National Dog Day is a time to show our appreciation for the pooches in our lives, whether that’s taking them on a lovely, long walk in a new place or buying them a toy or treat. 

There are over 200 dog breeds recognised in the UK, but the most popular canines seem to get all the limelight – you can’t go too far without seeing a Labrador or a Pomeranian.

Each dog is lovely in their own right, but there is a huge possibility that you haven’t come across certain breeds in your lifetime. 

To showcase the underdogs, here are 10 dog breeds you may never have heard of before, let alone have seen in real life. 

From the ancient Chinese Crested pooch – a semi-hairless breed – and other furless pooches to those with so much hair you can’t see their face, there are a plethora of unusual, less common breeds out there.