Listly by austinericksonpost
Hard to imagine all of these dogs are descended from the wolf
This flying dreadlock actually has three different kinds of hair on its body, each of which provide different services. It's extremely loyal and highly trainable. Despite its decievingly bulky coat, it's also very athletic.
Once the most popular dog breed in Russia, these cheery little guys have survived near-extinction twice in the last hundred years. They're one of the smallest breeds and are still instinctive watch dogs.
A jack of all trades in terms of skill set, this terrier is dependable, guarding and highly spirited. While it doesn't do well with other dogs, it 's an excellent guard. Extra points for being hypoallergenic.
This massive hound has been bred for centuries as a guard dog in Tibet. While intimidating, the breed is usually friendly but can mistake commotion for aggression, which can be challenging with kids. They're territorial animals and don't mind complaining if their living conditions aren't up to snuff.
The coats of these mystifying dogs are a beautiful jumble of colors, but their most distinctive feature are its striking eyes. It's common for them to have different colored eyes, and can sometimes have "cracked" eyes, or two colors in one eye. Named after the Louisiana parish, it's also the state dog and is right home in swamps.
This workhorse is tougher than it might seem. Bred to endure mountain terrain and and harsh conditions, it can go long periods without food or water. It's estimated that this breed has existed in Sicily for thousands of years, and was mostly used for hunting small game.
The Gordon Setter evokes images of traipsing about the English countryside in search of game. Similar to the Irish Setter, its a decent size and sports a dapper coat. Their sensitive dogs and can get anxious if left along too long.
The Chinese Crested Dog was bred to be owned by invalids— a specific purpose that influenced their character. They can do without exercise and don't need to be let out often. They're also known to be able to read the owners emotions well and adjust accordingly.