Did you know that there are over 340 dog breeds found around the world? That’s right, the domestic dog is the most diverse animal on the planet. In fact, The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently registers only 195 of these dog breeds, so even if you tune in to the National Dog Show every Thanksgiving, you may never lay your eyes upon many of these wonderful pups. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the most unusual dog breeds – and learn a little bit about what makes them so unique! 

Catahoula Leopard Dog 

Initially bred to hunt wild hogs and herd livestock, this cool looking American dog is a “cur,” meaning it is a mixed breed. The Catahoula is believed to have descended from Native American dogs that mixed with domesticated dogs like bloodhounds, mastiffs, and greyhounds brought to North America by early Spanish explorers – and about 150 years later with the Beauceron brought by French settlers. Being the only dog breed to have historically originated in Louisiana, it’s comes as no surprise that the Catahoula Leopard Dog was designated the official state dog in 1979.  

The striking leopard-like coat pattern of most Catahoula Leopard Dogs is the result of the merle gene, however they come in many different colors, including blue merle, red merle, brindle and solid colors. In addition to the Catahoula’s unique coat coloration, they are also known for having heterochromia, which can result in a variety of eye color combinations, including glass, cracked or marbled glass, double glass, spotted glass and grey eyes. Not only do they look cool, but they have the uncanny ability to climb trees – and they have webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers! 

Fun fact: The Catahoula Leopard Dog gets its name from Catahoula Lake (and Catahoula Parish) in the Central Louisiana region from which the breed originated.  

Kai Ken 

Out of the six native Japanese dog breeds referred to as the Nihon Ken, the medium-sized Kai Ken is the one of the rarest and most distinctive looking. Nicknamed the Tora Inu or Tiger Dog,” the Kai Ken is instantly recognizable by its striking brindle coat that resembles tiger stripes.  

A direct descendent of ancient Japanese dogs that lived in a geographically isolated mountain region, it is believed that the Kai Ken is the purest of all Japanese dog breeds. As such, the Kai Ken is usually a very healthy dog. Traditionally bred for hunting boar and deer, the Kai Ken is strong and agile, and is an excellent swimmer and climber willing to take to the water or trees to catch its prey. A highly intelligent and alert dog breed, the Kai Ken also has a reputation for being a natural watch dog.  

Fun fact: The Kai Ken was designated a Japanese national natural treasure in 1934 and is protected by law. 

Basenji 

The Basenji is arguably one of the oldest breeds of dogs on the planet. So old that depictions of Basenji appear in ancient Egyptian bas-reliefs and sculptures found in the tomb Great Pyramid of Giza (c. 2560 BC). In fact, there is evidence that suggests the Basenji existed as far back as 4000 BCE, originating in Central Africa, between the Congo Basin and South Sudan. There are even prehistoric cave paintings found in Libya featuring Basenji-like dogs that could date back to as early as 6000 BCE. That’s old, y’all. 

The Basenji is best known as the “Barkless Dog,” While it’s true that they don’t bark in the traditional sense, Basenji are a very talkative breed and are capable of yodeling, howling and growling. They are excellent hunters, using their double suspension gallop to reach impressive speeds, while utilizing both sight and smell to locate their prey. Plus, they are great at leaping and climbing. Basenjis are also known to have cat-like personalities and cat-like qualities, including being very independent and grooming themselves all over.   

Fun fact: The Basenji has no body odor and sheds very little, making it a great house pet! 

Norwegian Lundehund 

The cute little Norwegian Lundehund comes from the rocky island of Vaeroy, in the Lofoten.

Archipelago of Norway. The most ancient (and most adorable) of the Nordic dog breeds, scientific research suggests that the Lundehund may have existed since before the last Ice Age, thriving on fish and birds. The Norwegian Lundehund is the only dog breed created specifically for hunting puffins and their eggs. The breed nearly went extinct twice – once in World War II, and once again in 1963.   

As impressive as its history is, the Lundehund is truly defined by its unique combination of physical traits that aren’t found in any other dog breed in the world. The breed sports six toes, with four pointing forward, and two pointing inward that function like thumbs. They have the ability to crane their necks backward, so that the top of their head touches their spine. They can fold their ears completely shut to keep water and dirt out of their ear canal. And their extremely flexible shoulders allow them to extend their forelegs to the side, perpendicular to the body.  

*Fun fact: The Norwegian Lundehund is known to be a hoarder, collecting objects (including food) and hiding them away for later.  

Xoloitzcuintli 

One of the oldest domesticated dog breeds, the Xoloitzcuintli has existed in Mexico for more than 3,000 years – dating back to the time of the Aztecs. Also known as the Mexican Hairless, the Xoloitzcuintli (“show-low-itz-QUEENT-ly”), or Xolo gets its mouthful of a name from two words in the Aztec language: Xolotl (god of lightning and death) and itzcuintli (dog). The Aztecs believed that the Xolo was created by Xolotl as a guardian for the living and a guide through the Underworld (Mictlán) for souls of the dead. 

The Xolo comes in toy, miniature and standard sizes – and one in five are actually born with a coat of fur. Unlike most dog breeds, the Xolo sweats through its skin and paw pads, and seldom pant after physical exercise. Like other hairless breeds, the Xolo lacks a full set of teeth, while the coated variety will have a complete set – it’s a genetic thing. And most Xolos of the “hairless” will also have a tuft of hair on its head, sometimes resembling a mohawk, which makes it a great dog for punk rockers.   

Fun fact: The Xolo’s natural skin warmth is believed to have mystical healing powers!