13 Strange Looking Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

Introduction

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but some breeds stand out from the crowd with their wonderfully weird and wacky appearances. From excess wrinkles to long dreads to hairless bodies, these pooches are living proof that beauty comes in many forms. If you‘re looking for a four-legged friend that‘s sure to turn heads and steal hearts everywhere you go, consider one of these 20 strange and funny-looking dog breeds. While they may not win any conventional beauty contests, these endearing canines have unique looks and personalities that make them precious gems of the dog world. Let‘s meet this motley crew of adorably offbeat doggos!

Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced "show-low-eets-queent-lee") is an ancient breed dating back over 3000 years. These lively, loyal pooches come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The most striking feature of the Xolo is their smooth, tough, mostly hairless skin which can be black, grey, bronze, or red in color. Some have a small mohawk of coarse hair on their head. Thanks to their minimal coat, Xolos are often a good choice for allergy sufferers. When this alert watchdog is deep in thought, you‘ll see their forehead wrinkle in the most endearing way.
Chinese Crested
Elegant and slender, the Chinese Crested is petite pup with a most unusual coat. They come in two varieties: Hairless, with silky hair just on the head, tail and feet, and Powderpuff, with a full coat of soft fur. The hairless type has smooth skin in a range of colors including pink, black, blue, and chocolate. Both varieties usually weigh under 12 pounds and sport an alert, lively expression with their large, upright ears and almond-shaped eyes. This affectionate, playful toy breed is sure to keep you smiling with their goofy antics and devoted companionship.
Bergamasco Shepherd
Hailing from the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco Shepherd is a medium-large herding breed best known for their thick, matted coat that resembles dreadlocks. This unusual corded coat comprises three types of hair woven together, forming flat layers of felted "flocks" that cover the dog‘s body and legs. The flocks provide insulation from both cold and hot weather. Adorably, Bergamasco puppies have short, fluffy coats that only develop into mats after about a year. Independent, intelligent, and social, these muscular dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
An ancient sighthound breed from Peru, the Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO) is an elegant, agile dog that comes in hairless and coated varieties. The hairless type has smooth, tough skin that can be solid or spotted in a range of colors including copper, brown, grey, and white. Coated PIOs have a short, fine coat in similar hues. With their long necks, wedge-shaped heads, large pointy ears, and slim but muscular frames, these fast, friendly dogs almost resemble small deer. PIOs make affectionate, protective companions but may become anxious if left alone too long.
Puli
One of the most iconic weird-looking dog breeds, the Puli is a Hungarian herding dog whose long, dense coat naturally forms into tapered cords or "dreadlocks" that almost reach the ground. This eye-catching corded coat, typically solid black or white in color, protects the Puli from harsh weather and predators while herding livestock. Although the cords look high-maintenance, they actually don‘t require much brushing – just regular separation to prevent matting. Beneath all that hair is an agile, medium-sized dog of 25-35 pounds with a loyal, lively personality. The Puli is an active, intelligent breed that needs lots of exercise and stimulation.
Bedlington Terrier
With their curly, woolly coats and unique rounded head shapes, Bedlington Terriers almost resemble little lambs. But don‘t let their cute, fluffy appearance fool you – these spunky little dogs originally hail from the mining regions of Northumberland, England where they were prized for their speed and ferocious hunting abilities. Today, Bedlingtons make playful, affectionate, but sometimes strong-willed companions. Their lithe, muscular bodies typically weigh under 23 pounds and sport a crisp, curly coat in shades of white, blue, and liver that requires regular clipping and brushing.
Borzoi
Sometimes compared to gorgeous greyhounds, the Borzoi is a large, elegant sighthound breed originally from Russia. With their slender, curved bodies, long legs, and silky coats, these stately dogs can appear almost cat-like in their grace and agility. Most striking is their narrow, elongated heads with tapered muzzles – the perfect shape for aerodynamic speed when chasing prey like wolves and rabbits! Borzois have luxuriously long, silky coats that can be flat, wavy or curly in a variety of colors. Despite their commanding size of up to 105 pounds, these gentle giants have a sweet, respectful demeanor. But their strong prey drive means they need securely fenced yards and sturdy leashes on walks.
Neapolitan Mastiff
One of the most massive dog breeds on Earth, the imposing Neapolitan Mastiff can weigh up to 150 pounds, with males standing 31 inches tall at the shoulder. But the Neo‘s most notable feature is their abundantly wrinkled, pendulous skin that hangs in deep folds around their large heads, necks, and bodies. All those wrinkles and folds, combined with their thick, short coat in solid colors like black, blue, and mahogany, give the breed an almost mournful appearance. But these gentle giants are actually quite calm, watchful, and sweet-natured, bonding closely with their families while remaining aloof toward strangers.
Brussels Griffon
With their almost human-like expressions, large round eyes, and magnificently fluffy beards and mustaches, Brussels Griffons have faces that could melt even the coldest heart. These pint-sized charmers typically weigh under 12 pounds and come in smooth or rough coated varieties, usually in shades of red, black, tan, or black and tan. Griffs are lively, inquisitive, and often sensitive little dogs who bond very closely with their favorite humans. But don‘t let their cute size fool you – these former Belgian ratters are brave, feisty, and sometimes bossy despite their cuddly teddy bear looks!
Komondor
Often called "mop dogs", Komondorors are a large, muscular Hungarian breed famous for their long, dense, corded coats that resemble a tangle of white dreadlocks. Historically used as livestock guardians, the Komondor‘s unique coat provides both warmth and protection from predators – when you see one, it can be hard to tell where the dog ends and the mop begins! These imposing dogs can weigh up to 135 pounds, but beneath their messy locks they are calm, loyal, and deeply protective of their families. Komondors need experienced owners who can provide firm but loving training, along with the time for coat care.
Shar Pei
With their abundantly wrinkled, fleshy skin and grumpy-looking scowls, Chinese Shar Peis have a wonderfully weird appearance often compared to that of a fuzzy hippopotamus. These medium-sized dogs wear a short, bristly coat in solid colors like fawn, cream, chocolate, and black that accentuates their famously wrinkled foreheads and muzzles. As puppies, Shar Peis have loose skin and wrinkles all over their compact, muscular bodies, but they usually grow into their folds as they mature. Independent and reserved, Shar Peis are calm watchdogs and loyal family companions, but can be aloof with strangers. One unique trait of the breed is their dark blue-black tongue!
Affenpinscher
With their small but stocky bodies, round heads, fluffy beards, and almost human-like facial expressions, Affenpinschers look like grumpy little monkeys or Ewoks. In fact, their name comes from the German word for "monkey terrier". These droll little dogs typically weigh under 10 pounds and have a rough, dense, shaggy coat in colors like black, grey, silver, and tan. But don‘t let their small size and goofy looks deceive you – Affens are feisty, fearless, and sometimes domineering dogs with a loud bark and lots of attitude. Still, they make loyal, entertaining companions and are generally good with children.
Bull Terrier
With their muscular, egg-shaped heads, triangular eyes, and pointy ears, Bull Terriers are one of the most distinctive looking dog breeds around. These powerful, energetic pooches come in miniature and standard sizes, ranging from 25-80 pounds, with short, flat coats in white, brindle, fawn, and tri-color patterns. Despite their imposing appearance, Bull Terriers are usually silly, mischievous sweethearts who love to play and cuddle with their people. But they can also be strong-willed and somewhat stubborn, needing consistent training and leadership from a young age.
Basenji
Often called the "barkless dog", the Basenji is a compact, graceful hunting dog from Africa with a short, fine coat, tightly curled tail, and wrinkled forehead that gives them a quizzical expression. They come in red, black, tricolor, and brindle, often with white feet and chests. And while Basenjis don‘t bark, they do make a variety of other noises including yodels, whines, and screams. Independent, poised, and a little mischievous, these lively hounds are loving with their families but can be aloof with strangers. And at just 20-26 pounds, they make excellent apartment dogs as long as they get plenty of exercise and playtime.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Named for their spots and mottled coats that resemble those of a leopard, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a rugged, powerful working breed developed in the American South to herd cattle and hunt wild hogs. These muscular, medium-large dogs have striking, intense faces with expressive almond-shaped eyes that can be blue, green, brown, or amber – sometimes each eye is a different color! Their short, smooth coats come in an astounding array of colors and patterns including brindle, black, tan, blue, red, and white. Loyal and fearless, Catahoulas need lots of exercise and stimulation, along with firm but loving training.
Llasa Apso
Called "lion dogs" because of their full, elegant ruffs about the neck and shoulders, full leg curtains, and plumed curly tails, Lhasa Apsos make a huge impression with their regal, unique appearance and jaunty attitudes. These small Tibetan watchdogs usually weigh 12-15 pounds and wear long, straight coats in colors like gold, black, cream, and grey. Their rounded heads have triangular black noses, expressive eyes, and fuzzy beards that give them the overall look of a whiskery sage. Feisty and proud, Lhasas can be snobbish toward strangers but are deeply devoted to their families and typically long-lived, with some reaching 16 years or more.
Scottish Deerhound
Often described as resembling a "hairy greyhound", the Scottish Deerhound is a giant sighthound breed developed to chase and hunt deer across the rough terrain of the Scottish Highlands. Built for speed and endurance, these leggy, elongated dogs have muscular, arched bodies with deep chests, powerful hindquarters, long necks, and long tapered heads. Their harsh, wiry coats sport a beard, mustache, and shaggy eyebrows above expressive dark eyes. Dignified and regal, Deerhounds are usually calm indoors but need lots of space to run outdoors. Standing up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 110 pounds, these aristocratic canines are gentle giants with sweet, affable temperaments.

Conclusion
From hairless hounds and bearded griffons to mop dogs and monkey-like terriers, the canine world is full of wonderfully weird and funny looking breeds that capture our hearts with their unique appearances and quirky charms. While they may not conform to conventional standards of beauty, these 20 eye-catching pooches prove that true cuteness comes in an astounding array of shapes, sizes, and coat types. Whether you‘re seeking a laid-back lapdog, an energetic playmate, or a loyal guardian, there‘s a delightfully different dog out there to steal your heart. When you share your life with an offbeat canine companion, every day brings new opportunities for joy, laughter, and love – no matter how strange they may look!