1. The Lurcher isn’t a recognized breed, but a cross between a Greyhound and another breed – typically a Terrier, herding dog, or a large scenthound. The most common crosses are the Greyhound/Collie and Greyhound/Terrier. Due to such variability in parentage, Lurchers come in an impressive range of sizes and can weigh from 35 to 100 pounds. However, the average height is 22 to 28 inches, and the average weight is 60 to 70 pounds. The Lurcher has long straight legs, a deep chest, small high-set ears, and small dark eyes. Coat colors vary widely, and there are both short- and long-haired varieties.
   
   Lurchers are energetic, affectionate dogs that were bred to hunt rabbit and hare. They are fast and agile like most sighthounds, with strong hunting instincts. These dogs are quick learners, obedient and gentle, and do best with active families that spend a lot of time outdoors.

1. The Pyrenean Shepherd, Pyr Shep for short, also has an even fancier French name: Berger des Pyrénées (pronounced ber-JAE day pyr-ray-NAE). The Pyr Shep is the traditional working companion of the larger Great Pyrenees. The two breeds work together to help shepherds with their sheep or other livestock.
   
   The Pyrenean Shepherd is rarely seen outside his native France, but the breed is highly valued there as a devoted family dog. Even though these dogs are relatively small (average size is from 15 to 20 inches at the shoulder and between 15 and 32 pounds), they are considered among the best canine herders and guarders, as they are both determined and fearless. Pyr Sheps are high-energy dogs and very alert, so they can be a handful without a job to do.

1. The Silken Windhound is a member of the sighthound family and is a rare American breed. This dog is small to medium-sized and has a moderately long, silky coat. It is a descendant of the Borzoi and also has Whippet and Shetland Sheepdog in its ancestry. The Silken Windhound’s beautiful coat comes in a wide combination of colors and markings.
   
   These dogs are affectionate, playful, and good with children. Like all sighthounds, Silkens are excellent racers, but they are also great candidates for agility, therapy, obedience, and flyball. They range in height from 18 to 24 inches at the shoulder, and from 22 to 55 pounds in weight, with females being lighter than males. The average lifespan of a Silken is from 14 to 18 years.

1. The Spanish Greyhound or Galgo Español, is an ancient breed and member of the sighthound family. Galgos, as they are commonly known, look similar to Greyhounds, but their conformation is actually quite different. This breed is built higher in the hindquarters and has flatter muscling than a Greyhound. Galgos are also typically smaller, lighter, have longer tails, and a very long, sleek head that makes the ears stand out. This dog’s chest also isn’t as deep as a Greyhound’s. Galgos come in two coat types, smooth and rough, and a variety of colors and coat patterns.
   
   This breed is known to be affectionate with his family but standoffish with strangers. Hunting rabbits and hares is what these sighthounds were born to do, but these days they serve more as companions. Galgos are rarely found outside of Spain.

1. The giant Tosa goes by many names, including Tosa Ken, Tosa Inu, Japanese Fighting Dog, Japanese Mastiff, and “Sumo wrestler” of the dog world. The Tosa has been bred for hundreds of years in Japan, sadly, as a fighting dog. It is a cross of the Kochi, which is a native Shikoku fighting dog, and Western breeds including the German Pointer, Mastiff, Great Dane, Bulldog, St. Bernard, and Bull Terrier. The Tosa is a rare breed, even in Japan, and has only recently been introduced in the U.S. It is banned in some countries as dangerous, but with the proper handling, socialization, and training, the Tosa can be a great family dog.
   
   The average weight for U.S. Tosas is 120-170 pounds for males, and 90-140 pounds for females. In Japan, the dogs are smaller at about 66 to 88 pounds.