West Highland White Terrier
Origin: Scotland
AKC Group: Terrier
Fun fact: A Westie is used as the mascot on Cesar dog food packaging.
Image via Thinkstock
American Eskimo
Origin: Germany
AKC Group: Non-sporting
Fun fact: Despite its name, this breed does not originate from Alaska or even North America. It is from Germany, but due to anti-German sentiment following World War II, it was given the name American Eskimo.
Image via Thinkstock
Great Pyrenees
Origin: France
AKC Group: Working
Fun fact: The breed also is commonly known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.
Image via HeartSpoon/Wikimedia
American White Shepherd
Origin: United States and Canada
AKC Group: Herding
Fun fact: The American White Shepherd is descended directly from the German Shepherd, which is why it looks exactly like a white German Shepherd.
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Bichon Frisé
Origin: Spain and France
AKC Group: Non-sporting
Fun fact: The Bichon Frisé was bred originally by Spanish sailors, but didn't achieve great popularity until it became trendy among 16th-century French royalty.
Image via Thinkstock
Komondor
Origin: Hungary
AKC Group: Working
Fun fact: These dogs are recognized for their distinctive corded coats. A Komondor is famously seen on the cover of Beck's 1996 album, "Odelay."
Image via Thinkstock
Bolognese
Origin: Italy
AKC Group: Toy
Fun fact: The Bolognese dog's origins go back thousands of years, yet they are a relatively rare breed and weren't introduced to America until around 30 years ago.
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Kishu
Origin: Japan
AKC Group: Working
Fun fact: Kishus are thousands of years old, but are seen outside of Japan very rarely. Only two breeders are known to operate outside of Japan. One is in the Netherlands and the other is in Texas.
Image via Motdakasha/Wikimedia
Japanese Spitz
Origin: Japan
AKC Group: N/A (not recognized by the AKC)
Fun fact: Japanese breeders developed the Japanese Spitz in the early 20th century by crossing other spitz breeds. The AKC does not recognize the breed currently because it is too similar to the American Eskimo.
Image via Kimyata/Wikimedia
Maltese
Origin: Malta
AKC Group: Toy
Fun fact: Famous owners of Maltese dogs included Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis.
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Dogo Argentino
Origin: Argentina
AKC Group: Mastiff
Fun fact: A relatively new breed, the Dogo Argentino was first bred in 1928 by Antonio Nores Martinez, who desired a dog that was equal parts hunting companion, guard dog and loyal pet.
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Samoyed
Origin: Russia/Siberia
AKC Group: Working
Fun fact: Commonly used as sled dogs, a Samoyed led the first human expedition to the South Pole.
Image via Thinkstock
South Russian Ovcharka
Origin: Russia/Ukraine
AKC Group: N/A (not recognized by the AKC)
Fun fact: This breed is known by many names, including Ioujnorousskaia Ovtcharka, South Russian Sheepdog, South Russian Shepherd Dog, South Ukrainian Ovcharka, Ukrainian Ovcharka and Yuzhak.
Image via CiaPan/Wikimedia
