Otterhound

VetStreet.com: 11 Unusual Breeds You'll See at Westminster

The large, shaggy Otterhound is an extremely rare breed whose oily coat can be difficult to keep clean. Bred to hunt otters in Great Britain, the water-loving breed has large webbed feet to help him swim.

(Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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Affenpinscher The mustachioed little devil, as the Affenpinscher is nicknamed in France, has a bold manner that makes him a favorite of people who want a small dog with a “big dog” attitude. He has a rough coat with a “cape” at the neck and shoulders, Groucho Marx eyebrows, and a beard. The "monkeylike" breed gained lots of fans at the 2012 National Dog Show, where one named Joe made it to the Best in Show round for the third year in a row.

(Nick Ridley, Animal Photography)

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Westminster Dog Show Preview: And the Favorite Is…
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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Bedlington Terri... Beneath his gentle, lamblike appearance, the Bedlington Terrier has the heart of a lion. He is one of the more unusual terrier breeds, with his crisp and curly coat and somewhat relaxed nature. Well, relaxed for a terrier. His unique hairstyle may look simple, but it is not for beginners. Frequent bathing and heavy conditioners are not recommended because they will soften the coarse coat.

(Ron Willbie, Animal Photography)

More from VetStreet.com:
Westminster Dog Show Preview: And the Favorite Is…
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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Komondor With her corded white coat, the Komondor, a livestock guardian breed hailing from Hungary, resembles a dog-shaped mop. Her coat helps her blend in with her flock and protects her from weather extremes and the attacks of predators. The cords are naturally occurring and should develop by the time she is 2 years old.

(Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography)

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Westminster Dog Show Preview: And the Favorite Is…
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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Chinese Crested With her graceful, fairy-tale look, the Chinese Crested can't be mistaken for any other breed. When she goes out, her bare skin needs protection from the sun, which means canine clothes and sunblock. Fun fact: Both varieties of the Crested (the hairless and the Powderpuff) can be born in the same litter.

(Eva-Maria Kramer, Animal Photography)

More from VetStreet.com:
Westminster Dog Show Preview: And the Favorite Is…
10 Popular Dog Breeds That NEVER Have Won Westminster
10 Trendiest Dog Names of 2013

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Ibizan Hound The Ibizan Hound originated on Spain’s Balearic Islands (Ibiza being one of them), where she was used to hunt rabbits. She stands out for her large, erect ears and pink nose. She thinks for herself, steals food whenever and wherever it’s available, chases prey at every opportunity, and can flat-foot jump a five-foot fence.

(Ron Willbie, Animal Photography)

More from VetStreet.com:
Westminster Dog Show Preview: And the Favorite Is…
10 Popular Dog Breeds That NEVER Have Won Westminster
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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Dandie Dinmont T... The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has several characteristics that give him a unique look: his long, low body, a large head with a silky topknot, a "scimitar" tail, and coat colors described as "pepper" and "mustard." The Dandie takes his name from Dandie Dinmont in Sir Walter Scott’s "Guy Mannering."

(Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography)

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Westminster Dog Show Preview: And the Favorite Is…
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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Dogue de Bordeau... The handsome Dogue de Bordeaux turns heads wherever he goes. This relative of the Mastiff is characterized by his massive head, muscular body and deeply wrinkled face. The breed's coat is short and fine and can be any shade of fawn from light to dark red.

(Nick Ridley, Animal Photography)

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Westminster Dog Show Preview: And the Favorite Is…
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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Xoloitzcuintli The Xoloitzcuintli's name is a combination of "Xolotl," an Aztec god, and "Itzcuintli," an Aztec word for dog. Besides his bare-naked body, the Xolo is distinguished by a lean, smooth head, a wrinkled brow and large, thin-skinned ears that stand erect.

(Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography)

More from VetStreet.com:
Westminster Dog Show Preview: And the Favorite Is…
10 Popular Dog Breeds That NEVER Have Won Westminster
10 Trendiest Dog Names of 2013

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Otterhound The large, shaggy Otterhound is an extremely rare breed whose oily coat can be difficult to keep clean. Bred to hunt otters in Great Britain, the water-loving breed has large webbed feet to help him swim.

(Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography)

More from VetStreet.com:
Westminster Dog Show Preview: And the Favorite Is…
10 Popular Dog Breeds That NEVER Have Won Westminster
10 Trendiest Dog Names of 2013

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Borzoi With his distinctive head and flowing, silky coat, the tall and slender Borzoi looks as if he's never set a paw outside a fashion shoot.

(Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography)

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Poodle We know the Poodle is a pretty common dog breed, but it's not every day that you see them strolling around with this wild haircut. While most family dogs don't get this kind of grooming, we see where the breed's frou-frou reputation comes from!

(allspice1, Flickr)

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Westminster Dog Show Preview: And the Favorite Is…
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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
New Breeds Debut... Check out which two newly recognized breeds have entered 2013's Westminster dog show.

(Westminster Kennel Club)