Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and despite their loveable nature and loyalty, some are downright weird-looking! Here, we take a look at 10 of the weirdest looking dogs from the UK and beyond.
Weirdest British dog breeds
Bedlington Terrier
With a fluffy lamb-like appearance and a pear-shaped head, the Bedlington Terrier is a small dog breed named after the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, North East England.
Originally bred for hunting, the Bedlington Terrier has since been involved in dog racing, various dog sports, conformation shows, and has also become a popular, if not slightly odd-looking, companion dog, thanks to their loyal and friendly character.
Bull Terrier
Best known for their distinctive angular head shape, small eyes and muscular build, the Bull Terrier is a dog breed belonging to the terrier family, with a miniature version officially known as the Miniature Bull Terrier.
Originating in 19th-century England, the breed was developed in around 1835, when a cross between the old English terrier and the bulldog produced the Bull Terrier. Said to be playful and loyal.
Otterhound
Otterhounds are a striking yet incredibly rare British dog breed. With webbed feet, highly sensitive noses, and boundless energy, they were once the perfect companions for tracking otters, a skill that made them popular with medieval royalty and hunters.
Unlike many other hunting breeds that adapted and thrived even after losing their original purpose, the disbanding of otterhound packs led to a sharp decline in their population. Today, the otterhound is at risk of disappearing, making it one of Britain's rarest dog breeds.
Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier is a distinctive Scottish breed known for its short stature and long body, often measuring twice as long as it is tall. Their signature long-haired coat famously drapes over their eyes, adding to their unique appearance.
Recognised as "one of the most endangered native dog breeds in the United Kingdom" by the Kennel Club, this terrier is a rare and cherished part of Scotland’s canine heritage.
Scottish Terrier
Made famous in the popular children's book 'Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy', the Scottish Terrier, or Scotties, as they're often known is a solid and compact terrier breed with a distinctive beard.
Originally one of the Highland terrier breeds collectively referred to as Skye Terriers, this breed is one of five terrier types that originated in Scotland. The others include the modern Skye Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier. Known for their independence and rugged nature, these dogs feature a wiry outer coat paired with a soft, dense undercoat.
Other weird dog breeds from around the world
Puli
The Puli is a small to medium-sized Hungarian herding dog, instantly recognisable by its long, corded coat resembling dreadlocks. Bred for herding, these energetic dogs thrive outdoors and love staying active.
Despite their thick fur often covering their eyes, they are remarkably agile and excel at acrobatics. As a medium-sized breed, they enjoy engaging in games with their owners and, like many working dogs, have an abundance of energy to keep up with their lively personalities.
Bergamasco Shepherd
The Bergamasco Shepherd, or Cane da Pastore Bergamasco in Italian, is a traditional sheepdog breed from Italy. Originating in the mountainous Alpi e Prealpi Bergamasche region, this breed was historically used for herding both sheep and cattle.
The breed's unique coat is made up of three types of hair that weave together to form felted flocks, which keep it warm in harsh mountain climates, where its distinctive coat provided essential protection from the elements. Highly intelligent and sociable this is a breed that thrives with regular exercise.
Azawakh
This one is rather leggy! The Azawakh is a breed native to West Africa, bears a striking resemblance to Greyhounds and Whippets with its lean and athletic build. Known for their agility and endurance, Azawakhs are not only swift runners but also loyal and affectionate companions.