Exotic Dog Breeds that Will Melt Your Heart

Every day, our knowledge of dog breeds increases further, knowing about what sort of dog breeds are bred around the world can be an excellent way to both pass time and gain more knowledge for dog enthusiasts. Knowing about exotic breeds can be a good exercise in terms of general knowledge about rarity of some dog species and how one might be able to find them.

While German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Bulldogs can be common place for many dog owners. Some would-be dog owners might just want to do something unique for a change; this is where the search for exotic dog breeds comes.

If you are one of the people who are looking for a list of Top 20 Exotic Dog Breeds, then you may keep reading this article further below to know all about the rare and exotic dog breeds along with where they might be found.

Top 20 Exotic Dog Breeds

Some of the top 20 exotic dog breeds shown in this list can be very hard to find for a person who is looking to acquire them in a quick way. Therefore, it is recommended to research more about the dog breed you are intending to get by yourself.

1. Löwchen

Breed Overview:

Group: Non-Sporting breed
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 10-15 pounds
Coat and Color: Coat is big, soft or slightly wavy coat that might be divided into a Lion Clip. Colors may come in Black & Silver, Fawn, Silver Sable, Cream and Chocolate etc
Life Span: 13-15 years
Origin: Europe, Germany

Breed Description:

Called ‘Little Lion’ in German, this species of dogs were originally said to be owned by those who were wealthy in Germany and were essentially companion dogs for them. Contrary to their name, the Löwchen are mainly affectionate dogs and the most they desire out of all is a good owner who will stay with them for long periods of time.

The Löwchen are low maintenance dogs and therefore mostly requires 20 minutes of exercise and grooming done in every 2 weeks.

2. Lagotto Romagnolo

Breed Overview:

Group: Sporting breed
Height: 16-19 inches
Weight: 24-35 pounds
Coat and Color: A soft and curly double coat. Comes in Off-White, Brown Roan, Sable and Brown etc…
Life span: 15-17 years
Origin: Italy

Breed Description:

Meaning “lake dog from Romagna” this breed of dog is considered to be one of the rarest and the oldest so far. They are rare to find anywhere else on the planet including in the U.S. The Lagotto is an agile, active, and trainable dog who responds extremely well to positive reinforcement training which gives out rewards for appropriate behavior.

The Lagotto is also very friendly along with being alert, especially since these are used for truffle hunting in Italy. The Laggoto are high-maintenance dogs and will require exercise every day.

3. Pharaoh Hound

Breed Overview:

Group: Hound
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 45-55 pounds
Coat and Color: Glossy and small, colors may include; Rich Tan, Red Golden, Tan, Chestnut
Life Span: 12-14 years
Origin: Egypt (now found in Malta)

Breed Description:

Originally coming from Ancient Egypt, these Maltese breed of hounds are the national dogs of Malta and for a good reason too: They can make a great hunting companion along with being affectionate and loyal to their owners.

The Pharaoh Hound is highly adaptable to their environment and will respond well to training, especially by owners who are just getting in the business of owning a pet. In terms of exercising, you should make sure your hound gets at least 30 minutes of exercise including walks.

4. Tibetan Mastiff

Breed Overview:

Group: Working
Height: 24-26 or more inches
Weight: 70-150 pounds
Coat and Color: A thick double coat, colors can include: Black, Brown & Tan, Red Gold Sable and Blue Gray etc.
Life Span: 10-12 years
Origin: Tibet

Breed Description:

The Tibetan Mastiff is probably some of the most exotic yet powerful dogs on this list, they will take a threat head-on with full force. The Tibetan Mastiffs are also not exactly fond of strangers and may not even let family members in as long as he keeps disapproving of their nature.

For this very reason, the Tibetan Mastiff can be a hard dog to handle, especially if the owner is relatively new to this species.

5. Xoloitzcuintli

Breed Overview:

Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 10-23 inches
Weight: 10-55 pounds
Coat and Color: Hairless and smooth with short coat length, may come in variety of colors include; Black, Bronze, Fawn, Gray and Palomino
Life Span: 13-18 years
Origin: Mexico (Aztec)

Breed Description:

Also called the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xolo’s name originally came from the Aztec God of death; Xolotl, who essentially gave the dog his name. In today’s era, the Xolos are on the brink of extinction as their breed counts lower day by day. These breed of dogs can be easy to train and are loyal along with having a normal temperament.

6. Puli Dog

Breed Overview:

Group: Herding
Height: 16-17 inches
Weight: 25-35 pounds
Coat and Color: Thick and long corded double coat. Colors may include: Black, Silver and White.
Life Span: 10-15 years
Origin: Hungary

Breed Description:

Despite their heavy-handed and furry looks, the Puli dogs are meant to work and hence are very agile along with being quick learners. They are also used for livestock herding and are intelligent along with being very energetic.

As these dogs are very athletic, an owner will have to give them at least 30 minutes of exercise or so to keep them on their toes.

7. Coton de Tulear

Breed Overview:

Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 8-13 pounds
Coat and Color: A smooth and wavy double coat. These breed of dogs mainly come in white color.
Life Span: 14-16 years
Origin: Madagascar

Breed Description:

Being small and cuddly in appearance, The Cotons are some of the most friendly and exotic dogs one could possibly have. They are highly affectionate companion dogs along with being trainable and intelligent. The Coton de Tulear is not exactly wary of strangers, but they do will bark loudly and aggressively if they notice someone who they absolutely haven’t seen before.

8. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Breed Overview:

Group: Terrier
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 18-24 pounds
Coat and Color: A medium length double coat. These breeds mainly come in Mustard and Pepper colors.
Life Span: 12-15 years
Origin: Scotland

Breed Description:

Considered to be some of the oldest dog breeds on this planet existing around the 16^th century, The Dandie Dinmont Terrier are independent thinking dogs.

These breeds are mainly reserved and may not interact much through vocalization, they are also very hard to train. If you are looking for a quiet dog to keep around with, then the Dandie will sure come in handy!

9. Samoyed

Breed Overview:

Group: Working
Height: 19-23.5 inches
Weight: 35-65 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth long double coat. Colors include: Biscuit, Cream, White, White & Biscuit.
Life Span: 12-14 years
Origin: Russia, Siberia

Samoyed

Breed Description:

Generally friendly and affectionate, The Samoyed are both excellent companion and working dogs for their ability to do work in extreme conditions.

The thick white double coat of Samoyed provides them with excellent protection from cold and gives them an advantage throughout a cold climate. If you are looking for a dog that is both affectionate and working, then this is the one!

10. Borzoi

Breed Overview:

Group: Hound
Height: 26-28 inches and more
Weight: 60-105 pounds
Coat and Color: Silky and curly medium-length coat. May come in various colors including: Silver Sable, Red Bristle, White, Black and Cream.
Life Span: 9-14 years
Origin: Russia, Belaru

Borzoi

Breed Description:

Known as the Russian Wolfhound, The Borzoi is athletic and is very intelligent. They are mainly the sighthound type and hence mainly do hunting by sight and usage of their speed. This breed of dogs have a calm temperament, although are hard to train at times as they may become bored with repetition and will always require something new to keep them engaged.

11. Swedish Vallhund

Breed Overview:

Group: Herding
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 20-35 pounds
Coat and Color: Dense double coat with a short length. Colors may include : Gray and Red.
Life Span: 12-15 years
Origin: Sweden

Breed Description:

These breed of dogs are relatively friendly, energetic, and alert to their surroundings. Used for the herding of cattle and alike, the Vallhund is a smart yet vocal dog and are highly receptive to training as they are always looking to please. Grooming can be done as per the grooming schedule of other dog breeds or through a professional groomer.

12. Bearded Collie

Breed Overview:

Group: Herding
Height: 20-22 inches
Weight: 45-55 pounds
Coat and Color: Thick long double coat that is smooth. Colors could be: Blue, Black, Fawn, and Brawn
Life Span: 12-14 years
Origin: Scotland

Breed Description:

Rather popular in the Northern Scottish Region, The bearded collie both serves as a good companion along with being a helper as they are used for the herding of sheep. These dogs are very friendly and are naturally friendly with even strangers, therefore one should not be worried about this dog accidentally biting a family member.

The bearded collie is also an excellent companion and will remain loyal to the utmost end of the journey.

13. Lancashire Heeler

Breed Overview:

Group: Herding
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 9-17 pounds
Coat and Color: Short-length double coat. Colors can include: Black & Tan, Liver & Tan.
Life Span: 12-15 years
Origin: England

Breed Description:

The Lancashire Heeler was mainly used to herd livestock before and were excellent at their job. The Lancashire Heelers are extremely intelligent dogs and can quickly learn from their owner’s instructions. Although these dogs can be very stubborn at times and may be hard to handle along with needing need regular exercise and walks in the park to keep them from getting bored.

14. Otterhound

Breed Overview:

Group: Hound
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 80-115 pounds
Coat and Color: Rough and Medium Length Double coat. Colors will include: Black, Gray, Liver & Tan, Wheaten, Blue & Cream along with Black & Tan.
Life Span: 10-13 years
Origin: England

Breed Description:

True to its name, the Otterhound was originally bred to hunt down Otters on either land or sea. The otterhound can swim on water effectively thanks to its waterproof coat and are capable of smelling from a distance even underwater.

Otterhounds are often very energetic and may need constant activity to keep them happy and occupied along with making them socially interact with people.

15. Mudi

Breed Overview:

Group: Herding
Height: 15-18.5 inches
Weight: 18-29 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium-length curly dense curly coat. Colors can include: Black, Brown, Gray, White, Yellow and Graybrown.
Life Span: 12-14 years
Origin: Hungary

Mudi

Breed Description:

Bred in Hungary, The Mudi dog breeds are generally known to be protective watchdogs that can be relied upon, yet they are not extremely aggressive and will respond in a calm manner to a threatening situation. The Mudi are great at herding both cattle and sheep along with being intelligent and brave. As these are known for their sensitive nature, you should not leave them alone for too long.

16. Komondor

Breed Overview:

Group: Working
Height: Minimum 25.5-27.5 inches and up
Weight: 80 pounds and above
Coat and Color: Dense and corded long coat, color is naturally white.
Life Span: 10-12 years
Origin: Hungary

Breed Description:

A rather powerful guardian dog with large amounts of muscle who were the guardian of sheep, the Komondor are surprisingly agile and moves in long strides, Making them rather effective at chasing a certain hunt.

The Komondor is an independent dog breed and hence may provide some trouble while being trained, it is recommended to gently provide them continuous positive training.

17. Leonberger

Breed Overview:

Group: Working
Height: 25.5-31.5 inches
Weight: 90-170 pounds
Coat and Color: Long and slightly thick length double coat that is waterproof. Colors may include: Red, Reddish Brown, Sandy and Yellow.
Life Span: 7 years
Origin: Germany

Breed Description:

The Leonberger is a rather intelligent, perceptive, and active dog who enjoys interacting with people and other animals. While they can mix in well with others, they still are alert enough to be great watchdogs and are equally as terrifying when faced with a threat.

Although it would help to train them and give them regular exercise along with making sure that they do not indulge in habits that are less than stellar.

18. Russian Toy

Breed Overview:

Group: Toy
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: May go up to 6.5 pounds
Coat and Color: Short-length double coat. Colors include: Red, Red & Brown, Red Sable, Brown & Tan, Black & Tan, and Blue & Tan.
Life Span: 12-14 years
Origin: Russia

Breed Description:

Originally belonging to Russian elites, the Russian Toys are some of the friendliest and wholesome dog breeds one may come across. With keen intelligence and a sense of companionship, the Russian Toy will do well if they receive the love they deserve!

If you are looking for a good watchdog, then due to their friendly nature, the Russian toy, unfortunately, won’t be a good one.

19. Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Overview:

Group: Working
Height: 17-23 inches
Weight: 35-60 pounds
Coat and Color: A long curly coat that is wavy. Colors can include: in Brown, Black and White
Life Span: 11-13 years
Origin: Portugal

Breed Description:

Eager to please, the Portuguese water dogs are some of the best water dogs which could also be a great asset for a fisherman. These breeds of dogs are mainly built for water, which makes them excellent swimmers as well as excellent companion dogs to play around with.

It is important to maintain regular exercise and training to keep the Portuguese Water Dog obedient and healthy.

20. Afghan Hound

Breed Overview:

Group: Hound
Height: 25-27 inches
Weight: 50-60 pounds
Coat and Color: Long and thick Silky Coat. Colors may include: Black, Black & Silver, Blue, Cream and White etc.
Life Span: 12-18 years
Origin: Afghanistan

Breed Description:

Despite the Afghan Hound’s slightly aloof nature, they generally are of independent thinking and have a sweet temperament. These dogs are also very agile and can work effectively as a hunter. Taking care of an Afghan Hound can be a dexterous task and even a slightly impossible one, but if an owner is willing to keep these beauties, then it will eventually work.

Conclusion

While the dogs listed here certainly may be hard to find along with being slightly troublesome to work with, these dog breeds are ultimately the only traces of unique mix and purebreds left that signify the long run of history and the species of dogs.

In other words, if you are calm enough along with looking for a good enough breeder, then you will certainly be able to find these exotic dog breeds anywhere you are looking for along. Just make sure to train these dogs and keep them engaged to prevent anxiety, if you do notice them experiencing health issues, notify an animal vet immediately.

Exotic Dog Breeds that Will Melt Your Heart