Everyone knows about the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever, but there are currently 200 dog breeds registered by the American Kennel Club.
That’s more dog breeds than most people can name off the top of their heads.
In this post, we share some lesser-known dog breeds that you have likely never heard of before.
The Lagotto Romagnolo: A Rare and Unique Dog Breed
Here is an Italian dog breed bred for truffle hunting.
No other dogs have this unique job. Only the Lagotto Romagnolo.
They can find precious truffles in the forest thanks to their keen sense of smell and digging instincts.
Lagottos have curly, hypoallergenic hair, which helps them excel in water sports, such as dock diving and water retrieval.
The Lagotto Romagnolo is pretty uncommon in the United States. But, there are still dog lovers that admire this breed’s qualities and friendly disposition.
American Hairless Terrier: Fun and Hypoallergenic Dog Breed
You may have heard of the Hairless Chinese Crested dog breed, but have you ever heard of the American Hairless Terrier?
As their name suggests, this breed does not have any hair.
They still need to be groomed and given proper skin care, though, just like any other dog, particularly if they spend a lot of time in the sun.
Due to their high energy levels and jovial attitudes, American Hairless Terriers make wonderful hypoallergenic family pets that are also a lot of fun.
Chinook: Antarctic Explorers
Today, Chinooks are known for their gentle and friendly personalities, as well as their loyalty and intelligence.
But, in the 1920s and ‘30s, this breed assisted in the exploration of Antarctica.
They pulled sleds across the ice during Admiral Richard Byrd’s expeditions to the South Pole. It’s no surprise that Chinooks are large, strong dogs.
Xoloitzuitntli: Ancient Aztec Dog Breed
The Xoloitzcuintli (“show-low-eats-queen-tlee”) is a Mexican hairless dog breed.
They are a very old breed, with 3,000 years of recorded history.
Xolos are highly adaptive and calm, but they still have strong instincts.
It's a rare dog breed in the United States, but he's still well-liked and admired for his nice demeanor and unique appearance.
Catahoula Leopard Dog: Colorful Coat and Eyes
Perhaps the most visually striking dog breed on this list is The Catahoula Leopard Dog.
You'll know this dog breed when you see it by its distinctive coat and eye color.
Catahoulas were trained to hunt wild boar and other game, but they are also excellent herders and livestock protectors. They are incredibly bright and trainable, making them great working and companion dogs.
Conclusion
We only covered 5 out of 200 AKC registered dog breeds, but we know there is a perfect furry companion out there for any lifestyle.
We know… two hundred dog breeds are a lot to choose from.
But, there are even more unique dog breeds when you consider mixes like Goldendoodles or Chiweenies.
So, you don’t need to limit yourself to just a few breeds.
Keep exploring until you find the perfect canine friend that matches your personality and lifestyle.