[ad_1]
When you think of dogs, you probably think of Insta’s famous corgi, Lady Gaga’s French bulldogs, your best friend’s shih tzu, the friendly neighborhood aspin, or the internet doge, the shiba inu.
You probably don’t think of a six-toed creature, a wild thing that climbs trees, or a dirty four-legged mop – but such animals do exist, and yes, they are the same species as your regular one. mill poodle.
Thousands of years of dog breeding have resulted in some truly peculiar puppies and goofy dogs. Here are some of the weirdest dog breeds in the world:
Aso ng Gubat
Among the strangest dogs is one of our own: the aso ng gubat, also known as the wizard dog or tiger dog. They are dogs that would be the pride of their wolf ancestors. As skilled hunters, they have sharper claws than most dogs, allowing them to scale walls and climb trees while pursuing their prey.
They also only mate with their own species, which means that they are a purebred line.
The aso ng gubat could be the first officially recognized dog breed from the Philippines – in 2015 canine researcher Tom Asmus, who looked after 10 wizard dogs in Bukidnon, submitted samples of their DNA to the World Canine Genome Project , although according to Esquire, their samples have yet to be analyzed by a canine geneticist to determine if it is a unique breed.
Xoloitzcuintli
Shutterstock
This dog may look like the victim of an over-enthusiastic groomer, but he was born hairless (although there is a less common hairless variety as well), due to a genetic mutation that also causes a lack of premolars.
Named after the Aztec god Xolotl, Xoloitzcuintlis has been around for over 3,000 years. For the Aztecs, these dogs were guardians of the living and guides to the underworld for the dead.
According to National Geographic, accounts from European explorers noted how the Aztecs put Xolitzcuintlis to bed at night with blankets, although oddly enough they were also eaten as food (almost to extinction by the conquistadors, even).
In modern times, they are an official cultural symbol of Mexico City and appear in works such as paintings by Diego Rivera and those by Pixar. coconut. They are also increasingly popular as pets, although they must wear sunscreen when they go outside.
Basenji
Shutterstock
Although she looks like every inch of the dog, this breed is described by the American Kennel Club as “like a cat” – primarily because they are independent and even groom themselves like cats do.
Originally bred to hunt reed rats in Africa, basenjis were so popular that they were even offered to Egyptian kings. As modern-day pets, they are curious, loyal, and excellent family dogs, although their independence makes them difficult to train.
Basenjis do not produce barks, but they do howl, yawn, and yowl. One theory is that basenjis are native to the African wilderness, where barking could alert predators like leopards to their location. Yodeling, on the other hand, is less precise in terms of revealing their location.
Chinese crested
Shutterstock
With their mottled skin, odd hair, and general air of narrowly escaping death, the Chinese Crested is a staple in the World’s Ugliest Dog contest, winning nine times, from 2002 to 2019.
According to the American Kennel Club, they were among the dog breeds “miniaturized” by the Chinese, from large hairless African dogs.
The breed was favored by sailors for their rat-catching skills on Chinese merchant ships. As they sailed the seas, the Chinese hoopoes then spread around the world.
Despite having a reputation for being the ugliest dog in the world, the breed has appeared in several movies and shows, including 102 Dalmatians, New York minutes, and Ugly Betty.
Norwegian lundehund
Shutterstock
These fox-like dogs can look normal – until you count their toes. Originally bred to hunt puffins in the cliffs and snow-capped mountains of Norway, they have (at least!) Six toes and extra pads on each paw.
As if they weren’t weird enough, they also have necks that can bend all the way back to almost touch their spine, forelegs that turn to the side at 90 degrees, and ears that fold outward. ‘front to keep snow out.
Since puffin hunting was banned in Norway, these special dogs now face “job loss” according to the Institute of Canine Biology – but perhaps with renewed interest and with their “energetic, alert temperament. and loyal “, they can find a new job as a family watchdog.
Otterhounds
Shutterstock
The original greyhounds were the best friends of the fishermen of medieval England, who bred them to hunt river otters which often stole the day’s catch.
Greyhounds are extremely rare these days – according to the American Kennel Club, there are only around 1,000 left in the world.
These shaggy dogs have a double-layered coat (the undercoat is water resistant) and webbed feet, and are scent dogs – “a nose on all fours,†as one owner described it. Water dogs from top to bottom, they apparently don’t just lap up in their water bowl like regular dogs, but rather dip their heads when drinking!
They also apparently like to sing.
Sloughi
Shutterstock
Leggy and sleek, salukis may look like the canine equivalent of supermodels, but they’re actually athletes, and can run up to 35 miles per hour.
Bred by the Bedouins for their agility and keen eyesight, salukis were used in the Middle East to hunt gazelle. And while dogs were considered unclean in their culture, Salukis had the distinction of being “the nobleman” – the only dogs allowed to share tents with their masters.
Some salukis are still used for hunting today, but they are now trained for racing – in the United Arab Emirates, saluki racing is much like horse racing.
Bergamo Shepherd
Shutterstock
Despite his striking resemblance to a dirty mop, this dog is actually an expert shepherd native to the rocky Italian Alps, where their shaggy coat protected him from the biting cold.
Surprisingly, their special coat is apparently easy to clean. As the Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America describes, “Even after rolling in pine leaves and needles, a ripe Bergamasco can just give a good shake and nothing is left stuck in its coat. ”
Incredibly, they also say that the bath is only needed one to three times a year – although that does make sense, as their coats must take forever to dry.
Under this coat, Bergamascos are hardy and healthy dogs, and are described by the American Kennel Club as “loyal, loving and easy to train, with a touch of mountain dog independence.” – Rappler.com
[ad_2]