There are lots of breeds that we know, from looking at them or just from their names. Everyone has heard of a Labrador or a French Bulldog, but there are also many that have names that apart from being interesting in themselves are also amazing breeds of dogs, that you just may not even heard of, if I mentioned the Polish Owczarek Nizinny most people would never of heard of it. There are lots of dogs around the world, too many to include in this blog today so I have chosen 7 that had names that I love the sound of, and found out a little about these dogs with amazing names. So read on and next time someone asks you `What is that dog?’ you will know.
The Komondor
Is also known as the Hungarian Sheepdog. They are a powerful breed and are generally used to guard property or livestock.
They were bought to Europe by the Cumans, a Turkish population of nomads who after the Mongol invasion of Turkey sought refugee in Hungary. The name Komondor comes from Kuman-dor meaning ‘Cuman Dog’ and are a descendant of tibetan breeds.
They were declared one of Hungarys national treasures, which means they must be preserved and protected from modification. They are a fairly common breed in Hungary, although in the second world war they were nearly wiped out as many were killed before the houses or farms could be captured as they were such fiercely loyal guard dogs.
Appearance
The Komondor is a large breed of dog and can stand at over 30 inches tall. They have a heavy, matted, corded coat and robust bodies. The Komondor has a broad head, they are strong muscular dogs with long legs and a short back. Their tail has a slight curl, there nose and lips are always black.
The minimum height of female Komondors is 25.5 inches, with an average height of 27.5 inches. The minimum height of male Komondors is 27.5 inches with an average height of 31.5 inches. Komondor females on average weigh between 88–110 lb (40–50 kg) and Komondor males weigh on average between 110–132 lb (50–60 kg).
The Komondor’s coat is a long, thick, heavy, matted, corded white coat, about 20 – 27 cm long (they have the heaviest coat of fur in the canine world), it resembles dreadlocks or a mop. The puppies coat is soft and fluffy and wavy and tends to curl as the puppy matures. A fully mature coat is formed naturally from the soft undercoat and the coarser outer coat with cords that take about two years to form. The cords should be separated so that the dog coat does not turn into one large matted mess. Moulting is minimal with this breed, once cords are fully formed.
The Komondor is born with only a white coat, unlike the similar-looking Puli, which can be white, black, or sometimes grayish. However, the Komondor’s coat may be discolored by the elements and may appear off-white if not washed regularly. Traditionally, the coat protected the Komondor from possible wolf bites as they could not penetrate the thick coat.
Temperament
The Komondor is built for guarding livestock. Its temperament is calm and steady when things are normal, but, in case of trouble, the dog will fearlessly defend whatever it is protecting.
The Komondor can be a great family dog they are affectionate with their family and gentle with the children and friends of their family. They will be wary of strangers, but can accept them when they have determined them not to be a threat.
The Komondor is very good with other family pets, and can be very protective over them, but they do not like trespassing animals.
Due to the size, power, speed and temperament of a Komondor, they do need to be trained properly Komondors generally take well to training if started early. Although a Komondor can become obstinate when bored, so you must make their training sessions fun and interesting to them, with plenty of praise. Always make sure you follow through when training or correcting a Komondor as if it gets away with something once, it will think the behaviour is always acceptable. Socialization is also extremely important, make sure your Komondor is exposed to new situations, people and other dogs from when they are a puppy. Because it is a natural guard dog, a Komondor that is not properly socialized may react in an excessively aggressive manner when confronted with a new situation or person.
In the right environment and with the proper care, a Komondor will be a loving dog. It will be devoted and make a great addition to the family.
The Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is the smallest of the schnauzers breed of dogs, they make a great family dog as they are very intelligent and easy to train, and are very good-natured, with a natural affection with humans.
The breed originated in Germany and dates back to the 1600s, and was created to be a ratter, working in places like kitchens, stables and granaries, to keep the rodent population under control.
Appearance
The Affenpinscher stands at around 9 to 12 inches tall, and has a rough shaggy coat if not kept short and cropped. Their name is derived from the German word Affe which means Ape or Monkey, as they have a monkey like expression, the colours they come in are black, grey, red and black and tan.
Affenpinschers can be found on lists of dogs that allegedly do not shed their coats, Although Every hair in a dogs coat grows from a hair follicle, which has a three-phase cycle, as do most mammals including humans. In this cycle the hair grows, then the growing slows down then the third phase is it stops growing and the old hair falls off, and the follicle cycle begins again. So if a dog has hair then it will shed, although the length of time for the growing and shedding cycle varies depending on breed, age, and by whether the dog is an inside or outside dog.
The only way to reduce the amount of loose fur in the environment is frequent grooming.
Temperament
Affenpinschers are distinctly different from other terriers, in that they often get along with other dogs and pets. They are active, and curious, and can also be stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. They are confident, lively, and very affectionate towards their family and are also very protective of them. These loyal little dogs enjoy being with their family.
They do need consistent, firm training as they can be quite difficult to house train. They can also become bored easily, so their training should be varied and made enjoyable.
Affenpinschers can be somewhat territorial when it comes to their own toys and food, so they are not recommended for homes with very small children.
Although this breed of dog is mostly quiet, it can become very assertive if attacked or threatened, and it shows no fear toward aggressors.
The Anatolian Shepherd
This is a medium-sized breed of dog and is known for being very courageous. It is a powerful and loyal dog and they are used for military and hunting purposes in the USA.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog originated from the Anatolian region of central Turkey.
It is large, and very strong, with good sight and hearing that make it the perfect breed to protect livestock. With its speed and agility, it is able to run down a predator with ease.
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are a very old breed, they are descendants of hunting dogs from Mesopotamia.
They were developed over time to fit a specific set of circumstances. The most important was the climate which was very hot, dry summers and very cold winters, lifestyle which was sedentary and nomadic and duties that were mostly guarding flocks over great distances on the Central Anatolian Plateau.
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was imported from central Turkey into the United Kingdom in the 1970s by author and archaeologist Charmian Hussey.
Appearance
The general appearance of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a tall, rugged, and powerful dog with a dense double coat, that is somewhat wiry, and needs to be brushed one or two times a week in warm weather due to the coat shedding, they have a thick mane of hair around their necks to protect their throats, which gives the appearance that they look heavier than they actually are.
They have a broad, strong head, well-developed muscular shoulders, and a long tail that is carried high and curled over the dog’s back when the dog is alert.
They weigh between 40 and 70 kg, with females smaller and males larger. The coat may be any colour, although the most common colours are white cream and white with large coloured spots these are known as piebald.
Temperament
The Anatolian Shepherd was bred to be independent and forceful, and to be responsible for guarding flocks without human assistance or direction. Because of this they can make challenging pets, and owners of dogs of this breed must socialise the dogs to turn them into appropriate companions. They are intelligent and can learn quickly, but can be stubborn and might choose not to obey.
They are a very loyal breed and can be very possessive and fiercely protective of their family, and territory. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog are also a brave, confident dog. Generally curious but aloof with guests, and not outgoing dogs that want to make friends with everyone and they generally dislike strangers who are too forward.
They are calm and observant of their surroundings and although they do not go looking for trouble, they may not back down if challenged.
These dogs like to roam free, as they were bred to travel with their herd and search for predators that could attack the flock. Therefore, micro chipping and tagging pets are recommended.
Anatolian Shepherds are not recommended for living in a smaller home. They do live fine with other animals, including cats if they are introduced while still a puppy and as long as they can have their own space. They mature between 18 and 30 months. Because of their nature they much prefer to go for a run or a swim to playing fetch games
The Basenji
This breed are medium-sized muscular dogs they are known as the Africa Barkless Dog, but research has proven they are not mute, so maybe they just chose not too. They make an unusual sound which is commonly called a “baroo” that sounds like a yodel, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This gives them the nickname “barkless dog”.
While dogs that resemble the Basenji in some respects are common all over Africa, the breed originates from the forest regions of the Congo Basin, where it was able to adapt to its habitat.Their name comes from the Lingala language of the Congo, mbwa na basenzi and means ‘villager dogs’ or ‘dogs of the savages’. In the Congo, the Basenji is also known as “dog of the bush”.
Europeans first discovered the Basenji breed back in 1895 in the Congo. These local dogs, the Europeans noticed were prized by locals for their intelligence, courage, speed, and silence, and several attempts were made to bring the breed to England, without success as the dogs would succumb to disease. In 1923, Lady Helen Nutting brought six Basenjis with her from Sudan but all six died from distemper shots they received in quarantine.
It wasn’t until the 1930s that the breed was successfully established in England, and then to the United States by animal importer Henry Trefflich, and It is most likely that nearly all the Basenjis in the Western world are descended from these few original imports
Appearance
Basenjis are medium-sized, short-haired dogs with erect ears, they have tightly curled tails and long graceful necks. A Basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, which are more pronounced when they are young, and they have almond shaped eyes.
They typically weigh between 9–10.9 kg and stand at 16–18 in at the shoulder. Males usually larger than females. Basenjis are athletic dogs, and deceptively powerful for their size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and their characteristic curled tail straightens out for better balance when they are running at a fast speed. Basenjis come in a few different colours red, black, tricolor, and brindle, and they all have white feet, chests and white tips to their tails.
Temperament
The Basenji is alert, energetic, and can be reserved with strangers, and tend to become emotionally attached to a single human. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets,and very much like cats,they do not like wet weather and will often refuse to go outside in any sort of wet or damp conditions.
Basenjis often stand on their hind legs, somewhat like a meerkat, by themselves or leaning on something; this is a usual behaviour when the dog is curious about something, they are also known climbers and can easily climb a chain wire/link fence.
Basenjis have a strong prey drive, will often go after cats and other small animals and can be hard to train, when required to do human commands. But they are very intelligent animals.
The central Asian Ovtcharka
The Central Asian Ovtcharka is a large and muscular dog. They are very loyal and fearless dogs and have strong protective instincts which makes them great watchdogs. They are an ancient breed from the Central Asia region. Traditionally, the breed was used for guarding sheep and goat herds, as well as for protection.
The Central Asian ovtcharka are thought to of most likely originated more than four thousand years ago, the area between the Ural, Caspian Sea, Asia Minor, and the Northwest border of China. Some served as livestock guardians, some protect their owners, and some were used for dog fighting, which was a national tradition in many countries of that region of
Central Asian. They are still in demand today as livestock guardians, though not as much as they used to be.
Appearance
The breed is a robust large sized dog with great strength and power. They are independent, curious and alert. Their hair is short with a heavy undercoat. Most common colors are black/white; fawn of different shades, from almost white to deep red; brindle. Some have a black mask. Neither the longhaired or shorthaired versions require a lot of grooming, but the thick undercoat sheds heavily twice a year.
The head is very solid, with a low set neck, and they have dewlaps. Their body is fairly broad, and in proportion.. Their typical gait is a gallop and they can run for hours without wearing themselves out.
Temperament
They can make great family dogs as they are very territorial, safe with children; and seem to have a love and respect for elderly people,they also protect all small animals from predators, and are very gentle towards their family members.
They are also very intelligent. and make perfect house dogs. They do not need any complicated training to learn basic house rules, and treat their owner with the respect.
The Central Asian Ovtcharka would of spent a considerable amount of time moving around in its native lands, and this kind of slow but steady exercise is what it likes best.
The Polish Owczarek Nizinny
This is a medium size muscular dog with long fur which covers its eyes.
The Polish Owczarek Nizinny also known as the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a dog with a strong herding and guarding instinct, it was formerly used to guard large flocks of sheep. Currently, it most often plays the role of an accompanying dog. They also work in agility, and in Scandinavia they are used as rescue dogs.
The Polish Owczarek Nizinny originated in Tibet, they descend from the Tibetan terrier. these Tibetan dogs wandered west with the nomads, and entered the Eastern European Plain, and around the 5th century, with the Huns invasion, they reached Central Europe.
Appearance
The breed is in 3 diifeent sizes, the smallest has a height of up to 35 cm, the medium are around 40-48 cm, and the large reaching a height of over 50 cm.
They have a Long and heavy coat with a thick undercoat. Their colours are usually tan and black, beige, gray, chocolate or spotted white with patches of a colour.
Temperament
They can make a good family pet, they are very loyal, but are not good to be left alone. They are a brave, energetic dog. Cheerful, alert, obedient and intelligent.
Borzoi
The borzoi which means “fast”, is also known as the Russian wolfhound. They are descendants from dogs brought to Russia from central Asian countries, and are similar in shape to a Greyhound.
The Borzoi originated in 17th Century Russia by crossing Arabian greyhounds with a thick-coated breed.
The Russians introduced hunting trials during the era of the Tsars. For the aristocracy these trials were a ceremony, that sometimes lasted for days, where the borzois accompanied by hunters and foxhounds would hunt hares and other small game competing to see who had the most numerous kills, but they especially loved to test the dogs on wolves and If a wolf was sighted, the hunter would release a team of two or three borzois to pursue the wolf, attack its neck from both sides, and hold it until the hunter arrived when the wolf would be killed by the hunter with a knife.
After the 1917 revolution, wolf hunting went out of fashion, which meant the need for these dogs ceased to exist.
In the late 1940s, a Soviet soldier named Constantin Esmont made detailed records of the various types of borzoi he found in Cossack villages. he was concerned that the breed were in danger of extinction without a controlled system of breeding, and convinced the Soviet government that borzois were a valuable asset and henceforth, their breeding was officially regulated. To this day short-haired Hortaya Borzaya is a highly valued hunting dog.
Exports of borzois to other countries were extremely rare during the Soviet era. However, enough were taken to England, Scandinavia, Western Europe, and America in the late 19th century for the breed to establish itself outside its native country.
Appearance
Borzois are large Russian hounds that resemble some central Asian breeds such as the Afghan hound, and the Saluki, and are generally described as “long-haired Greyhounds”. They can come in virtually any colour.
The Borzois coat is silky and flat, and can often be wavy or slightly curly. They have a long top-coat and a soft undercoat which thickens during winter or in cold climates, and sheds in hot weather to prevent overheating. They usually have a frill on of fur around the neck, as well as feathering on their hindquarters and tail.
Borzoi males weigh over 45 kg, and stand at least 30 inches at the shoulder, while the females is around 26 inches . Despite their size, their overall impression is one of streamline and grace.
Temperament
The Borzoi is an athletic and independent breed of dog. They are generally fairly quiet,and rarely bark. They are not territorial so do not make good guard dogs.
The Borzoi requires a patient, experienced handler. They are gentle and highly sensitive dogs and have a natural respect for humans, Adult Borzois are couch potatoes with good house manners.
Borzois rarely show any dominance or aggression towards people, but can become aggressive if handled roughly. They can be reserved with strangers but are very affectionate to the people they know well. They can be nervous around young children unless they are brought up with them, as they do not like their personal space invaded. Borzois can adapt well to suburban life, provided they have a spacious yard and plenty of exercise.
In terms of training, borzois are selective learners and get bored with repetition, and they can be very stubborn when they are not properly motivated. For example, food rewards, may work well for some, but not others. Because they are very sensitive they do not cope well with harsh treatment or training based on punishment, and raised voices and threats make them unhappy. They do respond well to the guidance, support, and clear communication of patient human leadership.
Borzois were bred to pursue game and have a high prey instinct to chase things that run from them, including cats and small dogs. Although can be raised very successfully to live with cats and other small animals provided they are introduced to them when they are puppies. Built for speed and endurance, they can cover long distances in a very short amount of time. For off-leash exercise, a borzoi needs a very large field or park, that is fully fenced to ensure safety.
Final Thoughts
This article started because I saw a dog on television that I had never heard of before, my first thought was what is that dog? It was the Ovtcharka, such a beautiful breed and I had never even heard of it, that got me thinking how many other breeds are there in the world that I don’t even know exist? The answer to that was lots, and so I started reading and finding out as much as I could about these amazing and beautiful dogs with strange names, if you enjoyed finding out more about these dogs, then please let us know, and feel free to add to the list if there is a breed you come across that you had never heard of before.