Every dog is unique, but some dogs are a little more unique
than others. These peculiar pups have eye-catching appearances
and uncommon characteristics, and owning one will mean lots of
attention and double takes when youโre out in the world
together. If you like the idea of a pet who stands out in a
crowd, take a look at these wonderfully weird dog breeds.
These small, excitable dogs have one very comical
characteristic -- an adorable, furry face that looks something
like a monkey or an Ewok from the Star Wars movies!
Affenpinschers are smart and lively dogs, but they can also be
stubborn. A pet parent who will take charge and socialize their pup early will be the best
fit. Looking for another monkey-faced pal? Check out the
snuggly
Brussels Griffon.
This distinctive dog is a sight to behold. They have an oblong
head, a thin, pointy tail, and a plushy, double-layered coat.
Many owners of Bedlingtons also groom their dogs to have pom-poms hanging
from the ends of their floppy ears. These unusual dogs are full
of energy and make great pets to active pet parents and families.
Borzois are tall, lanky dogs best known for their narrow heads
and long, silky coats. These dogs are sometimes said to be
โcat-likeโ and their free-thinking nature means that they
arenโt the easiest to train.
However, they make wonderful companion dogs and do well with
children.
You canโt mistake a Chinese Crested. These dogs are available
in two varieties: Powderpuff and Hairless. The Powderpuff is --
well -- soft like a powderpuff, while the Hairless is unique in
that they have tufts of hair only on the head, legs, and tail.
Both types have small, wiry bodies and spotted skin. These dogs
are extremely friendly and loyal and enjoy the company of
children.
The gigantic Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest breeds on earth -- many reach
over seven feet tall when standing on their hind legs! However,
donโt be intimidated by their imposing size. Irish Wolfhounds
are known to be incredibly kind, loving, and even-tempered.
They need plenty of exercise and
should live somewhere with lots of space to move around.
The Komondor is an enormous dog, but thatโs not their most
prominent feature. These dogs are best known for their corded,
dreadlock-type hair that gives them the appearance of a giant
mop. Komondors are independent and territorial, so they tend to
make better guard or working dogs
than family dogs. However, some Komondors can be socialized to
fit into family life, especially if you give them a job to do.
Is My Dog Weird? 5 Strange Dog Behaviors Explained
If youโve ever owned a dog, you know how quirky they can be.
Some dogs eat poop, others chase their tails, and some greet
guests with invasive crotch sniffing. Many pet parents end up
thinking that their dog is just weird or eccentric, but in
reality most strange dog behaviors can be easily explained.
Here weโll look at some kooky canine habits and their causes.
1. Eating Poop
Eating poop -- or
coprophagia -- is actually a very common behavior, especially
in puppies. Your dog may
chow down on their own feces in the yard, or try to consume
other animalโs poop while out on a walk. It sounds gross, but
for many dogs itโs a natural instinct.
-
Causes: While
it is not completely clear what causes puppies to begin
eating poop, many animal behaviorists believe that it may be
explained by simple curiosity. It may also be a mimicking
behavior that pups learn in the nest after seeing their
mother stimulate pup defecation by licking their behinds, and
in the process, ingesting feces. In other cases, coprophagia
may be a sign that your dog is suffering from a nutrient
deficiency as a result of an unbalanced diet or a medical
condition that is affecting nutrient absorption. Eating poop
may be an attempt to ingest those missing nutrients.
2. Tail Chasing
Have you ever watched your dog circle around and around and
around trying to catch their tail? This behavior has become
something of a dog cliche, but donโt write it off just because
of that. While tail chasing can sometimes be innocent, other
times it may signal an underlying condition.
-
Causes: Tail
chasing is not uncommon in puppies, and in most cases it is
simply a playful game. Older dogs who do not grow out of the
behavior may chase their tails as a way to get attention
(even a reprimanding will do), release excess energy, or
displace anxiety. A
medical problem -- such as an injury, skin irritation
(allergy or flea bite), or neurological condition
(like epilepsy) -- can also
cause a dog to chase their tail.
3. Crotch Sniffing
It can be mortifying to see your dog greet your guests with a
nose to the crotch, but understanding the cause of the behavior
will help you to realize that your dog doesnโt mean to be rude.
-
Causes: Have
you ever seen two dogs meet for the first time? If so, you
know that their version of shaking hands is sniffing each
otherโs genital areas and rear ends. This is because those
areas contain scent glands that provide information about the
dog, including gender and health. Humans also have scent
glands that offer clues about who they are, so a dog sniffing
around down there is simply trying to get to know the person.
While this behavior isnโt harmful, it can be annoying, and
the best way to train your dog to stop doing it is by
rewarding them for sitting still when a guest arrives rather
than going in for a whiff.
4. Butt Scooting
Your precious pup probably doesnโt look so precious while
dragging their butt across the carpet, grass, or ground. This
behavior is somewhat common in dogs, but it shouldnโt be
ignored -- itโs usually a sign of irritation.
-
Causes: Dogs
donโt scoot their butts because itโs fun. There is almost
always an underlying medical condition, the most common being
a problem with the anal sac. The anal sac serves an important
function -- it houses the smelly substance that dogs use to
communicate with one another. In some cases, the anal sac may
become inflamed, blocked, or abscessed, and a dog will scoot
to try to relieve the discomfort. Other medical conditions
that can cause irritation and scooting include tapeworms, feces matted around the rear
end, a rectal prolapse, tumor, or injury. Take your dog to the
vet if you see this behavior.
5. Funny Fears
Does the sight of the vacuum cleaner send a shiver down your
dogโs spine? Do they cower from cars, detest the dishwasher, or
tremble before a slippy floor? You might say to your dog โhey,
snap out of it, itโs just a ____!โ But for many dogs, ordinary
objects can cause quite a fright.
-
Causes: Fear
can be a complex thing. Some dogs develop fears after a bad
experience (perhaps they once fell on a slippery floor),
while other develop fears due to lack of exposure (a dog who
has never seen a vacuum may be scared by its loud sounds and
strange movements). Fears can also be made worse by a dogโs
owner. If a dog is afraid whenever the dishwasher starts and
the owner either reprimands the dog or overly consoles them,
the fear can be reinforced. Early socialization and exposure
can help a dog to develop a confident personality and fewer
fears. A fearful dog can often be successfully treated with
behavior modification exercises.
More on Different Dog Breeds
5 Reasons Mixed Dog Breeds Make
Great Pets
Which Dog Breed Is
Best For You?
Are You Ready
For a Really Big Dog?
