Why do we love dogs so much? It could be their unconditional love, never feeling alone in their presence or just having somebody to talk to (sort of). Nothing brightens a day like an encounter with a great dog. Maybe it’s a chance encounter on the street, maybe you are visiting a friend with a new puppy. Better yet, you could be getting your own new addition to the family. With that in mind, we decided to compile a list of lesser-known dog breeds to look out for.
Here are 21 of the best dog breeds (best small dog breeds) for owners who want something a little different. Once you land on a breed, pick a cute name to match from our selection of 120. From pop culture dog names, specifically male dog names, specifically female dog names, to the classically popular dog names – they’re all there and ready to be used on your next furry companion.
Underrated & Best Dog Breeds
Thai Ridgeback
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Thai-Ridgeback-668x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Nederlandse-Kooikerhondje-667x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Finnish Spitz
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Finnish-Spitz-667x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
American Indian Dog
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/American-Indian-Dog-667x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Spinone Italiano
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Spinone-Italiano-870x667-1.png/w=9999)
Siberian Husky
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Siberian-Husky-664x667-1.png/w=9999)
Brittany
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Brittany-667x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Bergamasco
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Bergamasco-836x667-1.png/w=9999)
Miniature Australian Shepherd
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Miniature-Australian-Shepherd-667x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Weimaraner
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Weimaraner-667x667-1.png/w=9999)
Pomsky
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Pomsky-667x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Pharaoh Hound
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Pharaoh-Hound-834x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Nova-Scotia-Duck-Tolling-Retriever-2-936x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Leonberger
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Leonberger-666x667-1.png/w=9999)
Berger Blanc Suisse
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Berger-Blanc-Suisse-667x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Chesapeake-Bay-Retriever-667x667-1.png/w=9999)
Chihuahua / Pit Bull Mix
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/ChihuahuaPit-Bull-mix-667x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Portuguese Podengo
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Portuguese-Podengo-834x667-1.jpg/w=9999)
Samoyed
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/Samoyed-664x667-1.png/w=9999)
Vizla
![](https://www.bosshunting.com.au/cdn-cgi/imagedelivery/izM8XxyLg9MD6py1ribxJw/www.bosshunting.com.au/2020/05/VIZsla-837x667-1.png/w=9999)
Images sourced from the legendary The Dogist