9 Unique Dog Breeds You May Have Never Heard Of

Discovered in the 13th century in the Azawakh Valley in the Sahara Desert, this breed has a short, fine coat in many colors, a black mask on the head, and white markings; they are gentle, affectionate, loyal, and independent, needing at least a half-hour of exercise daily, and they get cold easily.

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Azawakh

Discovered in 10 A.D. in Persia, the Bergamasco has a unique coat that forms mats or flocks, is muscular with a large head, and is intelligent, serene, protective, and patient, making it ideal for therapy visits to children.

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Bergamasco Sheepdog

Believed to be discovered in the 1930s in Turkey, the Catalburun, or Turkish pointer, is known for its unique split nose, is muscular, has strong legs, and is great for hunting, calm at home, gentle with kids, and loyal.

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Catalburun

Discovered in ancient times in Japan, the Kai Ken, often referred to as the "Tiger" dog, is brindle in color, intelligent, alert, brave, and highly energetic, needing long walks and exercise, and it forms very close bonds with its family.

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Kai Ken

Discovered in Roman and Medieval times in Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a small to medium-sized dog with a dense, curly coat, originally a water retrieval dog and later trained to find truffles, and it is agile, happy, adaptable, intelligent, and loves children.

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Lagotto Romagnolo

Discovered in the 1930s in Hungary, the Mudi is a medium-sized herding dog with Spitz-like qualities, highly intelligent, powerful, courageous, loving, gentle, and an excellent companion, needing daily exercise and being wary of strangers.

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Mudi

Discovered in the 18th century in Britain, the Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound with a very large head and strong body, known for its shaggy appearance, sweet, affectionate, independent, great with kids, and having a wide range of vocalizations.

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Otterhound

Discovered in ancient times in the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France, the Pyrenean Shepherd is a highly active, intelligent, light-boned dog with sinewy legs, intensely attached to its family, lively, cheerful, courageous, and needing a lot of exercise.

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Pyrenean Shepherd

Discovered 3,000 years ago in Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintli is a hairless dog considered one of the oldest and rarest breeds, loyal, happy, smart, affectionate, protective, and needing a family that is home a lot.

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Xoloitzcuintli