15 Unique Dog Breeds You’ll Want as Your Pet

Dogs are often called man’s best friend for a good reason—they make wonderful pets! However, choosing the right one for you and your family can be challenging with so many options available. Each dog has its own personality, intelligence, and size, making every breed special. If you’re searching for a breed that stands out or want one that fits your lifestyle, here are 15 unique dog breeds you’ll want as your pet.

Komondor

Draped in white cords from head to tail, the Komondor is one of the coolest dog breeds around. For centuries, this breed has been the top dog for guarding sheep in Hungary. Komondors are confident and tough, able to scare off wolves and other scary predators. Their dreadlock-like coat gives them a fun, funky look, but it’s not just for show—it actually helps protect them from harsh weather and sharp teeth.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (or GBGV) is a sturdy, medium-height hound that’s a bit longer than it is tall. You could say it’s more of a large dog on medium-length legs than just a medium-sized one. Their weather-resistant coat is rough and shaggy, hiding a solidly built, hefty hound underneath. They’re known for their signature hair over the eyebrows, plus a beard and mustache, which give them a friendly and cheerful vibe.

Hungarian Puli

Easily recognized by its signature corded coat that reaches the floor in mature adults, the Hungarian Puli is a truly eye-catching dog. Beneath that impressive coat lies a muscular, sturdy, medium-sized dog brimming with energy and a great personality. It’s believed that the Puli is one of the direct ancestors of the poodle. Even today, there are some standard poodles that sport corded coats.

Leonberger

The Leonberger’s background includes St. Bernards and Newfoundlands, making this unique dog a giant breed. As a result, Leonbergers can tip the scales at over 100 pounds. They’re affectionate, great with kids, and incredibly devoted to their owners, wanting to be by their side as much as they can. Due to their size, love for muddy water, and the attention and exercise they require—you won’t often see these dogs in urban areas or big towns. 

Belgian Laekenois

Medium-sized and square in shape, the Belgian Laekenois sports a harsh, wiry coat that’s reddish fawn in color with black shading on the muzzle and tail. This breed gives off an impression of being both athletic and elegant. As a member of the Belgian Shepherd family, the Laekenois is a loyal companion that truly enjoys protecting its family.

Coton De Tulear

The Coton De Tulear is a charming, smart little dog with a long cottony white coat. They tend to be slightly longer than they are tall and have dark pigmentation, which gives them their sparkling button nose and eyes, along with a very endearing expression. Known for being excellent companion dogs, this breed is super famous for forming strong bonds with their owners.

Bedlington Terrier

This small, long-legged terrier is hard to miss—some people even say they look like a mix between a dog and a lamb! They have a narrow skull and a coat that’s reminiscent of a lamb’s. Known for their energetic nature, they thrive on attention. This breed moves with a light, springy step and, according to the AKC, when they get fired up, they can run like the wind.

Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is a long-bodied, low-to-the-ground dog with a sturdy build and a long, straight, hard coat. Their ears can either be pricked or dropped. These pups can be twice as long as they are tall. Originally bred for hunting foxes on the remote Isle of Skye in Scotland, they’re surprisingly strong for their size.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco is a medium-sized sheepdog, built strong with a square profile and a unique coat. Their coat is thick and long, with a greasy feel and a rough texture, forming flat mats instead of cords. This smart breed gets along well with just about everyone, including kids and cats—making them one of the friendliest companions an owner could ask for.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

This little terrier is built with long, low lines, featuring expressive eyes and a truly unique coat. It has a silky soft mane of hair on its head, with ear feathers trimmed short and the tougher body coat clipped short while being left longer on the belly and legs, as is common with many working terriers. Although Dandies weigh no more than 24 pounds, they’re incredibly alert watchdogs with a deep bark.

Basenji

This unique breed is considered one of the oldest and most primitive. In fact, images of dogs resembling Basenjis have been discovered in Egyptian pyramids. One of the most fascinating things about this breed is that females only come into heat once a year, unlike most other domestic breeds that go into heat twice a year. Plus, they rarely bark, opting to whine and make a yodeling sound instead. 

Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested is a toy breed that has two body and coat types. The ‘Deer type’ should be racy and fine-boned, while the ‘Cobby type’ should be heavier in body and bone. Regardless of their build—both types are athletic dogs with long legs, lean physiques, and a fit appearance. The coat can be hairless, featuring a naked body with fluffy socks, a fine crest of fur on the head, and a plumed tail.

Griffon Bruxellois

Well-balanced and square in shape, the Griffon Bruxellois is a sturdy little dog with a charming appearance, thanks to its short muzzle and large eyes. Often said to have a monkey-like expression, the Griffon Bruxellois comes in two coat types: the rough-coated variety features a harsh, wiry coat that’s free of curls, while the smooth-coated version has a short, tight coat.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, solid-colored, active breed with a short coat featuring a unique ridge of hair along the back. They also love to relax on the sofa with their owner at the end of the day. These gentle pups can be a bit stubborn, and because of their size and strength—they’re better suited for experienced owners.

English Foxhound

Affectionate, social, and gentle, the English Foxhound may look like an ordinary dog, but it has some super unique traits. This breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1909 and is noticeably stockier than its American counterpart. They make excellent companions for hunters since they love a good chase and have an outstanding sense of smell.