If you’re in need of a good laugh and a constant source of entertainment, you’re in for a treat – or should I say, you’re eyes are in for a treat. Our pups are our best companions, but it’s even more fun when we choose a furry friend who is one of the funniest-looking dog breeds around. These pups may be oddballs in the way of looks, but they are just as lovable as any furry friend and can make great additions to your life.
Regardless of how our dogs look, it’s no secret that they take priority over much in our lives. A recent study shows that the average pet owner would rather spend money on their pet than their partner. It only makes sense; dogs are man’s best friends, after all.
Whether it’s the bulging eyes, the comically elongated snouts, or the endearingly mismatched features, these dogs have mastered the art of making us laugh. You won’t be able to resist capturing countless photos to share with your friends and family. They’re basically walking, barking memes with the potential to go viral.
The funniest-looking dog breeds have personalities to match their appearance. You’ll be treated to a constant stream of goofy antics and playful behavior. It’s like a furball themed live-action comedy show right in your own home. Ever wondered which dog breeds redefine adorable quirkiness? StudyFinds has created the ultimate list of the funniest-looking dog breeds, according to experts. What was the funniest-looking dog that you ever saw? Leave a comment to let us know!
The List: Funniest-Looking Dog Breeds, Per Experts
1. Bedlington Terrier
Number one on the list of the funniest looking dog breeds is the Bedlington Terrier. “The Bedlington Terrier is a small-sized pooch that is often mistaken for a little lamb at first glance. These fur babies boast a cute curly coat with an extra fluffy head and legs,” says The Dog Snobs.
If laughter is the best medicine, these four-legged jesters are the prescription you’ve been waiting for. “This breed loves to play (with you!) and loves to run around, so they need the space. They also adore a good swim, so a dip in the pool or the lake would be a bonus. Weird facts about the breed: Bless its heart. (Yes, I’m in the South.) Can you say, ‘Sheep with a football-shaped, weird head mixed with a poodle?’ because this breed fits the bill. They also have a weird defect in copper metabolism and storage, but other than that are generally healthy. Their saving grace is that they’re great family pets,” writes World Animal Foundation.
Looking like something out of Ripley’s Believe it or Not won’t stop you from loving this pup. “What cute lambs! Oh, wait—those aren’t lambs. Those are dogs! Yes, the Bedlington Terrier is one of the strangest-looking dog breeds because of its lamblike appearance. Bedlingtons have pear-shaped heads, triangular ears, and curly, sheeplike fur. But don’t be deceived by those innocent looks: Historically, this breed was trained to fight! Bedlington Terriers are sweet dogs, but if they’re challenged, they can hold their own,” shares Pet Helpful.
2. Puli
Number two on the list of the funniest-looking dog breeds is the Puli. “Tight dreadlocks give this breed the look of a walking, barking mop! These dreads are known as ‘cords,’ which start forming when a Puli puppy is nine months old. This corded, often black coat is what makes this breed unusual. Luckily, a Puli does not shed at all, but bathing and grooming this dog is a long, complicated process. Owners need to carefully maintain their Puli’s coat and make sure the cords stay separated, or else these cords can form very large mats. On the plus side, these dogs are very intelligent, and despite their bulky appearance, they are quite fast and agile. They are also very loving and loyal to their owners,” shares Pet Helpful.
The Puli’s charm lies in their ability to redefine cute on their terms. “The Puli breed is a small to medium-sized dog with very shaggy hair that covers its eyes. It’s very smart, extremely agile, and bred to work closely with humans. It has a powerful body, and many people call it the acrobat of the dog world due to its antics,” says Hepper.
The Puli isn’t ugly, it’s just a trendsetter. “This Puli kicks it Jamaican style, but despite the Rastafarian dreadlocks he actually hails from Hungary. His primary role is herding livestock, and his curiously thick fur not only looks really neat, but is virtually water resistant,” writes Readers Digest.
3. Chinese Crested
On the other hand, this next breed is a little different. “The Puli is a breed with a lot of long hair, but the Chinese Crested is quite the opposite! This dog has hair only on its paws, tail (plume) and head (crest). Because its skin is so exposed and unprotected, the Chinese Crested must be brought up with the utmost care. Owners should use sunscreen to protect their dog’s skin from sunburns, and they should also give their Chinese Crested regular baths to prevent acne and other skin issues. Another unusual feature of this breed is its lack of premolar teeth,” shares Pet Helpful.
The Chinese Crested certainly has a face only a mother could love. “Chinese Crested dogs are definitely on the list of the all-time strangest dog breeds. In fact, they look as far away from a Labrador as you can get. Their bodies are bald, showing off their unusual spotted pink skin, feathered tails, and crested head. These little dogs can grow to be 13 inches tall and are very alert and affectionate. They adore their owners and love to spend time playing and curling up on the couch,” says Dogs Planet.
With such a striking presence, the Chinese Crested resembles a modern art masterpiece. “The Chinese Crested is known for its furry head, furry feet, furry tail, and smooth body. They are a more fashionable type of dog because of their stunning looks. Chinese Crested are known to be playful and attentive to everyone in the family. They make great family pets and are loyal to their owners. While roughhousing isn’t their forte, they will play with just about anyone. The best part, these dogs don’t shed, making them great for those with allergies,” writes Pet Keen.
4. Bull Terrier
You may recognize this pup as the breed of Bullseye, Target’s famous mascot. “The Bull Terrier is known for its egg-shaped head and tiny eyes. They are very playful and quite funny, but they can also be stubborn. Their coat requires very little grooming, and they hardly ever bark. Their intimidating appearance makes them great for use as guard dogs,” says Hepper.
While some pups fuss about their appearance, these dogs rock their weirdness like a badge of honor. “These muscular dogs are easily recognizable thanks to their unique egg-shaped head, small eyes, and pointed ears. Although big-boned and robust-looking, these dogs move with surprising agility and will love canine classes in obedience. They were bred to be both companion dogs and sporting pups so it’s important you ensure your Bull Terrier gets enough mental and physical exercise each day,” writes Dogs Planet.
Ever wonder how the Bull Terrier manages to be both odd and adorable at the same time? “If you’ve ever seen a Bull Terrier, you’d know their head looks like an egg. Their faces are pointed down and compared to their body it looks huge. Pair that with tiny eyes and you get a dog that looks a little strange,” writes Pet Keen.
5. Shar-Pei
Number five on the list of the funniest-looking dog breeds is the Shar-Pei. “The Shar-Pei is a heavily wrinkled breed with a unique muzzle. This dog has been compared to a hippopotamus! As a puppy there are all wrinkly but as they grow older, they grow into their skin it would seem. The unique thing about these dogs is their tongue is a bluish-black, and that is perfectly healthy,” writes Pet Keen.
The Shar-Pei is unlike any other breed. “Shar Peis are adorable, squishy dogs that are covered in wrinkles and almost look like they’re melting. Something that qualifies these dogs for being on the list of the strangest dog breeds is their blue tongue! This ancient breed is a fierce protector of both its people and its property but can be very loving towards its family. Shar Peis, generally, however, are standoffish with strangers and need lots of early socialization if they’re not to get overly aggressive. They’re not the easiest dog breed ever, but they do make good pets for the right owners,” says Dogs Planet.
This dog breed doesn’t need a costume for Halloween. “Weird facts about the breed: With a blue-black tongue, sunken eyes, and ‘a trillion’ folds (or wrinkles), these dogs make a Chihuahua look normal,” shares World Animal Foundation.
6. Norwegian Lundehund
Norwegian Lundehunds are another breed that kept showing up across expert lists. “What makes this breed special? Well, the Norwegian Lundehund has six toes on each foot! This breed also has unique shoulder and neck joints, which help the dog stretch its legs out straight in both directions as well as reach its forehead up to its back. This dog even has the ability to close its ear canal at will (in order to prevent water and dirt from getting in). All of these features make this breed an amazing avian hunter, an agile swimmer and an impressive climber: A Norwegian Lundehund can easily climb steep crevices and near-vertical cliffs,” says Pet Helpful.
These dogs are the true jesters of the animal kingdom, making us laugh without even trying. “The Norwegian Lundehund may appear normal, but have a look at their feet. These dogs are born with double dewclaws, so they have 6 toes on each foot. But that’s not where the weirdness ends. Lundehunds also can turn their heads 180 degrees,” writes Homes Alive.
Ever thought about what life would be like with a walking, wagging cartoon character? “With a medium to high energy level, he needs a ½ hour-long walk or several rowdy games of catch each day.Weird facts about the breed: He’s a polydactyl dog, meaning he has six fully formed toes on each paw (rather than four). Also, the only dog breed created for puffin hunting, they’re out of a job now, thank goodness, and only serve as friendly companions. He’s also a contortionist, extremely limber, and his ears fold shut. This is one of the strangest dog breeds and just an all-around weird dog,” shares World Animal Foundation.
7. Neapolitan Mastiff
Finally, number seven on the list of the funniest-looking dog breeds is the Neapolitan Mastiff. “Weird facts about the breed: A wrinkly cutie-bug, their droopy faces cry out, ‘Kiss me!’ (although the excessive drool might be a slight deterrent.) This unique breed is an excellent guard dog,” shares World Animal Foundation.
Forget therapy; these lovable oddballs are your go-to remedy for a bad day. “These pups were the favored guard dogs of Ancient Rome – and you can see why. Not many intruders would dare enter with an enormous Neapolitan Mastiff standing in the way. These wrinkly dogs are affectionate and calm with their family members but are aloof and wary of strangers or people approaching those they love,” says Dogs Planet.
Ready to take a hilarious stroll down the quirky side of the dog park? “Harry Potter fans will love this dog: This is the pet of Harry Potter’s friend, Hagrid. The Neapolitan Mastiff is quite an ancient breed, and due to its fearsome, intimidating appearance, it was reared for guarding and defending family and property. These dogs need extensive socialization, or else they can be quite aggressive towards strangers and other dogs, but they do learn very quickly; they’re known to be extremely intelligent, independent thinkers. Also, as you might guess from their size, these dogs are not very active—their energy levels are short-lived,” shares Pet Helpful.
Which dog do you want to cuddle most? Leave a comment to let us know!
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Sources:
- The Dog Snobs
- World Animal Foundation
- Pet Helpful
- Hepper
- Readers Digest
- Dogs planet
- Pet Keen
- Homes Alive
- Post Bark
- Top Dog Tips
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.