There are some pretty gorgeous looking dogs on the planet whether they are pure or cross breeds. Some are so striking to look at that they really stand out in a crowd as being pretty unique. If you are thinking about getting a canine companion with a difference, the breeds below are just some of these pretty unique looking dogs.
This lovely looking dog is one of the very first water dogs to have been bred as working dogs. Their name comes from the French word for beard which is “barbe”. They were originally bred to flush out game and are extremely good at it. At one time they were incredibly rare, but fortunately, the breed was rescued from extinction.
Today they have made a pretty impressive recovery as more people have come to realise what beautiful characters these amazing looking dogs actually are. Barbets boast gorgeous tight, black coats and are considered to be pretty rare outside of their native France. However, because they have such nice natures and personalities, they are thought of as wonderful family pets.
Originally bred by the Russian army as military dogs, the Black Russian Terrier is a canine to be reckoned with and when fully mature, a male can weigh in at anything up to 140 lbs! It's thought the breed came about by crossing Newfoundlands, Airedale Terriers and Giant Schnauzers and the result is a very majestic and large dog that really does stand out in a crowd.
These dogs are very alert and can be quite suspicious of strangers. They also boast very protective natures and are highly intelligent. However, they are not the best choice for first-time dog owners because they need a firm and gentle hand with lots of consistent training throughout their lives.
Native to the African Continent, the super fast Azawakh was originally bred to chase and hunt down gazelles and hares. These amazing dogs have been clocked running at speeds of anything up to 40 miles an hour. They like to work as a team and are known to be both robust and intelligent canines.
The Azawakh has always been highly prized as a guard dog too. These amazing sighthounds are very rare and among one of the most ancient breeds on the planet. They are truly very beautiful, sleek canines and to own one would be a very great privilege indeed.
These lovely dogs have always been highly revered in their native Japan and were once the favourite pooch of Japanese royalty who were the only people allowed to own one of these amazing looking canines.
The Japanese Chinbreed can be found in loads of colours and types due to the fact that each royal household in Japan bred their dogs to their own unique standards and preference. Character-wise, these adorable looking canines are very sociable and affectionate by nature and they make perfect pets for people who live in apartments!
Native to Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintli is as strange to look at as their name is to pronounce. These dogs have been around for a very long time which is thought to be around 3000 years or so. In ancient times, the Aztecs believed their souls could not pass over to the underworld if they were not accompanied by a Xolo. As such, the breed was highly prized and revered by this ancient culture who believed these dogs were in fact a gift to them from the gods.
Character-wise, these amazing looking sighthoundsneed a tremendous amount of exercise and they also need lots of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If well socialised and handled fairly when young, the Xolo makes a wonderful and affectionate character to have around and one that is incredibly loyal.
Among one of the largest herding dogs on the planet, the Briard is native to France and were on the brink of extinction after the first world war during which they were used to carry messages to soldiers on the front lines and to find men who had been wounded in the field. Fortunately, the breed was rescued and today, although still quite rare, there are more of these magnificent looking dogs around than ever before.
The Briard boasts a nice, gentle nature although they are pretty high maintenance in the grooming department. With this said, sharing a home with one of these amazing looking dogs is extremely rewarding.
First bred in Bohemia as hunting dogs, the Cesky Terrier is a gorgeous looking canine, but these little dogs are also among one of the rarest breeds on the planet. They are native to Czechoslovakia where they were originally used to hunt game – including wild boar!
The Cesky Terrier is a robust little dog and they make great companions because they are very kind albeit busy by nature. This is just one of the reasons why they are becoming such popular although quite rare dogs to own. Another reason being they are brilliant around children and other animals.