According to the World Canine Organization, there are over 330 breeds of dogs around the world. That’s a lot of dogs! And chances are you have seen only some of the breeds that are out there. And while you might think only small dogs can be cute and adorable, larger dogs can melt your heart too.
The World Canine Organization breaks up these breeds into 10 distinct groups, including terriers, toy dogs, and various hounds, among others. Most of these breeds are a result of an intentional mixture of one type of dog with another. The result: dogs known for a variety of different things, such as helping in herding animals, excelling in competitions, or acting as lifelong companions.
As a matter of fact, the number of dog breeds only continue to grow as breeders and trainers around the world seek to develop the perfect dog for specific roles. Here are just some of the adorable dog breeds available that you might not have heard of.
1) Appenzeller Sennenhund
A medium-sized dog, the Appenzeller Sennenhund comes from Switzerland where it served as a herd dog. Coming in multiple colors, the Appenzeller Sennenhund is muscular and agile, making this type of dog a great companion for more active owners and their children.
2) Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
A mixture between a Schnauzer and a Basset Hound, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is known as an outgoing and happy dog, making it a great companion for older kids. Energetic, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is the perfect companion for long walks.
3) Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was bred by the Czechoslovakian Special Forces to serve as attack dogs in the country’s military. With features reminiscent of wolves, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog develops a lifelong bond with its owner and their family.
This small dog breed was bred by Tibetan monks to work as sentinels at Tibetan monasteries. Small and assertive, the Tibetan Spaniel makes the perfect companion. The biggest distinguishing feature of the breed is the lion’s mane around its neck.
Known as an affectionate and friendly breed, the Cirneco dell’Etna has seen little genetic change in its makeup due to breeding. An ancient breed of dog originating in Sicily, the Cirneco dell’Etna has a slender body and is a fast runner.
6) Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This dog breed got its name from a novel by Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish playwright, novelist, and historian. A terrier, the Dandie Dinmont is small in stature, with a fluffy head and a curved tail. They also make great family dogs as they love to play with kids.
A medium-sized dog, the Kai Ken was originally used for game hunting in the mountains of Japan. Highly intelligent, Kai Ken serve as trustworthy guardians for their owners and is very intelligent, learning quickly. The Kai’s dark fur has a distinctive coloration pattern in its fur.
Originally coming from Germany, the Hovawart served as an estate guard dog in the Black Forest region. The Hovawart usually stands a little over two feet tall and weighs around 100 pounds. The breed makes an excellent watch dog and family pet.
Hailing from South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel originally found use in hunting. A smaller dog, the Boykin Spaniel have a great temperament and are friendly, eager, and lovable. Known for its rich-brown coat, the Boykin Spaniel has large, distinctive feathery ears.
The name of the Lowchen translates literally into “little lion do.” One of the rarest breeds of dogs in the world, the Lowchen originally comes from Europe. Developed as a companion dog, the Lowchen is active, smart, and obedient.
Originally bred as a game hunting dog, the Norwegian Lundehund is a great climber and an excellent companion on long hikes. Small in size, most Norwegian Lundehunds only grow to about 14 to 15 inches in height. They are also known as loving and playful.
Originally bred to help in duck hunting, the Kooikerhondje breed dates back to at least the 16th century. Described as friendly, alert, and quick, the Kooikerhondje is known for its white coat with red patches and their large, richly feathered, black-tipped ears.
Bred to hunt squirrels, the small but lively Finnish Spitz have a fox-like face, a curved plume tail, and a coat of golden-red. This breed is friendly and good-natured but also makes an excellent guard dog. They are also known for their bark.
A French herding dog, the Berger Picard almost became extinct following both World War I and World War II. While still rare, the dog is known as a loyal and good-natured companion. Of sturdy build, the Berger Picard has tall, erect ears and a rectangular head.
This 3,000-year-old breed comes in both hairless and coated varieties, as well as a variety of sizes, including toy, miniature, and standard. Originally owned by Aztecs and Mayans in Central America, the breed is known for its loyalty, and alert and calm nature.
Known as one of the world’s oldest hunting dogs, the European-bred Spinone Italiano has a dense coat coming in a variety of colors and patterns. It has soft, sweet eyes that have endeared it to its owners. Docile in nature, the Spinone Italiano is known for its versatility.
A small breed of dog that combines the features of a Doberman Pinscher and a Corgi, the Lancashire Heeler is intelligent and affectionate. Known for its high energy, Lancashire Heelers are quick learners that have a distinctive “Heeler Smile.”
The Keeshond, originally hailing from Europe, has a double layer of fur to help protect it from the harsh winters experienced in some countries there. The fur, which is a combination of silver and black, serves the dual purpose of protecting the breed from the sun.
Originally bred for owners looking for a miniature Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a combination of Spitz and Husky. With a temperament more suited to the life of a companion dog, the Alaskan Klee Kai still is reserved when it comes to interacting with strangers.
Related to the Yorkshire Terrier, the Biewer Terrier has long, colorful hair. Very dedicated and loyal to its owner and their family, the Biewer Terrier is lighthearted but quick to alert others to the presence of visitors outside the home.
The Mudi is an alert, agile, and intelligent dog breed that comes from Hungary. A loyal protector, the Mudi is related to the German Spitz breed. An excellent hunter, the Mudi comes in a variety of colors, including brown, black, white, fawn, and others.
22) Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Originally utilized by Portuguese sailors to keep vermin away from their supplies, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is both playful and charming. The Pequeno loves to run and chase outdoors, and it is classified as a hound. This small breed also makes a great house pet.
A mix of Golden Retriever and Dachshund, the Golden Dox makes a great family pet. Friendly with both children and adults, the Golden Dox has the long, reddish brown coat of its retriever parentage and the short legs of a Dachshund.
A mixture of a beagle and a Chihuahua, the Cheagle is known as a friendly, fun-loving dog that makes a great family pet. Keep in mind, though, that the Cheagle is known to exhibit the easily excitable nature of a Chihuahua at times.
The Swedish Vallhund packs a lot of energy into its small body. Only growing to about 13 inches in height, the Swedish Vallhund has a thick, sable coat. Originally used as a herding dog, the Swedish Vallhund make a great family pet with their friendly demeanor.
Bred first in North Africa, the Sloughi was used to hunt game in the deserts found there. A graceful and fast dog, the Sloughi is faithful and loyal to its owners. Reserved in nature, the Slughi is often uncomfortable around strangers.
Hailing from Hungary, the Pumi excels at herding animals, one of its first uses. Energetic and ready to work, the Pumi has a curly haired coat that comes in a variety colors, including black, gray, white, and fawn. The ears of the Pumi are two-thirds erect, and its face has a distinctive, whimsical expression.
Getting its name from the Samoyed people of Siberia, the Samoyed originally served as a herd dog and sled puller. Standing around two feet at the shoulders, the Samoyed have a double-layer of white fur to help them stay warm during the cold Siberian winters.
A combination of English Bulldog and Pug, the Bull-Pug shares many of the characteristics of both breeds. Also referred to as a miniature Bulldog, the Bull-Pug is friendly and good with kids. The breed also has the ability to quickly learn simple tasks, making training relatively easy.
Bred as powerful bird dogs, the Clumber Spaniel are generally sweet and easygoing. Responding well to training due to its intelligence and eagerness to please, the Clumber Spaniel tend to refrain from barking unless they feel the need to.
Used to hunt truffles in its native Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo have great endurance, especially when playing outdoors. The breed has a dense, wooly coat that can come in all colors except black. Known as affectionate, keen, and undemanding, the Lagotto Romagnolo makes a perfect family pet.
Known as one of the smallest dogs in the world, the Russian Toy is best identified by the long fur on its large, upright ears. With a penchant for snuggling, the Russian Toy makes a great companion dog.
The Tibetan Mastiff makes the perfect guard dog. Standing 26 inches at the shoulder, the Tibetan Mastiff is an imposing menace to any would-be intruders. Otherwise, the breed is calm in its natural surroundings and has an independent, though loving, nature with its family.
Mix a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier and you get the Chorkie, a cute, little ball of fur that is both playful and headstrong at the same time. A relatively new breed dating from the 1990s, the Chorkie makes an excellent indoor pet.
Slim and rugged, the Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. First appearing in Arabia, the Saluki is deep-chested and long-legged, giving it a graceful appearance. Originally used for hunting, today the Saluki make gentle and loyal pets.
Known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” the Coton de Tulear is a playful and affectionate breed of dog, making it a perfect companion dog. The Coton de Tulear comes in a range of colors, including black, white, and tricolor.
The Slovensky Cuvac is a mountain dog breed hailing from Slovakia, which is near Poland and Ukraine. Commonly known for its courage and faithfulness, the Slovensky Cuvac sports a thick, white coat of fur designed to fight off the cold in its native Slovakia.
A combination of Sealyham and Scottish terrier, the Cesky terrier was bred as a hunting dog that could also act as a family dog. Born black or tan, their fur changes to varying shades of gray as they get older.
Bred in Belgium, the Schipperke is used as a sheepdog. Black in coloration, the Schipperke is both lively and curious, making them a great, long-lived companion. Called the “little black fox,” Schipperkes are known for chasing small animals.
Living in the Middle East for thousands of years, the Canaan dog is a vigilant breed of canine and is the national dog of Israel, where they serve as sentry dogs. The Canaan dog makes a great guardian and family pet, as they tend to be good with children.
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If you ask a dog person, most will tell you that all dogs are adorable, which might be the case in most instances. Few could argue, though, that these adorable dog breeds are some of the cutest, little-known dog breeds out there.
