﻿We all have at least one physical feature that stands out from the rest and makes us unique.
The same is true for our dogs. Whether it’s their body type, coat color, or facial structure,
every canine pal has a cool characteristic or combination of features that sets them apart
from the pack. In this edition of Animal Facts, we’re highlighting our picks for the best looking
dog breeds in the world. 7. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler, one of the most muscular dog breeds,
may not have the prettiest face, but a Herculean physique more than makes up for that.
Descended from the Drover, a strong, reliable, Mastiff-type dog that once herded and guarded
cattle used by Roman soldiers for food, Rottweilers are deep-chested and thickly muscled
from their heads to their hindquarters. The average male stands between 24 and 27
inches at the shoulder and weighs between 110 and 130 pounds. Females typically stand
22 to 25 inches at the withers and weigh anywhere from 75 to 105 pounds.
Rotties have short, dense, black double coats with distinct brown markings on the brow, cheeks,
snout, chest, and legs. Unlike other breeds, the colors and markings of a Rottweiler do not
vary from dog to dog. They will always be black with brown patches in one of three shades—rust,
mahogany, and tan. A well-cared-for Rottie will have a shiny, healthy coat that further enhances
and defines their muscles. Just like any well-sculpted bodybuilder,
your Rottweiler will need a workout regimen that will keep
their muscles tight, toned, and flab free. Walks should last a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes,
supplemented by activities that build muscle. Stair climbing,
swimming, tug-of-war, and weight pulling are great for overall conditioning.
Fun Fact: While most Rotties are born with medium-length tails,
some are born with bobbed tails. 6. Saluki
Originally from the Middle East’s Fertile Crescent area, the Saluki is an ancient canine once thought
to be a gift from Allah—and it’s easy to see why. Salukis are a lean yet muscular breed,
blessed with long legs, a deep chest, and an angular head—all attributes of a streamlined
sighthound built for speed. Referred to as “the Noble” by Arab breeders, Salukis were a favorite
hunting dog of pharaohs and kings, such as Khufu and Alexander the Great, and used for hunting
game like gazelle, fox, jackal, and hare. The breed is split into two coat varieties,
smooth and feathered. Both coats consist of fine, silky hairs, but the feathered type
features wispy tufts on the ears, thighs, hocks, throat, and tail. This well-placed feathering
is the tipping point to an already graceful appearance and catches the wind like wings
as they run at speeds of up to 45 mph. Salukis need ample space to do what they were
born to do—run. A large yard that is 300 to 400 feet long and wide, with a fence that is at least
six feet high, will perfectly suit your gazelle hound’s (as they’re also called) need for speed.
If you can keep the pace, you’ll also find your Saluki to be a fantastic jogging companion.
Just keep your pal’s prey drive in mind and make sure he or she stays
on a leash. 5. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound could be called the supermodel of the canine world.
From its slender muzzle to its long legs, to its swan-like neck and fierce runway sashay,
the Afghan is always camera-ready. Afghans have a sumptuous coat of fine, silky hair
that floats about with their every move—it’s the canine equivalent of a human hair flip—and
although the most common coloring is golden or blonde, they come in white, black, red, brown,
and every shade in between. 4. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a large, athletic dog initially bred in Argentina for pit fighting
and hunting big game and predators such as boar, pumas, and mountain lions. A mash-up of several
breeds such as the now-extinct Cordoba, Great Dane, Boxer, and several types of Mastiffs,
Dogos are particularly stunning. They’re solidly built— deep-chested with broad,
slightly rounded skulls, square muzzles, and thick muscles from neck to hindquarters.
The Dogo’s crowning glory is a stark white coat that seamlessly highlights the contours of a
well-defined frame and makes them stand out from everything else around them. Some Dogos are born
with a black or brindle spot near or over an ear or eye that resembles a pirate’s eyepatch.
As a matter of fact, it’s called a “Pirata” (which is Spanish for pirate) and only adds a
touch of cool to their robust and intimidating, yet regal and dignified presence.
Fun Fact: About 10 percent of Dogos are born with some degree of pigment-related deafness, which is
relatively common in white dogs. 3. Irish Setter
Who says blondes have more fun? Not us. Case in point—the Irish Setter. Setters are smart,
playful, affectionate, redheaded, and stunningly beautiful.
They are a lean breed with deep chests, small waists, and moderately long,
double-layered coats made up of hair that is a rich, red, or chestnut color.
These lads and lasses also have natural feathering on the ears, chest, legs, tail, and body.
To keep your Setter’s coat looking healthy and luxurious, brush it three or four times a week,
following the hair’s grain. After brushing, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair
and get rid of any mats you may have missed when brushing.
Every three months, use your finger and thumb to pluck excess hair on the head.
Use thinning scissors to trim dead hair on the body, ears, feet, hocks, and tail.
Bathe your buddy at least once or twice a month, depending on how and where they spend
their playtime, and be sure to use a conditioner to replenish oils lost when shampooing.
Use a hand-held dryer to dry your dog’s coat, but be sure to keep the dryer in motion to avoid
burning the skin. 2. Pharaoh Hound
One would expect a canine descended from dogs that once hunted with ancient rulers
and depicted in Egyptian tomb paintings to have a distinct look,
but the Pharaoh Hound’s appearance is downright unique.
Undeniably exquisite and exotic, Pharaohs are lean, medium-sized dogs with long necks and legs,
as well as large ears that stand erect when they’re alerted or on the move.
Notable facial features include a keen muzzle, oval eyes, and a stoic expression.
Their coats come in several exquisite shades of bronze and may have white markings.
Pharaohs even have a piece de resistance when they want to lay on the charm—the
ability to blush. When they’re happy or excited, your Pharoah’s nose and ears may turn bright pink,
and in turn, you’ll be like putty in their paws.
Fun Fact: Some Pharoah parents take blushing a step further
by training their pups to “smile.” 1. Portuguese Water Dog
From the coast of Portugal to the coast of Newfoundland, to the White House,
the Portuguese Water Dog has earned its place as one of the hardest working breeds to aid in the
fishing industry and one of the most sought-after hypoallergenic breeds in the canine kingdom.
Although these are great selling points,
the Portie’s real claim to fame is the hair…it’s all about the hair.
Sure, Porties are powerhouses stacked with solid muscle atop a dense bone structure, but their
single-layer, low shedding coats are worthy of the attention they garner. These coats can come
in one of two varieties—curly or wavy. Curly coats consist up of tightly coiled, thick ringlets, and
the wavy type is comprised of hair that cascades into glossy ripples along their bodies.
To tame your Portie’s tresses, bathe your buddy every week to six weeks, depending on how much
mischief they’ve gotten into, and brush or comb them two to three times a week to keep their coat
mat and tangle-free. Popular cuts include the lion clip, in which the muzzle, front torso,
and rear are cut short, and the tail hair is shaped into a small pom-pom on the end.
The retriever clip involves trimming the hair to about an inch in length
and following the body’s shape. No matter what coif your canine gets,
how healthy their hair is depends on how much attention you give to it. If you adopt and adhere
to a regular grooming routine, your PWD will be a PYT…if you were born after 1994, Google it.
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