10 of the Strangest Looking Dogs!
They say “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” – this phrase certainly comes into play in the world of canines. While I can truly appreciate almost any type of dog if they have a great personality or a charming puppy grin, well….some of them are just funny looking! (Luckily dog’s don’t really mind if you laugh in their general direction, as long as you have a good treat to make up for it). Actually many of the dogs on this list are rather unique in their appearance, which causes quite a few of of us to do double takes when we encounter one on the street (if you ever happen to!).
Bedlington Terrier: Is that a dog or a lamb? Bedlington Terriers have to be one of the strangest dogs I have ever seen. With their pear shaped heads, curly sheep-like fur and triangular ears, these dogs truly look like no other breed out there! While the Bedlington may look like a timid little sheep, in the early days this breed was often used for fighting. While the Bedlington’s of today have been bred to be sweet companions, they can still hold their own if they are challenged.
Photo by Deanna
Photo by rjseg1
Chinese Crested: Hairless breeds always draw a crowd. Most people *do* believe dogs should have fur! The little Chinese Crested has fur on its paws (socks), its tail (plume) and a long flowing mop on its head (the crest). Their skin is soft and needs to be carefully cared for. Sunscreen must be used to make sure the dog doesn’t burn and they should be bathed regularly to prevent acne and other skin issues (and moisturised to control dry skin!). Some Crested owners bring their dogs in the shower with them to maintain this routine. A Chinese Crested named “Sam” was voted the “World’s Ugliest Dog” three years in a row! When he passed away at age 14, the contest judges decided that Sam was indeed “The Ugliest Dog Ever”.
Photo by Fuzzycub007
Photo by kiny
Neapolitan Mastiff: This giant Molosser breed looks something like a mini-Rhino! The Neapolitan Mastiff stands out as “strange” due to all that loose skin! They have wrinkles all over their bodies, most prominently on the face and head. All those wrinkles need some extra TLC – the folds must be cleaned and kept dry as acne and infections are a concern if they are moist. The canine actor who played “Fang” in the Harry Potter movies was a Neapolitan Mastiff.
Photo by anushaperera
Photo by TX Powell
Puli: The Puli is one of the 3 “dread locked” breeds on this list! The “dreads” are actually known as “cords” and naturally begin to form when puppies are about 9 months old. Owners have to help this process by separating the cords as they can form very large matts if they are not maintained. Bathing one of these dogs is a lengthy process, as they take hours to dry!
Photo by Tapidu
Photo by Specklet
Komondor: Komondors resemble Pulik (the plural of Puli), as they both have corded coats. However the Komondor is quite a bit larger than the Puli and seems to resemble a large mop (the breed is always white). Actually the coat color much resembles a used mop as the cords are often a bit “off white” from dust and dirt. Komondors were bred to guard livestock and their thick coats protected them from the elements as well as predators. The Komondor needs a great deal of intense grooming.
Photo by mrteapotpostcards
Photo by Katrina Bird
Peruvian Inca Orchid: Another hairless breed, these little dogs have even less hair than the Chinese Crested! This ancient breed appears in art dating back to 750 A.D. However when Peru was conquered by the Spanish, it almost led to the loss of these unique dogs. While these dogs occasionally have a bit of hair on their feet, tails and heads – breeders strive for a completely hairless dog. Grooming requires moisturizing with lotion to prevent skin drying. Peruvian Inca Orchids can be prone to acne and blackheads and obviously need to be kept warm in the colder weather!
Photo by mookiebones
Photo by melissamoore
Shar Pei: No one can confuse a Shar Pei with any other breed. This heavily wrinkled dog also has an unusual “hippopotamus” shaped muzzle. I have seen dogs of various breeds react in a confused manner towards Shar Pei. I’m guessing they didn’t recognize them as one of their own kind! As puppies the wrinkles are everywhere! As the dog grows the wrinkles often become less evident and are limited to the head and back. Shar Pei should always have a solid bluish-black tongue; spotted tongues are considered a fault and a pink tongue is a disqualification!
Photo by waldopepper
Photo by matthew_i_ aldous
Xoloitzcuntle: The last of the hairless dogs on our list- these guys have quite the name! Pronounced “show-low-its-queen-tlee”, you can also call a Xoloitzcuntle a Mexican Hairless or even a “Xolo” for short. These little dogs look almost exactly like the Peruvian Inca Orchid, but their roots are not the same. Xolo’s were considered sacred by the Aztecs as they were believed to help guide individuals through the underworld after their death. Like the other hairless breeds, Xolos require bathing, moisturizing, sunscreen and coats to keep these little baldies happy and healthy!
Photo by xolita
Bergamasco: Another “moppish” looking breed, the Bergamasco’s coat is actually considered “felted” and not “corded”. The matts are made up of the 3 types of hair that the dog grows and begin to form in late puppyhood. Due to their dark color, they often appear quite shabby. The Bergamasco is from Persia and like the Komondor, served as a sheepdog and livestock guardian. While some owners may be tempted to shave these heavily coated dogs, breeders absolutely frown on this, saying the dogs coat will never be the same.
Photo by merdeath
Photo by Imolnar
There you have it! A list of 10 of the strangest looking breeds out there! Don’t be offended if you are the owner of one of these fantastic dogs – you are one of the few who get to experience their unique personalities (as well as looks!). Wrinkled, hairless or heavily matted – these are dogs who draw a crowd wherever they go!
February 11th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Wow… I’ll stick to labs and terriers any day.
February 12th, 2008 at 1:35 am
Cool list, but it could have used more variety since there were three hairless and three corded dogs… but all in all, interesting to read and look at.
February 12th, 2008 at 2:41 am
[...] out THE DOG GUIDE for 10 of the strangest looking dogs .. You’ll see more than just these shar pei [...]
February 12th, 2008 at 3:27 am
awesom collection there… i loved it
February 12th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Great list! I happen to love shar-peis but there are some way wacky dogs out there.
February 12th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Nice list. Those are some strange looking dogs. I can’t imagine your grooming bill for those dread locked dogs.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:59 am
that one from fuzzycub007 is going to give me nightmare….oh dear lord….just look at it….it looks like it wants to kill me!
February 16th, 2008 at 7:05 am
I liked the pictures. The coolest I thought was that striped dog. XD
February 16th, 2008 at 11:23 am
strange is an understatement. LOL
February 16th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
absurd. millions of animals die in shelters because they’re not wanted and people are buying designer animals like these. just absurd.
February 20th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
This dogs are so funny! Nice haircuts!
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
this is sweet looking thanks for the info
March 4th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
So people should just get dogs from shelters?
How many have you “adopted”?
March 5th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
[...] Terrier, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua (long and smooth coat), Chinese Crested, Coton De Tulear, English Toy Terrier, Griffon Bruxellios, Havanese,Italian Greyhound, Japanese [...]
March 6th, 2008 at 7:01 am
[...] short video features 2 Pulik playing on the beach! It looks like 2 mops [...]
March 8th, 2008 at 2:19 am
[...] is a very short video of a group of Chinese Cresteds in the show ring! I’m sure these guys/girls drew a [...]
March 17th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
[...] Shar Pei is all set for celebrating Saint Patty’s Day! Until the end…then she just looks over [...]
March 21st, 2008 at 1:00 am
Awww, some faces only a mother could love!!!
Cute pics
April 5th, 2008 at 4:07 am
you forgot to mention that the xolo was an ingredient used by aztecs for the tamales! i know creppy but true!
April 5th, 2008 at 10:15 am
[...] a photograph that is outstanding for one reason or another. From the most adorable puppies to the strangest looking dogs out there – we’ll be posting them all! Stay tuned and be sure to check back daily to see who [...]
April 29th, 2008 at 10:58 am
[...] laughter emanating from the study. turns out my bf was rather tickled by this website: 10 of the Strangest Looking Dogs! | Dog Reflections ESPECIALLY the pic of the PULI jumping over the jump. har har. reminds me of some creature from [...]
May 12th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I liked this blog a lot it made me laugh and made my day. Thanks for this entertainment. My favorite one was the Agility Puli.
May 21st, 2008 at 2:46 am
[...] article at Dog Reflections, “10 of the Strangest Looking Dogs!” which features a couple of my favorites: the Puli and the [...]
May 30th, 2008 at 8:01 am
[...] Shar Pei looks out of a fence in Los Montesinos, [...]
June 2nd, 2008 at 2:02 pm
HAha what are these things? oh they can’t be dogs can they? wow do they even have a name for the dreadlocked dog or is it a hippie? lol well thats what it looks like i am not kidding! oh and the one thart looks like a sheep – bababababababababa i would like to have one of them if i could, but then you would start to sing “mary had a lil lamb or mary had a doglamb”
June 28th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Were you calling the dogs on this list designer?? Because, if you were, you need to do some research. >>
I’m pretty sure most (all) of the dogs on this list are pure bred, registered dogs. A designer is usually a mutt bred for the money.
Hmm…
I’m just suprised that Lowchen’s didn’t make the list.
PS @ the lab & terrier comment; bedlington terrier’s are terrier’s.
July 16th, 2008 at 3:19 am
As the owner of a Chinese Crested, I think it’s important for people to know that the winner of the ugliest dog contest had cancer, was blind, and had a skin condition. I also think it is sick to drag an infirmed animal around for any reason…much less for people to “gawk” at a diseased creature for money.
I am glad in a way though because these are very special, sweet, sensitive and unique dogs that will only thrive with knowledgable, caring owners. For that reason alone, I am glad for the contest because it benefits these dogs to not be overbred or sought after by most dog owners. So to all the people that think they are weird or ugly, I say “YES – keep on thinking it!”
July 20th, 2008 at 7:05 am
[...] Chinese Crested and Great Dane are using their best manners when [...]
July 26th, 2008 at 7:00 am
[...] Bedlington Terrier looks a lot like the bathmats she is resting on with her kitten [...]
August 11th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I never seen a dog with corn rolls before, but a great look for that dog
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
[...] service providers, freelancers, employees, charitable tools, places to live, vacation spots, dogs to adopt, people to [...]
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 am
i think the shar pi looks like a hippo!!!
October 3rd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
great info, that puli looks like a ball of dust
) but such a cute dog
Dosn’t the shar pei look sad though?? i love shar pei’s there the most cute looking dogs besides king charles spaniels
x x x
October 9th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Hi I like The Imolnar thats is happy Dog!!!
October 9th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I love it !!!!!
October 11th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I love the picture of the puli flying over the agility jump.
October 20th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
[...] Bergamasco is an extremely unique looking medium sized (70-85 lb) breed of dog that originated in the Italian Alps thousands of years [...]
November 1st, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I own hairless chinese crested dogs! they are lovely dogs, but you have to take special care of them, jumpers in the winter and sun cream in the summer, but there skin is always lovely and warm no matter what the weather is!
November 2nd, 2008 at 9:08 am
I love Komodor running picture!! Nice and funny dog
November 3rd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
i have a shar pei and i love her dearly…i don’t think she looks strange..i actually don’t like the look of labs too boring
November 5th, 2008 at 7:02 am
[...] are an extremely unique looking breed! This video has some great shots of one of these dogs romping and playing (as well as [...]
November 12th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
That was quite an interesting list of dogs. I really enjoyed it.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:32 am
i have never seen a more hidious looking animal in my life.
November 30th, 2008 at 7:02 am
[...] you want to see one of the most unique looking dog breeds in action, check out this video of a Puli running! (There’s also a cameo by an [...]
November 30th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
oh lovey.
December 9th, 2008 at 10:34 am
these r the funnyest pics ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 14th, 2008 at 7:00 am
[...] very cute video of 2 Shar-peis and a Dachshund enjoying their first [...]
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Hey, I’ll have you know that I rescued a Neo Mastiff. He is pure bred and an absolute sweetheart. He is not a Designer animal and is a very important part of my family…
January 19th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
The agility Puli is so hilarious! I thought it was a little fluffy ball the first time i saw it! Love, Your #1 dog fan Jasmine
February 15th, 2009 at 8:01 am
[...] closeup of the Puli, a unique looking breed with a corded [...]
March 1st, 2009 at 9:39 pm
[...] A video of a Bedlington Terrier puppy. Most people never see one of these unique dogs! [...]
March 10th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Fantastic pet photography. Love the dogs and shots!
March 24th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
[...] Dane Hurdle: This little Chinese Crested is practicing agility moves with the aid of the Great [...]
April 15th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Absolutely breathtaking photographs and wonderful information!! Well done, guys!!
April 19th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
this is so funney i am going to die and so is my bff. whoever took these picks are so cool and so smart
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:00 am
[...] That’s a big yawn for a little Chinese Crested! [...]
May 4th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
These dogs are not “designer animals” You should try looking up the history of these dogs before making such remarks about them. A shar pei for example, is one of the fourteen ancient dog breeds. They existed long before the term designer dog did! And what makes you think these breeds can’t end up in shelters?! I know two breeds on that list have rescue organizations specifically for them.
May 8th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Great pics. You could dry your car with Speklet. Very cute.
June 5th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
the Chinese crested of the second picture looks exactly like Edward Scissorhands!! xD so cute!! >///<
June 11th, 2009 at 8:00 am
[...] great shot of a young Bergamasco. Check out those developing flocks of [...]
June 15th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
that whippet needs to be fed man and quick
July 7th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Where are the poodles? They can come in a corded coat type which really looks strange. They can also be clipped to look just like a Bedlington. I love my standard poodle!
August 9th, 2009 at 4:06 am
these are really cute not strange thank you
August 21st, 2009 at 7:00 am
[...] 2 Pulik (the plural of Puli) play by a river. [...]
August 27th, 2009 at 4:19 am
Being from Hungary, I’m actually proud that both the Puli and the Komondor have made it to this list. Our dogs don’t look like any other!
September 26th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Soooooooo cute
Love itso much
Espesaly the striped
Dog
November 16th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Great article! I’m a new dog owner and this helped me a bunch! Thanks!
December 31st, 2009 at 11:53 pm
What a HOOT!!!
February 7th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
wow those dogs are hideous and hilarious at the same time
March 16th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
wowww Numberone picture
March 16th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Very,very nicepictures my man,all the best
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:17 pm
these dogs are ssssssssssssoooooooooooooo weaird
May 20th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
WEIRD DOGS ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssso weird
July 5th, 2010 at 10:48 am
These breeds may be strange looking, but they are still wonderful dogs and need the same quality care as all the others. The Shar Pei kills me…so darn funny with all the folds.
July 13th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute
but
sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
weird!
PS:
i have a golden named jasper(hes 6) and i’m getting another named poppy (her eyes are barley open)
August 23rd, 2010 at 1:23 am
Nice and very strange dogs especially Bedlington Terrier & Puli, they don’t look like dogs.
September 24th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Cool pics n thanks for the neat info. But I have to say to all the people doggin on the “designer dog” comment. I’m no breeder or anything and I respect the fact that this is obviously a specific term used throught the canine enthusiest community. However, I think what this person is saying is that in the big picture of it all, it is sad that billions of unwanted animals are put to sleep and abandoned every year while we are paying thousands of dollars for pets just so we can say they are registered or full bred or whatever reason. And it is. I have a registered yorkie myself and love him to death but I have had several strays come into my family that I loved just as much. They were definitely not worth any less or loved any less than my little Baxter
So… as an observation, not a judgment, I agree with you “why not”. But while the Puli owner may be volenteering at their local shelter every weekend (who knows?), I know I’m not doing enough to help. How bout you?
October 25th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
What an amazing collection — they definitely qualify as the 10 strangest dogs. Thanks for the GREAT photos.
December 8th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
These are not designer dogs! Most of these breeds have been here for hundreds of years, a lot longer than your labs and golden retrievers. If anything, bash the breeders who make lots of money by creating hybrids..
Personally, I’d be honored to own any of these breeds. They’re wonderful dogs.
January 17th, 2011 at 7:01 am
[...] Bedlington Terriers are scrappy! This one takes on a vicious coconut! [...]
January 29th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Nice article, I like the Mastiffs the best, they just look like they need a hug lol
February 15th, 2011 at 10:10 am
[...] Mops or Dogs?: [...]
March 29th, 2011 at 8:33 am
wow…what a dog!!! I never seen dogs like those…
April 5th, 2011 at 11:19 am
[...] Dog Breeds Posted on 5 April 2011 by AdminThese two articles, Top 20 Most Famous Dog Breeds and 10 of the Strangest Looking Dogs, show breeds that are famous for various reasons, in the eyes of the writers.My two favourite pics [...]
April 20th, 2011 at 4:30 am
Nice shots, I especially like the little mop jumping over the hurdle and the Sharpeis.
September 18th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
CRAZY looking pups!
December 25th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
holy smokes some of those dogs look so wierd
April 7th, 2013 at 3:13 pm
This was one of the most jaw dropping, “awwww” inspiring freak show collection of craziness that I have ever come across on the internet with respect to dogs.
Thank you for compiling these pictures for us.
May 14th, 2013 at 2:25 pm
Great list … good work…
Hairless breeds are so weird … some of them looks like pigs!!!