As dog enthusiasts, we want to talk today about something we believe deserves much more attention: underrated dog breeds. We all know the popular breeds like the Golden Retriever and the German Shepherd, but many lesser-known dog breeds deserve just as much love and affection, and you absolutely should know about them.
In this article, we will introduce some of these underrated dog breeds that might be perfect for your family or lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for an uncommon companion or a special working dog, some underrated dog breeds could pique your interest.
So let’s dive together into the world of lesser-known but still loving and rewarding dog breeds and discover what makes them so special.
Pros
🐶The book covers 198 breeds, so you're sure to find information on the breed you're interested in.
🐶The breed descriptions are detailed and comprehensive, covering everything from size and temperament to grooming requirements and exercise needs.
🐶The book includes over 300 photos, which can help you get a better sense of what each breed looks like.
Cons
🙀While the breed descriptions are detailed, they're also fairly brief. If you're looking for in-depth information on a specific breed, you may need to look elsewhere.
🙀Some reviewers have noted that the book is relatively small, which can make it difficult to read the text and see the photos.
🙀The book was published in 2016, so it may not include the most up-to-date information on each breed.
Underrated Dog Breeds
We are all familiar with classic dog breeds like Dachshunds or Labradors, but many underrated dog breeds deserve more attention. Here, we introduce a few of these unique dog breeds.
🐾 Elegant Energy: The Bedlington Terrier 🐾
Originally hailing from Northern England, the Bedlington Terrier is a charming bundle of energy.
With a size ranging from 15 to 17 inches and a weight between 17 and 23 pounds, it is a medium-sized dog with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years.
Not only does the Bedlington Terrier possess a gentle appearance often likened to that of a lamb, but it also boasts a distinctive curly coat that adds to its elegance.
This breed is particularly renowned for its versatility, having excelled both in hunting and as an affectionate companion. Its unique combination of grace and willingness to work makes it a cherished family member and companion.
🐾 Regal Grace: The Majestic Borzoi 🐾
Our second underrated dog breed is the majestic Borzoi. He is a large Russian sighthound, impresses with a height ranging from 26 to 28 inches and a weight of 60 to 105 pounds. Its average lifespan is 9 to 14 years.
Originally bred for hunting in Russia, the Borzoi distinguishes itself with its regal appearance and gentle nature, making it a fascinating companion. Despite their royal grace, Borzois are often reserved but extremely loyal to their families.
Their silky, smooth coats require minimal grooming, making them easygoing companions.
🐾 Outback Dynamo: The Australian Cattle Dog 🐾
The Australian Cattle Dog, originating in Australia, boasts a height ranging from 17 to 20 inches and a weight of 35 to 50 pounds. This robust working companion, with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years, is renowned for its remarkable precision in herding livestock while maintaining a loyal bond with its family.
Beyond its work ethic, this intelligent breed stands out for its high trainability and versatility. As a devoted companion, it excels not only as a skilled herding dog but also as a vigilant watchdog. Its short, dense coat protects against the harsh conditions of the Australian Outback, and its spirited nature makes it an ideal partner for active families and farmers alike.
🐾 Nordic Acrobat: The Norwegian Lundehund 🐾
Small but extremely agile, the Norwegian Lundehund hails from Norway. With a size ranging from 12 to 16 inches and a weight of 13 to 20 pounds, it has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Its remarkable agility and unique ability to stretch its joints extensively, an adaptation to its original role in bird hunting on cliffs, set this breed apart. The Norwegian Lundehund is well-suited for active individuals or families who enjoy exploring nature and seek a lively and climbing-friendly companion.
🐾 Versatile Charm: The Border Terrier 🐾
Originating from England, the Border Terrier captivates with its versatility. With a size of 10 to 16 inches and a weight of 11 to 16 pounds, it is a compact companion. Its lifespan averages from 12 to 16 years.
The Border Terrier is known not only for its wiry coat but also for its energy and adaptability, making it an ideal family dog. This breed is also recognized for its robustness and low susceptibility to genetic health issues. The Border Terrier is perfect for active families looking for a small yet resilient dog ready to participate in all adventures.
🐾 African Elegance: The Basenji 🐾
The Basenji, also known as the “African Barkless Dog,” originates from Central Africa. Small, with a size of 16 to 17 inches and a weight of 22 to 24 pounds, it has a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.
The uniqueness of this breed lies in its inability to bark, as well as its independence and elegance, especially in hunting. Basenjis are also known for grooming themselves like cats and lack typical dog odors. The Basenji is a good choice for experienced dog owners seeking an independent companion and for those living in an environment without strict noise regulations.
🐾 Swift Sophistication: The Whippet 🐾
Another underrated dog breed is the Whippet, an elegant English Greyhound known for its speed. With a size of 18 to 22 inches and a weight of 25 to 40 pounds, it has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
This breed stands out not only for its swiftness but also for its gentle nature and preference for cozy moments at home. Whippets are typically calm indoors and require less exercise than some other sighthound breeds. They are particularly suitable for individuals seeking an elegant, calm breed that also enjoys occasional sprints outdoors.
🐾 Hunting Harmony: The American Foxhound 🐾
The proud American Foxhound, ranging from 21 to 25 inches and weighing 65 to 75 pounds, is an experienced hunting companion. Its lifespan averages from 10 to 13 years.
What makes it special is its ability to hunt for hours while maintaining a friendly, social nature. American Foxhounds have remarkable endurance and are known for their vocalization during hunts. Despite their hunting passion, they are affectionate and social family dogs. The American Foxhound is ideal for hunters or individuals who enjoy extensive outdoor activities with their dogs.
🐾 Curls and Courage: The Curly-Coated Retriever 🐾
With curly fur and a size of 23 to 27 inches, weighing 60 to 95 pounds, the Curly-Coated Retriever hails from England. Its lifespan is 10 to 12 years.
This breed is known not only for its distinctive coat texture but also for its fearless work ethic, especially in water retrieval. Curly-coated retrievers are excellent swimmers and are considered one of the oldest retriever breeds. Their waterproof coat and endurance make them outstanding water retrievers. The Curly-Coated Retriever is suitable for active families with access to water, seeking a loyal and industrious companion.
🐾 Sleek Vigilance: The Manchester Terrier 🐾
The Manchester Terrier is our final underrated dog breed to introduce. An agile English breed, it captivates with its elegant appearance. With a size of 15 to 16 inches and a weight of 12 to 22 pounds, it has a lifespan of 14 to 16 years.
What makes it unique is not only its characteristic coat markings but also its vigilance and talent as an efficient hunter and companion. Manchester Terriers are known for their speed and agility. They are also recognized for their adaptability to different environments and lifestyles. The Manchester Terrier is well-suited for active individuals or couples seeking a vigilant companion with style.
As dog enthusiasts, we hope that by introducing you to these lesser-known dog breeds, we’ve brought some breeds to your attention that may not have been on your radar before. Each of these breeds possesses unique characteristics and qualities that make them wonderful companions. Perhaps among them, you’ll find the perfect four-legged friend who, until now, may have gone unnoticed but could now find a special place in your heart. Let’s explore the fascinating world of dogs together and appreciate the distinctive traits of these breeds.
Selecting an Underrated Dog
One of the most crucial aspects when considering adopting a dog is choosing the most suitable breed for your personal needs and preferences. It’s a good idea to explore underrated dog breeds as they often possess special characteristics and qualities that make lesser-known breeds excellent companions and family members. We will delve into three aspects to consider when selecting an underrated dog: adaptability, intelligence, and health.
Adaptability
Many underrated dog breeds can adapt well to various environments and lifestyles, making them an excellent choice for potential dog owners. Some of these breeds adjust to their new situation more quickly than others, making them well-suited for owners with limited experience.
Intelligence
Another factor in the selection process is intelligence. Some underrated dog breeds are notably intelligent, making them easier to train and possessing a great capacity for learning tricks and following commands. This can be a crucial aspect, especially for owners who value obedience and seamless communication with their dogs.
Health
It’s also important to consider the overall health and longevity of the breed when selecting an underrated dog. Some breeds may be more susceptible to certain health issues due to their genetic makeup or specific breeding standards.
Our Opinion on Underrated Dog Breeds
The in-depth research on underrated dog breeds has led us to discover fascinating breeds, some of which were even new to us but undoubtedly deserve more attention. It is always a rewarding experience to explore new and wonderful dog breeds and learn about their unique merits and characteristics.
The diversity in the world of dogs is astonishing, and we are excited to delve into these lesser-known breeds and understand what makes them special. Each of these breeds possesses its charms and qualities that are worth bringing into focus.
It demonstrates that there is much more to explore beyond the already popular breeds, and we are motivated to share this knowledge and raise awareness about these hidden gems among dogs.
If you want to explore other dog breeds, we recommend checking out our articles on the funniest dog breeds or the least aggressive dog breeds.
FAQ
What is the most underrated dog?
The Basenji is often considered one of the most underrated dog breeds, as discussed in “Underrated Dog Breeds”. Known for its intelligence, cleanliness, and unique yodel-like vocalization, the Basenji’s independent nature may contribute to its underappreciated status. However, with proper training and care, it can be a wonderful and loyal companion.
What is the most unpopular dog breed?
The Norwegian Lundehund is considered one of the most unpopular and underrated breeds according to discussions of “Underrated Dog Breeds”. Despite its unique six-toed feet and unusual flexibility, this agile dog remains quite rare and overlooked outside of its native Norway due to its high-energy.
What is the most overlooked dog?
The Bedlington Terrier is one of the most overlooked dogs. Known for its distinctive lamb-like appearance and gentle temperament, it often doesn’t receive the same attention as other terriers but makes a loving and loyal companion.
We hope you enjoyed our contribution to underrated dog breeds, and that you had the chance to discover some new breeds. If you feel that a breed is missing or if you have anything else to share with us, please let us know in the comments.
Border terriers are the most wonderful dogs. They generally get along with all dogs…in fact when being shown, they are the only terrier breed not allowed to spar. I have had many and they are great little dogs…hardy and playful but also very relaxed. One of mine who lived to be 18, had actually never barked…they are yappy like some small breeds.