A Sphynx is a breed of hairless cat. Image from Wikipedia.

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Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Beagles…we’ve all heard of them. Here’s a list of dog (and cat!) breeds you might not have seen on your most recent trip to the pet store.

SALUKI

Sure, it’s one of the oldest breeds of domesticated dogs in the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re common. Salukis come from the Middle East, and are also known as the Royal Dog of Egypt and the Persian Greyhound.

MUNCHKIN CAT

Image by lorinwasadiver on Tumblr

Munchkins are a relatively new breed of cat. They’re characterized by short legs, and are named after the jolly inhabitants of the Land of OZ. Munchkins can be cross bred with many other types of cats to produce smaller version of other breeds.

KOMONDOR

Komondor’s are known for their knotty coat that resembled dreadlocks. Sometimes called “mop dogs,” Komondors are Hungarian livestock-guarding dogs.

AMERICAN WIREHAIR

The American Wirehair is much like the American Shorthair, but with a springy, wiry coat. The coat is similar to some wire-haired breeds of dogs, and was caused by a genetic mutation first observed in 1966. Most wirehairs have gold eyes, with the exception of some white wirehairs with blue or amber eyes.

CHINESE CRESTED

Image from Wikipedia

The Chinese Crested is a hairless breed of dog that resembles a Chihuahua. Chinese Cresteds also come in the Powder Puff variety, since the hairlessness is a dominate trait.  Powder Puffs carry a recessive gene, which gives them a full coat.

SPHYNX

The Sphynx is to the cat world what the Chinese Crested is to the dog world. Sphynx do not have fur, and are instead completely hairless. Sphynx are typically very warm to the touch and often exhibit high levels or energy and intelligence.

PUMI

This fuzzy guy is a herding dog from Hungary. Pumis are small terriers that were bred to herd sheep, cows and pigs. Gray Pumis are born black, but their curly coats eventually lighten.

MANX

Sphynx lack fur, and Manx lack tails! Manx are original from the British Isles, and have a genetic mutation that causes them to have extremely short tails, or no tails at all. They come in a variety of coats and color patterns.

All images from Flickr unless otherwise noted.