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As we all know, there are hundreds of underrated dog breeds existing around the globe. However, it seems that only a few of them are widely known and recognized. Well, you can’t blame the people either because dog breeds such as Siberian Husky, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Corgi, and other globally popular dog breeds are undeniably amazing life companions that could easily brighten up the day of their beloved fur parents. However, there are lots of unnoticed dog breeds that are equally unique and amazing as the faddish pooches. So, it is now their turn to be in the spotlight, as they should!
Here are 8 amusing unsung underrated dog breeds that are worthy of your attention:
Cirneco dell’Etna
Photo from: Dog Breeds
This fierce-looking short-haired dog breed is one of Europe’s ancient dog breeds and underrated dog breeds. They came from the vicinity of Mount Etna, located on the island of Sicily. Atop this canine’s slender and tall physique is a sleek coat painted with brown shades ranging from tan to chestnut.
Even though they sport an intimidating physical appearance, Cirnechi is nothing but intelligent, buoyant, and active beings that love playing. What’s more, due to their loving and gentle natures, they are great with children and can easily get along with other dogs in the household.
Pharaoh Hound
Photo from: PerfectPets
Another fierce-looking short-haired breed on this list is the Pharaoh Hound, a purebred hound that originated from the island of Malta. This dog possesses a muscular and lithe physique, tan-shaded silky coat, big plumb ears, and amber-shaded orbs.
At first glance, it looks exactly like the Sicilian charmers, the Cirnechi. However, at a close look, one can see that they are not precisely identical. The most obvious difference is their height. Pharaohs are evidently taller than the Cirnechi by a few inches. Second, their tail tips are white in color, while the ones in the Sicilian hounds are of their coat’s color.
Opposite to the fierce aura of this dog’s overall visuals, Pharaoh hounds are adoring beings that blush when they are happy. They may not be the most obedient dogs around, but their companionable demeanor around other dogs along with the unmatched forbearance they have for kids can surely make up for it.
Mudi
Photo from: Cute of Animals
Next up is the medium-sized pride and considered a national treasure of Hungary, Mudi. This dog was born from the mules of the German Spitz, Pumi, and Puli dog breeds. Its origin dates back to the 19th century when they were given the job of herding dogs by the Magyars (now Hungarians). This smart and gracile working dog has medium-length crimped fur that is graced with striking merle markings.
Although they are considered a powerful breed, they can still make great pets for any family that has an active lifestyle because of their loyal, protective but not aggressive, and nonabrasive characteristics.
Kuvasz
Photo from: K9 Research Lab
Similar to the Mudi, this all-white fluff of a dog called the Kuvasz also originated from Hungary. However, their headmost ancestry is believed to have emerged from the lands of ancient Tibet and Turkey. In the middle ages, they served as farm watchdogs, fearlessly protecting livestock from biggish predators such as wolves. The Kuvasz even received the royal approval of Matthias Corvinus, Hungary’s king who reigned way back in the 1400s, because of how great they are as a guard and hunting dogs. In fact, he adored them so much that he trusted the four-legged defender more than his own knights.
In terms of appearance, the Kuvaszok’s large brunt is covered with a thickish, medium-length, and double-layered coat that comes in varying shades of white. What’s more, unlike the first three canine breeds in this list, these white fluffs have forward-facing folded ears. They also have almond-shaped orbs that are dark in color and boop-worthy black snoots.
While it is an extremely smart, loyal, and sweet companion, this breed is not suitable for first-time owners. You see, the Kuvaszok have the tendency to be aggressive and overprotective of their family, especially children. They are thus required to be extensively and properly trained by experienced dog owners in order to learn how to properly socialize with others, humans and animals alike.
Jagdterrier
Photo from: American Kennel Club
Fifth on the list is the aboriginal German dog breed called Jagdterrier (pronounced as “yack terrier”). They were named Jagdterrier—meaning hunt terrier—because they were bred to be versatile and active dogs, specifically skilled in both under-the-ground and upland hunting. And since they were bred to be active dogs, Jagdterriers are dogs that truly enjoy their work despite their visibly small physique.
In terms of appearance, its compact body is canopied with a short coat that can be either wiry, rough, or smooth, and often comes in black color with usually tan markings specifically found on its legs, chest, muzzle, eyebrows, and tail base. Unfortunately, due to their tenacious and active nature, this fearless, agile, and highly intelligent dog breed is not for everyone. They are particularly suitable with active households that could give them the much-needed daily outdoor hunt and walk
Hokkaido
Photo from: Animals Breeds
The Hokkaido, also known as Ainu-ken, is a medium-sized canine breed that is native to Japan. This breed is considered to be one of the country’s ancient dogs and is believed to have a lineage that dates way earlier than 300 AD. During the Kamamura era, these dogs loyally served as companions to the Ainu people as they traveled from the main island, Honshu to the freezing and hard-bitten terrains of Hokkaido island, where they permanently settled and eventually adapted to the island’s cold climate. Since Hokkaido dogs were bred to be exquisitely skilled hunter-dogs, they helped the Ainu people hunt bears and deer in order to survive.
As for its appearance, this dignified dog has a muscular physique coated with a variety of shades that range from black, brindle, red, white, and sesame. They have small, almond-shaped eyes, and atop their slightly flat heads rest erect and medium-sized triangular ears.
These dogs are exclusively loyal to their human, whom they consider the leader of their pack. They are also not intolerably sensitive, yet their happiness depends on the attention their owners give them. And while they are loving and devout companions, the Ainu-ken is not a recommended dog breed for novice fur parents, especially households with small kids. Similar to the previously mentioned Hungarian guard dogs, this dog breed is more suitable for individuals who are experienced enough when it comes to taking care of dogs.
Ibizan Hound
Photo from: Animalia Life
Descended from the god-like hounds of ancient Egypt, the purebred Ibizan Hound is an aboriginal Spanish dog breed, which is thought to have been brought to the Balearic Islands in Ibiza, Spain by the ancient sea traders of Phoenicia. In old Spain, these large tykes were bred for food-hunting purposes. Spanish people benefited a lot from this highly-skilled hunter back then because these dogs were basically their regular meal providers that specifically chased after hares and rabbits.
This long-legged and slender dog has a short-haired coat that is graced with the colors red, white, or a combination of both. Similar to the Pharaoh Hound, Ibizans have long snouts with rosy-shaded noses and big plumb ears, which are blessed with sharp hearing. Their orbs which come in shades of either amber or caramel are also endowed with keen eyesight.
Although athletic and extremely energetic, the graceful Ibizan Hound can also be considered a gentle giant. They are even-tempered and loving pooches that are loyal to their family but have the tendency to get aloof around humans with unfamiliar scents and faces. And in order to keep their even-tempered demeanor, it is a requirement for Ibizan Hound owners to regularly engage these dogs with energy-consuming activities; allowing them to play, jump, and run in ample spaces on a daily basis is crucial for their temperament and overall well-being. Lastly, since hunting instincts are innate to this breed, it is not recommended to keep them around small-sized pets because they might perceive them as their prey and chase them down.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Photo from: National Purebred Dog Day
Ending our list is an immensely adorable fluff referred to as the Glen of Imaal Terrier (also known as “Glen”). Nothing is known about the exact wellspring of this breed, but they are considered to be one of Ireland’s native terrier pooches. This versatile dog hails from one of the country’s traditional counties, County Wicklow. Back then, Glens was particularly in charge of hunting badgers and decimating vermin. However, they also worked in kitchens wherein, using their short yet equally capable and powerful legs, they operated hamster-wheel contrivances that flipped meat atop a burning fire. Due to this far-out task, the Glen was nicknamed “turnspit dog.”
Despite having relatively small and elongated bodies, these dogs are muscular and tough. It has a double-layered, wiry coat that is medium in length, and often comes in either shade of blue, wheaten, cream, red, brindle, silver, and slate; its coat is also graced with markings like that of tiger stripes that fuse dark-colored streaks with one preeminent tinge together. On top of its biggish and strong nob lay two half-prick ears and its usually brown-colored orbs are of rounded shape.
When it comes to temperament, Glens are not really a problem. They can be stubborn sometimes, but they also are affectionate, brave, spirited, and gentle in nature; all of which make them great household companions. What’s more, despite being less fiddle-footed than other terrier breeds, they are still considered active dogs that enjoy their daily outdoor walks and exercise activities.
Final thoughts
Indeed, this list has proven to us that no size, appearance, or origin could possibly stop dogs from being equally wondrous and loyal creatures. Most of them in this list are rare, but if you ever happen to find and adopt one as a pet, you will surely have no regrets!
There you have it! I hope you had fun reading about these sublime creatures as much as I enjoyed doing my research and writing about them.
If you wish to know more about them or other underrated dog breeds, feel free to click on the links below:
