14 Dog Breeds That Deserve More Attention

Some dogs seem to dominate the spotlight—Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and French Bulldogs often steal the show. But beyond the familiar favorites lies a world of underrated breeds full of charm, intelligence, and personality. These dogs may not top popularity charts, but they’ve got just as much to offer. Here are 14 dog breeds that truly deserve more love, recognition, and a place in the spotlight.

Finnish Lapphund

Originally bred to herd reindeer in the Arctic Circle, the Finnish Lapphund is affectionate, intelligent, and sturdy. With their thick coats and gentle eyes, they’re not only stunning but incredibly adaptable—great with families and tolerant of cold weather. Despite their many charms, they remain relatively unknown outside of Nordic regions, which is a shame because they combine the best of working dog drive with family-dog warmth.

Glen of Imaal Terrier

A lesser-known Irish breed, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a rough-and-ready little powerhouse with a calm interior. Unlike many terriers, Glens are more laid-back indoors, making them ideal for quieter households. They’re strong, affectionate, and have a charming, scruffy look that turns heads. Sadly, their rarity means many people miss out on discovering how perfect they can be as sturdy, loving companions.

American Foxhound

Often overlooked in favor of the Beagle or Coonhound, the American Foxhound is a sweet, athletic dog with a musical howl and a gentle soul. Originally bred for fox hunting, they need space to run but are surprisingly affectionate and low-maintenance indoors. Their even temperaments and resilience make them great pets for active families, yet they’re still flying under the radar.

Kooikerhondje

This elegant little Dutch spaniel was once used to lure ducks into traps—a task it performed with charm and skill. The Kooikerhondje is cheerful, trainable, and deeply loyal. With its flashy orange-and-white coat and feathered ears, it’s a visual standout. Still, it’s rare outside the Netherlands, which means many families miss the chance to own this smart, affectionate dog that balances energy with obedience beautifully.

Tibetan Spaniel

Not actually a true spaniel, this ancient breed was a companion to monks in Himalayan monasteries. The Tibetan Spaniel is independent yet loving, observant yet playful. Their fox-like faces and soft, flowing coats make them look like living plush toys. They’re excellent watchdogs without being noisy or aggressive, and they thrive in quiet, cozy environments. Despite all this, they’re often overlooked in favor of more mainstream small breeds.

Schipperke

Bold, clever, and fiercely loyal, the Schipperke is a tiny Belgian dynamo often called the “little black devil.” Originally used on barges to hunt vermin, this dog is energetic, brave, and full of personality. They’re curious and comical, often acting like a much larger dog in a compact body. Still, few people know about them, even though their loyalty and fearlessness make them unforgettable once you do.

Otterhound

With fewer than 1,000 worldwide, the Otterhound is an endangered breed despite its lovable nature. These large, shaggy scent hounds were once used to hunt otters in the UK, but today they’re friendly, clownish family dogs. Their deep bark, webbed feet, and waterproof coat hint at their history, but it’s their laid-back, goofy temperament that wins hearts. Unfortunately, their rarity means they’re often completely unknown to potential dog owners.

English Toy Spaniel

Often overshadowed by their close cousin, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Toy Spaniels are quieter, more reserved, and just as affectionate. Their expressive faces, silky coats, and gentle manners make them perfect lap dogs. They form strong bonds with their families and are very loyal. But their relative rarity means they’re usually missing from breed lists and rarely recommended, even though they make excellent indoor companions.

Norwegian Lundehund

One of the most unique breeds in the world, the Norwegian Lundehund was bred to hunt puffins on steep cliffs. They have six toes per foot, can bend their necks backward, and splay their legs to grip rocks. This agility comes with a quirky personality—they’re curious, independent, and clownish. While they may be a bit stubborn, they’re endearing and unlike any other dog. Still, most people have never even heard of them.

Berger Picard

The Berger Picard (pronounced “bare-ZHAY pee-CARR”) is a rustic French herding breed with a tousled coat and an expressive, mischievous face. They’re intelligent, loyal, and adaptable—but because of their low numbers, especially in North America, many people have never heard of them. Their wiry fur, strong work ethic, and quirky personality make them a standout choice for active owners who want a rare and rewarding companion.

Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is North Carolina’s state dog and a skilled boar hunter—but also an affectionate, loyal companion. With a brindled coat and a confident presence, they bring both beauty and brawn to the table. They’re vocal and energetic but also deeply family-oriented. Despite being an all-American breed, the Plott Hound is rarely seen outside the Southeast and often goes unnoticed by people seeking a strong, devoted pet.

Sealyham Terrier

With their distinctive whiskers, low body, and bold bark, Sealyham Terriers look like the stars of a vintage storybook. Once popular in Hollywood, they’ve fallen out of fashion in recent decades. Calm indoors but playful when engaged, Sealys are adaptable, trainable, and make charming companions. Their numbers are dangerously low, yet their wonderful personalities deserve far more recognition than they currently receive.

Belgian Laekenois

The rarest of the four Belgian herding breeds, the Laekenois stands out with its wiry coat and intense gaze. Like its more famous cousins (Malinois, Tervuren, Groenendael), the Laekenois is smart, alert, and hardworking. These dogs thrive on purpose and connection. Their loyalty is unmatched, and they’re eager to please, yet they remain practically unknown—even among working-dog enthusiasts.

Mudi

Hailing from Hungary, the Mudi is a brilliant, energetic herding breed with a curly coat and fox-like face. These dogs are athletic, trainable, and full of personality. They excel in dog sports and make fiercely loyal companions. However, they’re so rare that many dog lovers have never even seen one in person. For those looking for an agile, devoted, and unique canine partner, the Mudi is a hidden gem.