When most people are looking to add a furry friend to their family, they look to the most popular breeds: the Golden Retriever, the Labrador, or the German Shepherd, which all make the usual top lists. But sometimes, it pays to go with a lesser-known breed, whether that be for personal preference of the look of the dog, or for personality of the dog itself. Here is a list of five dogs you may not have considered that could add a little flair to your family:
1. The French Bulldog
Known as “clowns”, these little guys are quite a hoot to have around. From their rounded ears and puglike faces, they bring smiles simply by walking into a room. What they lack in housetraining (which can take a bit longer for them to pick up on based on the bulldog in them), they make up for in personality! They love spending time with the family and are very sociable with people and other dogs. They stay around 30 pounds, but are very sturdy, so you never have to worry about them around your kids.
2. Papillon
The Papillon dogs are known for their butterfly ears – but even more so for their smarts. Don’t let the size fool you, this is one of the smartest breeds around. They do fantastic with elderly and are very easy to train. Their grooming is minimal and they stay very small, so if you have an apartment or a condo, this could be the dog for you.
3. Newfoundland
If you can tolerate mountains of dog hair and a little (okay, a LOT) of drool, a Newfoundland dog makes a great addition to any family, especially those with young kids. We all remember “Nana” from Peter Pan and how she would dote on the children. The real newf does the exact same thing and makes a great gentle companion for your kids.
4. The Poodle
While their looks tend to be a love it or hate it type of situation, the Poodle gets high scores all across the board for training, grooming, and care. They are said to be the smartest of the dog breeds and are very intuitive. As an added bonus, they come in three sizes – standard, miniature, and toy.
5. Shelter Dogs
While this isn’t technically a specific dog breed, a shelter dog could wind up being one of the best investments you ever make. With thousands of dogs in the shelters, you can easily find one that is purebred, full mutt, or somewhere in-between. And the best part? The temperament. Most shelter dogs have been screened for their personality, and are matched specifically to you and your family’s needs. There is a perfect shelter dog for everybody! Tell us, what is your favorite unusual dog breed?