people |
The Puli is often groomed to have dreadlocks, and since they were bred to herd, they love working and playing outside. They are extremely agile, even if they can’t see with the fur in their eyes, and love to be working. As a medium-sized dog, they are acrobatic and love to play games with their owners. Like most dogs who love to work, they have plenty of energy to go around.
9. Neapolitan Mastiff
| Height: | 24–31 inches |
| Weight: | 110–150 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 7–9 years |
| Colors: | Blue, black, mahogany, tawny, brindle markings |
| Suitable for: | Low-activity families with older kids, experienced owners |
| Temperament: | Loyal, dignified, confident, protective, stubborn, sensitive, mild-mannered, aloof |
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large dog that looks like another Mastiff on this list. They look intimidating because of their enormous size. However, Neopolitan Mastiffs are gentle 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 that wants to spread joy.
10. Bull Terrier
| Height: | 21–22 inches |
| Weight: | 50–70 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Colors: | White, brindle, red, fawn, black |
| Suitable for: | Active families and experienced dog owners |
| Temperament: | Playful, outgoing, independent, affectionate |
One of the most prominent characteristics of a Bull Terrier is their egg-shaped head. Their angular faces have tiny eyes, which makes them look more unique than most breeds. Bull Terriers are very playful and funny, but they also are one of the more stubborn dogs on this list.
11. Peruvian Inca Orchid
| Height: | 10 – 25 inches |
| Weight: | 18 – 25 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 11 – 12 years |
| Colors: | Black, tan, gray, white, brown, pink |
| Suitable for: | Hunters, active families, singles, houses with fenced yards |
| Temperament: | Noble, intelligent, alert, lively, protective, affectionate, loyal, adventurous |
The Peruvian Inca Orchid has roots in Peru and is a small, muscular dog. They are used mostly as sight hounds, and they love to run. Their bodies are built for speed and stamina, making them great running partners. However, much like the Greyhound, they are prone to anxiety when separated from their owners.
12. Bergamasco Shepherd
| Height: | 22 – 23.5 inches |
| Weight: | 57 – 71 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13 – 15 years |
| Colors: | Gray, black |
| Suitable for: | Any committed and loving home |
| Temperament: | Patient, intelligent, hardworking, protective, independent |
The Bergamasco Shepherd is another dog that has naturally matted fur. As puppies, they have short and smooth hair that grows into long, knotted locks. It keeps them warm from the cold and prevents predators from finding them in the Italian Alps, where the breed is from. Begamasoc Shepherds are intelligent dogs and love to work, but a board Bergamasco is destructive.
13. Shar-Pei
| Height: | 17–21 inches |
| Weight: | 35–60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 9–11 years |
| Colors: | Black, fawn, lilac, cream, sand, red |
| Suitable for: | Experienced owners, possibly a single-pet home |
| Temperament: | Protective, assertive, loyal |
The Shar-Pei is a heavily wrinkled breed with a unique muzzle. They have been compared to a hippopotamus! As a puppy, they are all wrinkly, but as they grow older, they seem to grow into their skin. One of the other unique features is their bluish-black tongue.
Conclusion
As you can see from this list, there is no shortage of dogs that look a little different than average. That doesn’t make them any less lovable, however! From the squishy Shar-Pei to the dreaded Puli, they all love to be around their humans. They 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, check out a few breeds above. Your next best friend may look a little different, but they will have all the love in the world to give.
- Related Read: Dogs That Look Like Lions: Pictures, Facts & History
Featured Image Credit: Martyna-Nysk, Shutterstock
