9 Head-Turning Dog Breeds

vetstreet.com

By Laura Cross and Shayna Meliker


Shaved legs, trimmed mustaches and long, luxurious coats - Some of these dogs are heavily groomed to bring out their unique looks, while others simply roll out of bed turning heads. From the corded Komondor to the bare-naked Xoloitzcuintli, get to know the astonishing breeds you probably don't see at the local dog park every day.

See Also: 5 Up-and-Coming Dog Breeds You Don't Know Yet


1. Affenpinscher

(photo credit:
Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography/ Vetstreet.com)

The mustachioed little devil, as the Affenpinscher is nicknamed in France, has a bold manner that makes him a favorite of people who want a small dog with a "big dog" attitude. He has a rough coat with a "cape" at the neck and shoulders, Groucho Marx eyebrows, and a beard. The "monkeylike" breed gained lots of fans at the 2013 Westminster Dog Show where one named Joe won Best in Show.

* Learn More About the Affenpinscher


2. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has several characteristics that give him a unique look: his long, low body, a large head with a silky topknot, a "scimitar" tail, and coat colors described as "pepper" and "mustard." The Dandie takes his name from Dandie Dinmont in Sir Walter Scott's Guy Mannering.

* Learn More About the Dandie Dinmont Terrier


3. Bedlington Terrier

Beneath his gentle, lamblike appearance, the Bedlington Terrier has the heart of a lion. He is one of the more unusual terrier breeds, with his crisp and curly coat and somewhat relaxed nature. Well, relaxed for a terrier. His unique hairstyle may look simple, but it is not for beginners. Frequent bathing and heavy conditioners are not recommended because they will soften the coarse coat.

* Learn More About the Bedlington Terrier


4. Xoloitzcuintli

(photo credit: Alamy)

The Xoloitzcuintli's name is a combination of Xolotl, an Aztec god, and Itzcuintli, an Aztec word for dog. Besides his bare-naked body, the Xolo is distinguished by a lean, smooth head, a wrinkled brow and large, thin-skinned ears that stand erect.

* Learn More About the Xoloitzcuintli


See Also: 9 Unusual Dog Breeds That Are Hard to Find in America



5. Dogue de Bordeaux

(photo credit:Eva Maria Kramer, Animal Photography/ Vetstreet.com)

The handsome Dogue de Bordeaux turns heads wherever he goes. This relative of the Mastiff is characterized by his massive head, muscular body and deeply wrinkled face. The breed's coat is short and fine and can be any shade of fawn from light to dark red.

* Learn More About the Dogue de Bordeaux


6. Otterhound

The large, shaggy Otterhound is an extremely rare breed whose oily coat can be difficult to keep clean. Bred to hunt otters in Great Britain, the water-loving breed has large webbed feet to help him swim.

* Learn More About the Otterhound


7. Chinese Crested (photo credit: Eva-Maria Kramer, Animal Photography/Vetstreet.com)

With her graceful, fairy-tale look, the Chinese Crested can't be mistaken for any other breed. When she goes out, her bare skin needs protection from the sun, which means canine clothes and sunblock. Fun fact: Both varieties of the Crested (the hairless and the Powderpuff) can be born in the same litter.

* Learn More About the Chinese Crested


8. Borzoi

(photo credit: Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography/Vetstreet.com)

With his distinctive head and flowing, silky coat, the tall and slender Borzoi looks as if he's never set a paw outside a fashion shoot.

* Learn More About the Borzoi



9. Komondor

(photo credit: Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography/Vetstreet.com)

With her corded white coat, the Komondor, a livestock guardian breed hailing from Hungary, resembles a dog-shaped mop. Her coat helps her blend in with her flock and protects her from weather extremes and the attacks of predators. The cords are naturally occurring and should develop by the time she is 2 years old.

* Learn More About the Komondor


More on Vetstreet.com:
* How Long Will Your Dog Live? It Depends on His Size
* 18 Best Breeds for New Dog Owners
* 9 Pets Who Dress Better Than You Do
* Want a Large Dog That Is Gentle? Than This Breed Is For You