When selecting a dog, one of the factors to consider is size. Varieties differ in size from little toy kinds to large working breeds. A dog’s size can influence how well it fits into a certain way of life, living circumstance, or family dynamic.
In this post, we’ll look at 11 odd dog breeds from around the world and discuss how big they typically are. This will inform you of what to expect if you choose to keep one of these unusual breeds as a pet.
The Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
- GROUP: Not applicable, the Xoloitzcuintli is hairless.
- HEIGHT: The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes, toy (9-14 inches), miniature (15-20 inches), and standard (20-30 inches).
- WEIGHT: The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes, toy (5-15 pounds), miniature (15-30 pounds), and standard (30-55 pounds).
- COAT AND COLOR: Hairless, Xoloitzcuintli comes in different shades of black, liver, and grey.
It is believed that the ancestors of the modern Mexican hairless dog may be traced back to the country of Mexico around three thousand years ago. Those with hair distinguish themselves from those who don’t. They stand out visually and are commonly depicted together. The ordinary variety weighs 20–40 pounds, while the toy variety weighs only a few pounds more (weighing between 10 and 20 pounds).
The Peruvian Inca Orchid (Peruvian Hairless)
- GROUP: Not recognized by AKC.
- HEIGHT: The Peruvian Inca Orchid ranges from 15-27.5 inches for both males and females.
- WEIGHT: The Peruvian Inca Orchid ranges from 30-60 pounds for males and 25-50 pounds for females.
- COAT AND COLOR: The Peruvian Inca Orchid can be hairless or coated, and their coat colors can range from black, brown, copper, and gray. Some have a light peach or apricot color and even white with black spots.
This hairless dog breed is also believed to have originated in ancient South America. They have a unique appearance, with wrinkled skin and long, pointed ears. They are known for being affectionate and energetic. This breed comes in three sizes, the standard, which can weigh between 30-50 pounds, the miniature which can weigh between 20-30 pounds and the toy, which can weigh between 10-20 pounds.
The Basenji (African Barkless)
- GROUP: The Basenji is recognized as a “Hound” group by the AKC.
- HEIGHT: The Basenji ranges from 16-17 inches for both males and females
- WEIGHT: The Basenji ranges from 22-24 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: The Basenji has a short, smooth coat in colors of chestnut red, black, tricolor and brindle.
The ancient origins of this hunting dog breed can be traced back to Central Africa. Yodel-like sounds, rather than barks, are what have made these dogs famous. They can think for themselves and make smart choices because of this. The average weight for this breed is between 20 and 24 pounds.
The Thai Ridgeback
- GROUP: The Thai Ridgeback is not recognized by AKC
- HEIGHT: The Thai Ridgeback ranges from 21-24 inches for males and 20-23 inches for females.
- WEIGHT: The Thai Ridgeback ranges from 40-60 pounds for males and 30-50 pounds for females.
- COAT AND COLOR: The Thai Ridgeback has a short, smooth coat in colors black, blue, and red.
This breed has been in Thailand for centuries, and it is now extremely rare. They had both a hunting and defensive purpose. A distinctive ridge of hair runs down the center of their back, instantly identifying them. They provide excellent security and loyalty. The average weight for this breed is between 30 and 45 pounds.
The Kromfohrländer (German Wirehaired Pointer)
- GROUP: The Kromfohrländer is not recognized by AKC
- HEIGHT: The Kromfohrländer ranges from 13-16 inches
- WEIGHT: The Kromfohrländer ranges from 18-22 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: The Kromfohrländer has a wirehaired coat in colors of white, cream, black, and tan.
This hunting dog breed has its roots in Germany. Their wiry coat and adaptability make them stand out as both hunting companions and loving home pets. To put it simply, they shine and move quickly. Typically, dogs of this type will be between 40 and 60 pounds.
The Finnish Spitz (Finnish Barking Bird Dog)
- GROUP: The Finnish Spitz is recognized as a “Non-Sporting” group by the AKC.
- HEIGHT: The Finnish Spitz ranges from 15-20 inches for males and 13-18 inches for females.
- WEIGHT: The Finnish Spitz ranges from 20-30 pounds for males and 15-20 pounds for females.
- COAT AND COLOR: The Finnish Spitz has a thick double coat, with colors of golden red, dark red, and dark sable.
Finland is the birthplace of this breed, and it was originally used to hunt small game. Their peculiar howls and fox-like appearance set them apart. They don’t need anybody else and are very intelligent on their own. A healthy dog of this breed should weigh between 35 and 50 pounds.
The Shikoku (Japanese Wolfdog)
- GROUP: The Shikoku is not recognized by AKC
- HEIGHT: The Shikoku ranges from 17-22 inches for males and 16-20 inches for females.
- WEIGHT: The Shikoku ranges from 44-55 pounds for males and 33-44 pounds for females.
- COAT AND COLOR: The Shikoku has a double coat, with colors of black, cream, red, sesame, and white.
This ancient species originated on Japan’s Shikoku island, where they were utilized for hunting. They are recognized for their wolf-like look as well as their endurance. They are protective and faithful. This breed normally weighs between 40 and 70 pounds.
The Norwegian Lundehund (Puffin Dog)
- GROUP: The Norwegian Lundehund is not recognized by AKC
- HEIGHT: The Norwegian Lundehund ranges from 13-15 inches for males and 12-14 inches for females.
- WEIGHT: The Norwegian Lundehund ranges from 13-15 pounds
- COAT AND COLOR: The Norwegian Lundehund has a double coat, with colors of black, brown, cream, and red.
This native to Norway breed is extremely rare, where they were used for hunting puffins. They are known for their unique physical characteristics, such as extra toes and flexible shoulders, which made them well-suited for hunting in rocky terrain. They are playful and energetic. This breed is typically around 15-20 pounds.
The Carolina Dog (American Dingo)
- GROUP: The Carolina Dog is not recognized by AKC
- HEIGHT: The Carolina Dog ranges from 17-25 inches for males and 16-24 inches for females
- WEIGHT: The Carolina Dog ranges from 35-55 pounds for males and 30-50 pounds for females
- COAT AND COLOR: The Carolina Dog has a short to medium-length coat, with colors of yellow, red, black, and fawn.
This ancient breed was apex in hunting and the whole southeastern United States once relied heavily on them. Their intellect and aggressive, dingo-like look have made them famous around the world. They have to rely on themselves, which can make them distrustful of strangers. There is a usual range of 35 to 55 pounds for this breed.
The Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)
- GROUP: The Löwchen is recognized as a “Non-Sporting” group by the AKC.
- HEIGHT: The Löwchen ranges from 11-14 inches for both males and females
- WEIGHT: The Löwchen ranges from 9-15 pounds for both males and females
- COAT AND COLOR: The Löwchen has a long coat, with colors of blonde, gold, white, black, brown, and red.
This breed was designed in France to be a man’s best buddy. Their lion-like hair and upbeat attitude toward their owner set them unique. Dogs of this breed typically weigh between 13 and 18 pounds.
The Cesky Fousek (Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon)
- GROUP: The Cesky Fousek is not recognized by AKC
- HEIGHT: The Cesky Fousek ranges from 22-26 inches for males and 20-24 inches for females.
- WEIGHT: The Cesky Fousek ranges from 40-55 pounds for males and 35-50 pounds for females.
- COAT AND COLOR: The Cesky Fousek has a medium-length wiry coat, with colors of dark or light brown, or black.
This unique Czech breed was developed specifically for the sport of hunting. Their wiry coat and adaptability make them stand out as both hunting companions and loving home pets. They are knowledgeable, approachable, and loyal. The average weight for this breed is 45-60 pounds.
Wrapping up…
In conclusion, choosing a dog that’s the right size for your lifestyle is an important factor to consider. The 11 dog breeds we’ve discussed in this article are all unique and unusual in their own way, and they come in a range of sizes. Whether you’re looking for a small companion dog or a larger working breed, there’s a breed out there to suit your needs.
It’s worth noting that the size of a dog can vary within a breed, and it’s also important to consider other factors like exercise, feeding, and health when assessing the size of a dog. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a dog that fits well with your lifestyle and with whom you can provide a loving and responsible home.