2 years ago

No 1. Bedlington Terrier.
Average Height: 16 inches.
Average Weight: 20 pounds.
Temperament: Lively.
Origins: Northumberland, England

Bedlington Terriers are lively, cuddly dogs originally bred in English mining towns for hard labor. Today, they make delightful family dogs who rarely shed and enjoy learning new commands. Bedlington puppies are often compared to baby lambs which are too cute to handle.

No 2. Biewer Terrier.
Average Height: 9 inches.
Average Weight: 6 pounds.
Temperament: Calm, friendly.
Origins: Hunsruck, Germany

These toy pups were officially recognized by the AKC just recently, on January 4, 2021! Pronounced “beaver,” the Biewer terrier originated in the 1980s when Gertrude and Werner Biewer, who bred Yorkshire terriers, produced a puppy with unique black, tan and white coloring. This coloring is the result of a rare, recessive gene called the piebald gene. The world quickly fell in love with these little sweethearts.

No 3. Cesky Terrier.
Average Height: 11.5 inches.
Average Weight: 19 pounds.
Temperament: Playful, mellow.
Origin: Czech Republic

Sometimes called the Czech terrier, the Cesky (pronounced “chess-key”) is a charming dog who lives for family time and playing games. Bred to sniff out and chase vermin, this dog is ready and willing to frolic with pals. Socializing them early is wise, since they tend to distrust new people.

No 4. Estrela Mountain Dog.
Average Height: 26 inches.
Average Weight: 100 pounds.
Temperament: Friendly, fearless.
Origins: Portugal

Talk about a big, cuddly family dog! Estrela Mountain dogs see themselves as family members and won’t have it any other way, according to the breeders at Misty Mountain Estrelas. Due to their strong desire to guard their homestead, training early on is necessary to ensure they don’t become aggressive adults. Though their population took a dip in the early 1900s, they are making a comeback today.

No 5. Kai Ken.
Average Height: 18 inches.
Average Weight: 30 pounds.
Temperament: Smart, Active.
Origin: Japan.

Also called the Tiger Dog for its gorgeous brindle coloring, Kai Kens are hard to find even in Japan where they were originally bred. They first arrived in the United States in the 1960s and have seen a large resurgence in the past decade. Kai Kens need plenty of exercise and stimuli before they’ll be ready to settle down at the end of the day.

No 6. Lagotto Romagnolo.
Average Height: 17 inches.
Average Weight: 29 pounds.
Temperament: Adaptable, Alert.
Origin: Italy

Do not mistake the easy-going Lagotto Romagnolo for a goldendoodle! Though similar in demeanor, this curly-coated Italian breed might prefer work to play. Bred to sniff out truffles in Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America says they’re happiest when exercising both brains and brawn.

No 7. Thai Ridgeback.
Average Height: 22 inches.
Average Weight: 55 pounds.
Temperament: Smart, loyal.
Origin: Thailand

It’s rare to find a Thai ridgeback outside of Thailand these days. As strong, intelligent canines, they make excellent watchdogs and hunters. Training isn’t easy due to their independent nature, but once commands are engrained, these pups always follow through. The Association of Thai Ridgeback Owners and Fanciers says the dog’s name comes from a ridge of hair on its back that grows in the opposite direction of the rest of the fur.

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