So you think you are acquainted with all the dog breeds populating this planet? You always score high on those fun “guess the dog breed” trivia? People consult with you when they aren’t sure what dog breed they have in front of them? Well, get ready for a tad bit of delusion this time, as you may not be aware of the existence of some of these pooches we are about to discuss. These dogs though have potential for becoming more and more popular over the years, so it’s not a bad idea to learn a little more about them. Introducing are some little-known dogs that may leave you baffled and head scratching. These creatures are currently categorized under the American Kennel Club’s Miscellaneous Class hopefully awaiting complete breed recognition.
Bergamasco Shepherd
Dogo Argentino
Cirneco Dell’ Etna
American Hairless Terrier
Pumi
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Miniature American Shepherd
Boerbel
Azawakh
Lagotto Romagnolo
This breed’s name originates from the city of Bergamo where this dog was utilized as a herding dog and livestock guardian in the Bergamasco Valley by the Italian Alps. This dog’s appearance surely cannot go unnoticed, with its rustic appearance and its signature look derived from the long, dense coat made of a harsh texture. This breed’s coat is actually composed by three different hairdo’s: the dense undercoat, the long goat-like hairs and the wooly top coat. When the dog grows older the different types of hair mingle and weave together forming several flat-shaped mats.
When you think about white dogs, you may get a mental picture of Maltese, west highland white terriers and bichon frise, but now you may want to add the Dogo Argentino to the list. This large, muscular dog originates from Argentina where it’s utilized to hunt large animals such as boar and puma. The coat in most cases is pure white with no markings admitted other than a small dark patch around the eye, according to the AKC standard.
Another Italian fellow, the Cirneco dell’ Etna originates from the deep south of Italy. This Sicilian fellow gains his name from Mount Etna, an active volcano found in the Sicilian city of Catania. In ancient times, this breed was utilized as a prized rabbit hunter capable of working for many hours with little food or water. The Cirneco Dell’ Etna is mainly built for endurance so he can work over the harsh terrains of his region. His short coat is easy to maintain and comes in shades of tan or chestnut.
Some dogs are popular for their hairdo’s others are popular for their lack of hair. Despite being categorized in the Miscellaneous Class awaiting recognition, these dogs’ reputation have preceded them courtesy of their hair-less status. They are made popular in many lists of hypoallergenic dogs, making them ideal for people with allergies, but the American Hairless Terrier Association points out the importance of conducting allergy tests before opening your heart and home to this breed.
This is a cute, terrier-type of dog originating from Hungary with a history of being used as an all-around farm dog. Weighing in at around 22 to 30 pounds, these small fellows make great companions. Their corkscrewed coat requires some grooming, but usually a bi-weekly brushing and 2 to 4 month trimming will do. This breed’s most distinctive feature consists of its ears which are set high with the top folding down.
Another favorite among allergy sufferers, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is an elegant sight hound originating from Peru. This breed comes in the name of variety; indeed, you may find both coated and hairless specimens and they can be found in three different sizes: small, medium and large. The hairless specimens sometimes boast a small patch of hair on their heads. Their naked skin requires some TLC which translates into sunscreen in the summer and a warm jacket in the winter. The haired variety comes in a variety of colors including black, gray, brown, tan, pink and white.
At a first glance, you would think this dog closely resembles the Australian shepherd, but then the size doesn’t match up. As its name implies, the miniature American shepherd is a small pooch boasting Australian shepherd heritage. It’s a herding dog with a strong work ethic that makes him a wonderful candidate for the sports of agility, herding and flyball. Weighing in between 20 and 40 pounds, this companion is a great choice for those folks enamored with the Aussie but looking for a smaller, more compact version.
If you think this fellow somewhat resembles an English mastiff, you’re on the right path. This dog is indeed a mastiff, but he originates from South Africa where he was and continues to be utilized as a faithful guardian. His line of duty included defending the homestead, keeping large predators at bay and holding down wounded game. A distinctive feature often seen in this breed is a black facial mask around the mouth and sometimes extending all the way up to the eyes and ears.
The Azawakh closely resembles the many sight hounds found in the Middle East; however, it has its own set of unique traits that sets him slightly apart. For starters, his back is relatively short and flat; whereas, his long legs make the hips appear higher than the withers. His thin body and light, cat-like gait makes him quite an agile hunter. It’s quite a sight watching these fellows run. Their slim body makes them excel in what they were bred for: hunting gazelle and hare at 40 miles per hour on desert terrain in arid climates.
Those folks who enjoy truffles will be happy to hear this breed is on the rise. The Lagotto Romagnolo is the expert in the field when it comes to these tasty tubers. The breed originates from the Italian region of Romagna. Like the poodle, this breed was originally developed to retrieve game from water. In modern times though, this has been bred primarily to search for precious truffles courtesy of their powerful noses.
