15 Underrated Dog Breeds That Deserve More Attention

When most people think about dogs, they immediately picture the popular breeds (German Shepherds or Retrievers) that are seen everywhere. However, they might not realize that there are many incredible breeds out there that remain in the shadows despite having amazing qualities. Here are 15 underrated dog breeds that deserve more attention.

Norwegian Lundehund

When you see a Norwegian Lundehund for the first time, you might just think it is a small, fox-like dog with an energetic personality, but what makes it truly special is something you will not notice right away. Originally bred in Norway to hunt puffins in hard-to-reach nesting areas, it is one of the most agile and flexible dogs you will ever find, with the ability to bend its head backward until it touches its spine.

Mudi

When you bring home a Mudi, you are not just getting an ordinary herding dog but rather a rare and highly intelligent breed that has an impressive ability to learn new tasks and work tirelessly. This medium-sized Hungarian dog is fast, incredibly agile, and always eager to take on a challenge, whether that means herding livestock, excelling in dog sports, or simply keeping up with a family that loves outdoor adventures.

Otterhound

When you meet an Otterhound, you might be surprised by how big and shaggy it is with a water-resistant coat that looks a little wild but serves a very important purpose. This breed was originally developed in England for hunting otters, which means it has webbed feet, a deep chest, and an incredibly strong sense of smell, making it one of the best swimmers in the dog world.

Canaan Dog

When you own a Canaan Dog, you are living with a piece of history because this breed has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years and is believed to be one of the oldest known domesticated dogs. Originally used as a herding/guard dog in the Middle East, it is highly intelligent, independent, and naturally cautious, which means it forms a very strong bond with its family but tends to be reserved around strangers.

Xoloitzcuintli

When you touch a Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, you immediately notice something unusual because instead of fur, you feel warm, smooth skin that gives it a completely different texture than most other dogs. This ancient breed has been around since the time of the Aztecs and comes in both hairless and coated varieties, but it is best known for its sleek, elegant appearance and its reputation as a spiritual protector in Mexican culture.

Lagotto Romagnolo

When you bring a Lagotto Romagnolo into your life, you are not just getting an affectionate family pup but also one of the best truffle hunters out there, thanks to its excellent sense of smell and natural instinct for searching. Originally from Italy, this breed has a thick, curly coat that gives it an adorable, teddy bear-like appearance, but beyond its looks, it is a hardworking and highly intelligent dog that thrives when it has a job to do.

Thai Ridgeback

When you first see a Thai Ridgeback, the first thing you will probably notice is the distinct ridge of hair along its back that rises in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat, giving it a truly unique and striking look. Originally bred as a guard dog in Thailand, this breed is strong, independent, and highly intelligent, but it is not the kind of dog that is eager to please in the way some other breeds are.

Belgian Laekenois

When you meet a Belgian Laekenois, you might not immediately recognize it as part of the Belgian Shepherd family because, unlike its more well-known relatives, it has a rough, scruffy coat that gives it a completely different appearance. This breed was originally used in Belgium to guard linen fields, and while it has the same intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic as other Belgian Shepherds, it also has a slightly more relaxed and adaptable temperament.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

This dog has an almost otherworldly appearance, with its slender body, graceful posture, and either a completely hairless coat or a fine layer of soft fur, depending on the variety. Even though it may look delicate, it is actually a very athletic and agile dog that enjoys sprinting and playing, but it is also just as happy curling up with its favorite person for a long nap. 

Portuguese Podengo

When you watch a Portuguese Podengo in action, you will quickly see that this is not a dog that likes to sit still for too long because it is full of energy, curiosity, and an endless love for adventure. This ancient hunting breed comes in three different sizes, ranging from small to large, and all of them share the same lively personality, independent thinking, and strong instinct for chasing small animals, which means they need a secure yard or plenty of supervision outdoors.

Azawakh

Azawakh might look like a Greyhound because of its slim, long-legged body, but this rare African breed is actually quite different in both personality and history. Because it is naturally independent and strong-willed, it does best with an experienced owner who understands how to provide gentle but firm training while giving it enough space to express its natural instincts and athletic abilities.

Karelian Bear Dog

This breed is not just strong and independent but also very intelligent and loyal to its family. Because of its strong instincts and independent nature, it is best suited for an experienced owner who understands how to provide firm training and a structured environment, but for the right person, it is one of the most devoted and dependable dogs you could ever have.

Schapendoes

When you see a Schapendoes running around, you might think it looks like a fluffy ball of energy with its long, shaggy coat bouncing as it moves, but this Dutch herding breed is not just about looks—it is one of the most hardworking and enthusiastic dogs you will ever meet. Originally bred to herd sheep in the Netherlands, this breed has an incredible ability to think for itself, making it highly intelligent and quick to learn new things.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

This breed was originally developed for hunting otters and badgers so it has a fearless and determined personality hidden beneath that soft and affectionate nature. Because of its strong personality and independent thinking, it benefits from consistent training, but with the right approach, it becomes a loving and devoted family member who brings a lot of joy and charm to any home.

Kai Ken

When you look at a Kai Ken, you immediately notice its striking brindle coat in shades of black, red, or brown (just like a tiger) that helps it blend into forests and natural surroundings. This rare Japanese breed was originally used for hunting in the mountains, and even though it is highly intelligent and capable, it is also known for forming an incredibly strong bond with its family, often choosing one person as its favorite.