Love knows no boundaries, and Man’s Best Friend can be found in every country on Earth. The unconditional love from a canine companion lights up the world one bond at a time. We hope you have your paws-ports ready because we’re going globetrotting on an international journey!
Let’s learn about and celebrate dog breeds from around the world named after their native city or country of origin this World Dog Day on May 21. We’ve picked some dog breeds you might not hear about as frequently as more popular breeds, like the German Shepherd or Mini Australian Shepherd. Grab your four-legged friends, throw a dog party, and let’s stamp those paws-ports!
Celebrate World Dog Day With These Dog Breeds From Around the World
From tiny paws to gentle giants, learn about these international dog breeds that speak one common language: Love Language! We had a difficult time narrowing down the breeds since there are so many to choose from, but these will get you started on a most exciting journey.
Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler
Australian Cattle Dogs/Blue Heelers are the same dogs rather than a combination of two breeds, as each name is correct when referring to this native Australian herding dog. British colonists brought over herding dogs and intermingled with the native Dingo, creating a hardworking farming and ranching breed with endurance, incredible agility, and steadfast loyalty to their families. Their interesting blue or blue-mottled short coats make them distinguishable from other herding dogs. With the popular children’s cartoon “Bluey” featuring an Australian Cattle Dog family, this breed’s popularity is quickly rising. However, families need to truly understand this highly energetic breed before adopting one solely on cartoon characteristics. Because they are used to corralling livestock, they may try to nip children in the heels to keep them on task. Australian Cattle Dog owners will need to provide enough mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom, which could lead to undesirable behaviors if their energy is not channeled appropriately.
Bouvier des Flandres
Flanders is not only home to esteemed artists like Breugel, van Dyck, and Rubens but also to the Bouvier des Flandres dog breed. Their name means “cow herder,” as the breed was developed in Belgium and Northern France to herd cattle, pull carts, and assist in a variety of farm tasks. Today, they’re known as beloved, intelligent canine companions. A Bouvier des Flandres has an impressive look with a shaggy coat, tiny, triangular ears, and a cute, furry mustache and beard. They are excellent guard dogs and do really well in a variety of dog sports, including agility, obedience, and of course, herding. Puppy owners find Bouvier des Flandres to have a huge heart and a dependable nature, making Merv Griffin, Joan Baez, and Ronald Reagan huge fans.
Coton de Tulear
If you’ve ever wondered what a cloud feels like, all you have to do is snuggle up with a Coton de Tulear. Hailing from the port city of Tulear, Madagascar, these fluffy white dogs were popular among sailors used as ratters on ships traveling to and from Tulear, the hub between Africa and Asia on shipping routes. While they aren’t employed to chase rats anymore, the Coton de Tulear is an excellent lapdog and is content being alongside their owners, whether staying home or going on adventures. With their airy, soft coats and their charming personalities, Coton de Tulears will surely increase their popularity as more people learn about this cute, happy-go-lucky breed.
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino may appear to be a pure-white American Pit Bull Terrier, but it is a separate dog breed from Córdoba in central Argentina. Developed in the early 20th century for hunting pumas, wild boars, and other native animals, they were also bred to be fighting dogs. The breed had been fully formed after 12 generations, mixing at one point with Great Danes, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, Dogues de Bordeaux, Bull Terriers, and more. Dogos Argentinos are fiercely loyal to their families and love cuddling and being petted despite their huge size of 90-160+ lbs. Potential Dogo Argentino puppy owners should do their best to help this dog develop its athletic potential and channel its energy into positive activities. They need to be experienced in early and ongoing training and socialization to ensure their Dogo Argentino gets along with people and other animals, reducing its loud, booming bark, redirecting its high prey drive, and working with its stubbornness.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Also known as a French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful, athletic dog with a wrinkled brow that can weigh over 100 lbs. and stand 22-27 in. tall. Their massive skulls’ circumference nearly measures the same as their height at the withers! Those large heads, wide-set inquisitive eyes, smooshed muzzles, and big mouths with a floppy pink tongue give these giant beasts an imposing yet endearing look. Dating back to medieval times, Dogues de Bordeaux helped villagers and farmers guard French vineyards, hunt boar and other wild game, and pull carts full of wounded soldiers during wars. Today, Dogues de Bordeaux thrive in a household with an experienced dog owner and older or no children who love these devoted dogs and can socialize and train them early.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Also called Deutsch Kurzhaar or GSP, the German Shorthaired Pointer originated in Prussia in modern-day 1800s Germany. For centuries, the nobility were the only ones allowed to own land with access to forests and fields for hunting and resources. Political changes opened up access to everyday people. A group of hunters developed a dog that was built for both the hunt and the home. They were trained to “set,” or sit, next to the prey waiting on the hunter without harming game like foxes, quail, grouse, wild boar, deer, and more. German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent hunting dogs and do well in households that allow them to utilize their natural talents. Their toned, sleek bodies are a perfect match for their high-energy exercise needs, and their social nature makes them a friend to all. German Shorthaired Pointers are also eager to please and easy to train.
Havanese
The Havanese dog breed is also known as the Havana Silk Dog or the Spanish Silk Poodle. These little dogs with silky hair descended from Bichon-Frise type dogs brought to Havana by Spanish sailors mixed with a white dog breed, the Blanquito de la Habana, now extinct. Because they remained relatively isolated for centuries, the Havanese developed into a playful, intelligent, aristocratic dog breed. Once only enjoyed by royalty and nobility, families today find Havanese dogs to be charming, social butterflies that make perfect portable companion dogs. Havanese puppies are easy to train and love to entertain their families with their fun tricks and positive energy. Havanese make great playmates for children and other pets and are a perfect choice for first-time dog owners, apartment dwellers, individuals, families, and seniors.
Italian Greyhound
While they may look like diminutive versions of a Greyhound, an Italian Greyhound is a separate small dog breed with graceful lines, a deep chest, and dainty legs. While their name implies their original birthplace was Italy, they are actually descendants of small greyhound-like dogs found 2,000 years ago in the Mediterranean lands now Greece and Turkey. They are Italian in name due to their explosion in popularity in the 1600s. Royals, aristocrats, and the nobility were wild over these fashionable dogs, enjoying their ability to hunt small game as sighthounds, their companionship, and their charming, silly nature. Now accessible to everyone and not just queens and barons, Italian Greyhounds are “Velcro” dogs that are very lovey-dovey with their owners. They keep their owners in stitches as they get the zoomies and into hilarious situations – their teeth even “chatter” when they get excited.
Lhasa Apso
With its long, flowing silky hair, snubby nose, and little body, a Lhasa Apso may look like another Tibetan dog you are familiar with – the Shih Tzu. The name "Lhasa" is from Tibet's capital city, and "Apso" can mean either "bearded" or "long-haired." They were called Abso Seng Kye, the “bark lion sentinel dog.” Lhasa Apsos are one of the oldest dog breeds that were bred to be companions and watchdogs for Tibetan Monks. These alert, independent dogs do not cuddle as much as Shih Tzus, but they do hold an unwavering devotion to their families. Lhasa Apsos are confident dogs, often making their owners laugh with their comical, playful nature. In fact, they are so playful that their puppy stage can last up to three years even when considered adults by that age.
Norwegian Lundehund
You might not have heard of the Norwegian Lundehund, but it’s understandable since they are at the very bottom of the list at #198 out of 200 dog breeds on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023. As one of the more rare dog breeds of the world, there are only around 2,000 of these unique dogs left. “Lunde” means “puffin” in Norwegian, an apt name since they were bred specifically to hunt puffins as a vital food for isolated island farmers. One interesting fact is they have 2 fewer teeth than most dog breeds on each side of their jaws, and their skulls bear resemblance to an ancient fossilized canine found in Russia with the same teeth formation. If you’re lucky to meet one, you’ll see the Norwegian Lundehund has 6 toes when they give you a high-six instead of a high-five! These energetic, loyal pups are shy, sensitive, and need proper socialization from an early age.
Scottish Terrier
A Scottish Terrier is one of the oldest breeds of terriers from Scotland and is recognizable by its long beard and muzzle and pointy, dainty ears. These dogs from Aberdeen, Scotland were bred to hunt anything living in a den, such as foxes, rabbits, badgers, and other vermin on Scottish estates. Scottish Terriers had a reputation for being fearless while facing their prey, earning them the nickname “Diehard” due to their tenacity. These independent, bold, and sassy dogs make their owners laugh with their confidence that’s certainly bigger than their small bodies, but they can be stubborn. The 20th century brought about more popularity for the Scottish Terrier. President Franklin D. Roosevelt owned a famous Scottie named Fala, and the game of Monopoly uses a Scottish Terrier as a token piece.
Other Dog Breeds With International Geographical Names
While we could write quite a long guide to dog breeds from around the world, we do have to stop somewhere. However, we couldn’t end without giving some honorable mentions to even more of these amazing dogs to learn about.
- Maltese
- Dalmatian
- Irish Setter
- Skye Terrier
- Japanese Chin
- Japanese Spitz
- Newfoundland
- Italian Spinone
- English Bulldog
- Brussels Griffon
- Brittany Spaniel
- Irish Wolfhound
- Belgian Malinois
- Podenco Canario
- German Pinscher
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Labrador Retriever
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Australian Shepherd
- Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Old English Sheepdog
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Portuguese Water Dog
- German Wirehaired Pointer
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
- West Highland White Terrier
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Take a Trip Around the World with a Pawrade Puppy
Whether you’re sipping a cappuccino at an outdoor cafe with your Dogue de Bordeaux or rounding up some livestock with the help of an Australian Cattle Dog, Pawrade has a variety of puppies for sale with dog breeds from all around the world. Celebrate World Dog Day with a puppy whose love knows no borders!
