All over the world, people are brought together through their shared love of dogs. Check out this list of ten underrated dogs and consider getting one of these breeds the next time you’re thinking of getting a new dog. As a bonus, you can impress your friends with your newly extended repertoire of dog knowledge!

10. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are not only friendly and loving towards children, but they also act as great guard dogs! Not only that, but Newfoundlands are one of the only dogs to have webbed feet, alluding to their water dog past.

Fluffiness Rating: 8,  Perfect for cuddling on the couch

FUN FACT: Fishermen used to use them as water rescue dogs.

9. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are extremely affectionate, but they’re also extremely active. This is the perfect dog for super active, outdoorsy people. They love to play, but also make great watchdogs, as they tend to herd children together and are fearless when it comes to protecting their loved ones.

Fluffiness Rating: 7, the perfect hair for fluffing

FUN FACT:  Australian Shepherds are one of the only breeds of dogs to have heterochromia.

8. Plott Hound

Plott Hounds are fun and loving dogs who are great for families that love to play.  They’re super social and tend to be more mellow if allowed to socialize. Plott Hounds are not just cute but easy to train as they are one of the breeds suited for police work.

Fluffiness Rating : 3, they love those belly rubs

Fun Fact: Plott Hounds are the state dog of North Carolina.

7. Beagle

Beagles literally starred in the movie Underdog which featured a beagle superhero who could fly! What more do you need to know to realize how amazing these dogs are? Plus, they love to play outside but understand the importance of just chilling on the couch, showing both their playful and relaxed sides.

Fluffiness Rating: 5, they’re just so soft with a love of belly rubs

Fun Fact: In French, Beagle means loudmouth.

6. Maltipoo

Maltipoos are a mix of a poodle and a maltese giving it one of the funniest names and the cutest features with its soft curly hair and tiny bodies. These dogs barely shed which is really great for those who hate cleaning and they’re super friendly with everyone.

Fluffiness: 6, a tiny fluff ball

Fun Fact: They are the very definition of a “forever puppy”.

5. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are some of the fluffiest small dogs in existence and just plain adorable to look at. They love to cuddle with their owners but not so much with others. These dogs are one person dogs and perfect for living up the single life!

Fluffiness Rating: 9, so much fluff you can’t even see the dog

Fun Fact: They have purple tongues!

4. Dhole

Dholes are a type of wild fox dog, super cute to look at but not so cute to be near as they are carnivorous and can take down prey three times their size.  They live in packs and have one of the widest noise ranges for communication in the dog family. Unfortunately, they’re an endangered species as their habitats have become smaller and smaller every year.

Fluffiness Rating: 5, they’re very soft but not into petting

Fun Fact: Dholes can jump up to seven feet.

3. Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are like Chow Chows but ten times better as Tibetan Mastiffs are the ultimate indoor cuddle buddies who are devoted to their families. They’re also great at following orders and are prone to patrolling the yard when left outside. As a bonus, their manes give them the appearance of lions while being loving and sociable to most.

Fluffiness Rating: 10, the ultimate fluff dog

Fun Fact:  They are highly intelligent dogs and don’t typically need to be told anything twice.

2. Xoloitzcuintli

Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo dogs have one of the coolest names ever and are hypoallergenic due to their lack of fur.  These dogs are super affectionate but not great with children as the kids are often too rough. However, they were once believed to have healing powers and fit great in a purse.

Fluffiness Rating: 1, at least they’re hypoallergenic

Fun Fact: Xolo dogs are one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas.

1. Pit Bull

Pitbulls can be one of the most loving companions a person can have so long as it’s been bred properly. Pitbulls have a long history of violence in the past which led to them getting a bad reputation when in reality, it’s all a matter of upbringing. They love children and were once used as “ nanny dogs” so they make really great family dogs and can be very sociable.

Fluffiness Rating: 2, soft but lacking in the fluff department

Fun Fact: Snoop Dogg once had a kennel of 20 pitbulls.