23 Super Cute Dog Breeds You’re Probably Unfamiliar With

Some dog breeds are just more famous than the others. You’re probably very well acquainted with everyone’s favorite pooches, like the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Bulldog, Poodle, and Beagle. But did you know there are more dog breeds out there that are just as cute and deserving of your undivided attention?

Whether you are looking for a new best friend or, like us, are obsessed with canines, this list is for you. These pooches may be from the least popular breeds but they’re absolute winners in our hearts.

1. The Norwegian Lundehund

Avg Life Expectancy: 14 yrs
Popularity in US: #178
Origin: Norway

The Norwegian Lundehund is a small purebred pooch known for being very alert, energetic, productive, and loyal. Dogs of this breed usually have either grey, black, red, white, or yellow fur. They are also comparable to the famous Shiba Inu in terms of size and appearance.

2. The Otterhound

Avg Life Expectancy: 12 yrs
Popularity in US: #173
Origin: United Kingdom

This medium-sized purebred pup is known for being alert, friendly, affectionate, and independent. Otterhounds are also very easy to train and make great watchdogs. And if you want a breed that’s good with kids, this one’s for you.

3. The Finnish Spitz

Avg Life Expectancy: 13 yrs
Popularity in US: #168
Origin: Finland

This medium-sized purebred dog is very intelligent, loyal, playful, and multi-talented. They are very easy to train and are good with children. They make pretty ideal watchdogs, too. You might also notice that they look a bit like a tiny fox.

4. The Finnish Lapphund

Avg Life Expectancy: 15 yrs
Popularity in US: #167
Origin: Finland

The Finnish Lapphund is a medium purebred dog known for its affectionate, courageous, gentle, and cheerful nature. They usually have black, black and tan, brown, grey, red, or white fur. Like the earlier breeds, they are great with children and are easy to train.

5. The Norwegian Buhund

Avg Life Expectancy: 15 yrs
Popularity in US: #166
Origin: Norway

This medium purebred doggy is energetic, alert, cheerful, and brave. Norwegian Buhunds are pretty low maintenance, too, and can be left around kids without a problem.

6. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Avg Life Expectancy: 14 yrs
Popularity in US: #178
Origin: Norway

This medium purebred dog typically has grey, silver, white, or yellow fur. They are known to be loving, loyal, independent, and friendly, especially to children.

7. The Glen of Imaal Terrier

Avg Life Expectancy: 12 yrs
Popularity in US: #156
Origin: Ireland

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a medium purebred pup known for being gentle, courageous, and loyal. They are typically black or brown in color, are moderately easy to train, and are very low maintenance.

8. The Swedish Valhund

Avg Life Expectancy: 13 yrs
Popularity in US: #152
Origin: Sweden

These short-legged cuties are highly alert, energetic, friendly, and intelligent. They shed minimally, are easy to train, and can be great watchdogs.

9. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Avg Life Expectancy: 13 yrs
Popularity in US: #152
Origin: Switzerland

This one is a large purebred dog that’s guaranteed to be cheerful, protective, friendly, smart, and loyal. They’re not that easy to train, but they make up for that trait by being very low maintenance.

10. The Icelandic Sheepdog

Avg Life Expectancy: 14 yrs
Popularity in US: #140
Origin: Iceland

Here’s a fluffy one for you. This medium purebred from Iceland is very affectionate, courageous, playful, and energetic. They are usually either black, black and white, brown and white, grey, chocolate, or pure white in color.

11. The Australian Terrier

Avg Life Expectancy: 13 yrs
Popularity in US: #133
Origin: Australia

This small purebred pooch is going to win your heart with its friendly, loyal, courageous, and social traits. They are well suited for apartment living since they don’t need a big space to enjoy their day. They’re also really great with kids.

12. The Tibetan Mastiff

Avg Life Expectancy: 12 yrs
Popularity in US: #129
Origin: Central Asia

This one is an ancient dog breed from Central Asia. ‘Mastiff’ roughly translates to ‘nomad dog,’ and this breed was commonly a member of nomadic tribes. The Tibetan Mastiff is accustomed to high altitudes, so if you’re planning to move to the mountains, this dog can keep you company.

13. The Norfolk Terrier

Avg Life Expectancy: 14 yrs
Popularity in US: #125
Origin: Europe and England

This cute terrier is a small purebred known for its alert, friendly, and independent nature. These pups are usually either black, tan, or red. They are a little tough to train but are well suited for apartment living.

14. The Tibetan Spaniel

Avg Life Expectancy: 14 yrs
Popularity in US: #116
Origin: China

This spaniel is a small purebred known for being independent, cheerful, and quiet. They are only slightly active pooches, but they are easy to train, shed minimally, and have cute tiny upturned noses.

15. The American Eskimo Dog

Avg Life Expectancy: 13 yrs
Popularity in US: #114
Origin: United States & Germany

This one is a medium purebred dog known for its energetic, intelligent, protective, and friendly traits. They are either cream-colored or white. This breed basically looks like the dog version of a polar bear, thanks to its fluffiness. They also make great watchdogs and are really good with kids.

16. The Leonberger

Avg Life Expectancy: 9 yrs
Popularity in US: #101
Origin: Germany

The Leonberger is a giant purebred known for being super cheerful, intelligent, and social. They are gentle giants with typically black and tan, brown, red, or yellow fur. Although they shed a bit, they are easy to train and are wondeful with children.

17. The Gordon Setter

Avg Life Expectancy: 11 yrs
Popularity in US: #97
Origin: United Kingdom

This cutie is a large purebred dog known for being alert, loyal, and protective. They have shiny coats that are usually black, tan, or red in color. They make adorable puppies and are wonderful watchdogs when they grow up. They are also moderately easy to train and are good around kids.

18. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Avg Life Expectancy: 12 yrs
Popularity in US: #96
Origin: Canada

This beautiful breed is medium in size and is known for being affectionate, alert, energetic, and playful. They are very low maintenance and are great with kids. They’re not the very best watchdogs, however, because they’re just too friendly!

19. The Norwich Terrier

Avg Life Expectancy: 14 yrs
Popularity in US: #94
Origin: United Kingdom

This purebred terrier is small in size and known for being very affectionate, intelligent, and social. They are typically black, tan, or red in color. They are also highly adaptable pooches, making them perfect for apartment living.

20. The Keeshond

Avg Life Expectancy: 13 yrs
Popularity in US: #85
Origin: Germany and the Netherlands

The Keeshond is a medium purebred dog that’s sure to be affectionate, playful, and alert. They are typically black, grey, silver, or white in color. They love playing with children and are very easy to train.

21. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Avg Life Expectancy: 11 yrs
Popularity in US: #76
Origin: United Kingdom

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a medium purebred dog. It is a relative of the more popular Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Cardigan breed is known for its affectionate, intelligent, loving, and loyal demeanor. These pups are usually a mix of colors from black, to tan, gray, and red. They are also easy to train and are very low maintenance.

22. The Chow Chow

Avg Life Expectancy: 10 yrs
Popularity in US: #68
Origin: China

You will love this chubby and fluffy breed. The Chow Chow is a large purebred that’s known for being a little detached and quiet but highly intelligent and very loyal. They are not that active and may not be the best around kids. However, they make great watchdogs.

23. The Samoyed

Avg Life Expectancy: 11 yrs
Popularity in US: #66
Origin: Russia

The Samoyed is a large purebred ball of fur that is known for being cheerful, energetic, friendly, lively, and loyal. They are either cream-colored, golden, or white. They are highly active dogs and are really great with kids. They’re fairly easy to train, too!

Which of these dog breeds caught your eye? Let us know in comments below.