Every dog enthusiast knows about such dog breeds as the Labrador Retriever, Poodle and Pug.

There are, however, quite a lot of dog breeds that are not so well known. Although these breeds are just as suitable to be a pet, very little people are aware that these breeds even exist. Below is a list of the dog breeds that are not as well known as other, more command, dog breeds are:

The Affenpinscher
Also referred to as an Affen, these small dogs are descendants of the Schnauzer breed. They have a relatively long shaggy coat, a square body and a round head. The lower part of their jaws are undershot and protrudes just underneath their short nose. They are usually seen with black or dark grey coats, although a fawn or red color is also acceptable.

The Affenpinscher gets along great with other dogs and household pets. These dogs are always busy investigating something that has peaked their curiosity. However, they can also be quite stubborn. They are fearless and courageous little dogs, and, if not trained from an early age, they will attempt to become the pack leader in their home. Affens’ are able to learn new commands quickly. They are not recommended for very young children, although older children are ideal.

Affenpinscher’s can live to be about 12 years old and will usually weigh around 8 pounds and be 10 – 15 inches tall.

The Anatolian Shepherd
This dog originates from Asia Minor and has proven to be very courageous as they were originally used for military and hunting purposes. The Anatolian is a large sized dog breed that has a short, fawn colored, coat with a black mask.

Although this breed is quite easy to train it is not a dog that is recommended for beginners. This dog can become quite possessive of its home and family, including children and natural protective instincts.

Anatolian Shepherd dogs can live up to 15 years and weigh between 90 and 150 pounds. They can also grow to be about 26 to 30 inches tall.

The Basenji
These small dogs originate from Northern Africa and are often referred to as the African Barkless Dog, because they do not bark. However, they do yodel, howl, growl or crow. They are muscular, medium sized dogs that were bred mostly for hunting. Their coat is usually red, black and tan or black and brindle in color.

The Basenji does not like taking baths nor do they like rainy weather and although they can be quite playful they should not be trusted around non-canine pets. These dogs are prey driven and very active. Their life expectancy is 12 years and they can grow to be 15 – 17 inches and weight 20 – 26 pounds.

The Boerboel
These very large, mastiff breed of dogs originate from South Africa, where they are bred to protect the home and farm as well as the children. They are found in tan, brindle and black coat colors with usually black masks.

These dogs are big and require an owner who has experience with big dogs. They are very gentle around children and other household pets but will defend their home against unknown animals and people. They are not suitable for apartment living as they require plenty of space to run around in. Most Boerboels can live up to 15 years and will usually weight between 100 and 200 pounds when they are 23 – 28 inches tall.

The Bouvier des Flandres
These dogs are powerful and impressive dog and have a massive head that has a heavy coat of fur around their face. Their shaggy coat is harsh and dry to the touch and usually comes in black, fawn, blonde, gray, or brindle colors.

Bouvier des Flandres dogs have a very calm personality and were initially bred as herders in France. Now they are mostly used for police and military purposes, as well as guide dogs for the blind as they are able to adapt to new environments quickly. They do not fully mature until the age of 2 years. They can grow to be 22 – 28 inches tall and weigh approximately 60 – 90 pounds.

The Asian Ovtcharka
Another mastiff type dog, the Asian Ovtcharka is a 4000 year old breed that is very loyal to its family and is also quite fearless. These dogs possess strong protective instincts and are excellent at being watchdogs.

They are good with children but should be supervised when around dogs that do not live in the same household. They require owners who are able to assert themselves as leaders of the pack. Their preferred environment is one in which they can be outside most of the time in a large back yard that is surrounded by a strong fence, as they like to be able to watch over their family’s territory.

The Asian Ovtcharka can weigh 88 – 176 pounds with a height between 24 and 32 inches and can live for about 14 years.

Photo Credit: fugzu