10 Least Popular Dog Breeds
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
Do you know which dog breeds are the least popular? From the Komondor to Otterhounds, check out this surprising list of the least popular dog breeds.
The Least Popular Dog Breeds in North America
The American Kennel Association released their stats on the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and not surprisingly some all-time favourites topped the list. But, for all those common, popular breeds, there are the dog breeds that seem to drift into obscurity (and in some cases are on the brink of extinction). Here are the American Kennel Club’s top 10 least popular dog breeds.
1. English Foxhound
This medium-sized dog was bred primarily to hunt – you guessed it – foxes! A unique cross-breed, taking qualities from Greyhounds, Fox Terriers and Bulldogs, the English Foxhound is a fast, intelligent hunter. English Foxhounds are a friendly, energetic breed, and considered gentle with other pets and children, but aren’t terribly popular in North America. Perhaps our neighbours to the south prefer sticking with their very own American Foxhound.
2. Cesky Terrier
Mixing the beloved Scottish Terrier with the Sealyham Terrier has created this oddball breed, but don’t let their unusual look fool you: the Cesky is a quiet, calm dog, perfect for families craving a relaxed pet.
3. Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is actually a very unique animal: their joints twist and turn with great ease, making it easy for this breed to fit into tiny crevices. Making the Lundehund even stranger? They have an extra, sixth toe.
4. American Foxhound
Larger than the English Foxhound, the American Foxhound has a remarkable ability to sniff out prey, and can let loose a piercingly loud howl. These dogs are very active and require a significant amount of stimulation to keep happy, but are otherwise fun and loyal pets.
5. Harrier
These cute fellas are small-sized hound dogs, and their muscular appearance often means they are mistaken for beagles.
6. Dandie Dinmont Terriers
This Scottish bred terrier has a unique, dachshund-like body, and a fluffy pom-pom-like head, making for a very unusual looking pup. The Dandie Dinmont is also known to dig up gardens and lawns, so they’re great companions should you ever need to break out of prison.
7. Komondor
This big, shaggy, loveable beast may look like a mop, but he’s actually a Hungarian national treasure, and a loyal and loving pet. Bred to defend and herd livestock, the Komondor requires a large amount of space and stimulation, not to mention a patient owner willing to spend time maintaining their dog’s unique dreadlocks.
8. Otterhounds
Bred to hunt otters, these strong and fast pups have webbed feet. Sadly the Otterhound is an endangered breed (recent reports suggest less than 1,000 remain in their native U.K.)
9. Sussex Spaniels
Bred in England, Sussex Spaniels were at one point an endangered breed, but have since gone on to flourish in the United States. They are a calm, relaxed dog, and perfect for families.
10. Skye Terriers
A hunting breed, this small pup is so rarely bred it’s in danger of extinction. Despite their diminutive frame they enjoy walks in the park and regular exercise, but overstimulation as a puppy can cause damage and pose long-term risks to their body and bone development.
