Strange Dogs…

Some dogs are cute and cuddly and some are not. Some, in fact look like strange night-creatures taken from some Lord Byron-poem… others are just outright funny-looking. Although some may look a bit scary, the dogs on this short list have great personalities to make up for their, sometimes, slightly odd appearances.

The Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier seems to be something of a favourite when people are to name an example of a ‘strange’ dog. These dogs have the appearance of a lamb with sheep-like fur and a distinctive lamb-like face. As kind as this breed may look, they have quite a different past! A long time ago Bedlingtons were used for fighting. Today though, breeding has ensured that they are as sweet-tempered as they look, although owners can testify to their will to defend themselves if challenged.

The Puli
The Puli can sometimes appear to be nothing else but a ball of fur. This breed has dreads, called ‘cords’ and often need a little help by their owner to make sure the dreads are separated and do not tangle together to form painful knots. Dreads starts forming when they are puppies and present a challenge when it is time for grooming, especially after a bath as these little fellows take a very, very long time to dry.

The Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid sometimes has a slightly intimidating look… especially if you should encounter one in the moonshine, late at night… however these dogs are very gentle-natured and enjoy human company. This very ancient breed, considered holy by the Incas, was almost lost when the Spanish invaded Peru but can now be seen on the streets of many towns in the northern part of the country. These dogs do from time to time have small patches of hair on top of the head and at the end of the tail; the aim from breeders is to have them completely hairless. These animals need a helping hand with moisturising lotion and of course, a warm coat in winter.

Xoloitzcuntle
Xoloitzcuntle… just the name gets you thinking – what is this? Is it a dog? Or is it an old Aztec goddess? Well, in fact it might be said that it is both. This wonderfully strange dog is also hairless and resembles its Peruvian comrades but they come from distinctively different backgrounds. These dogs were considered by the Aztecs to be people’s guides down to the underworld after they died and were, like the Inca Orchids, sacred. As with Inca Orchids, Xoloitzuntle’s need plenty of moisturizer, sunscreen and warm coats to keep them in good health.

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Sources:

http://www.dogguide.net/blog/2008/02/10-of-the-strangest-looking-dogs/
http://www.petlvr.com/blog/2008/02/10-of-the-weirdest-looking-dogs/