Have you ever thought about sharing your life with a rare breed of dog? There are 200 different dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club and each is unique. To determine how common or rare a breed is, see American Kennel Club record for the number of registered dog breeds in the country. The fewer dogs registered, the rarer the breed is considered. The list is updated annually.
Top 10 rare dog breeds in 2022
- English foxhound: A large hunting dog developed for hunting in packs. These dogs hold strong hunting instincts. This is the 199th spot on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
The rarest breed in the United States, the English Foxhound is pictured here from the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Show. It is a large breed that weighs 60 to 75 pounds and is a member of the Hound Group. . © Kayla Bertagnalli - Lundehund Norway: A small Spitz breed from Norway, bred to hunt puffins. This unique breed has six toes and a neck that can be bent backwards. This is the 198th spot on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
As the second rarest breed in the US, Norwegian Lundehunds love attention and often excel at sporting events. They are a small breed, weighing 20 to 30 pounds and belonging to the Non-Sporting Group. © CaptureLight/Getty Images - Sloughi: This primitive hunting dog came from the deserts of North Africa. This breed was bred to run and requires a lot of exercise. These dogs tend to be wary of strangers. This is the 197th spot on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
- American Hound: A highly social and gentle hound that needs plenty of exercise and an outlet for their hunting motivation. This is the 196th spot on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
The state dog of Virginia, American Foxhounds can hunt alone, weighs 60 to 70 pounds, and is a member of the Hound Group. © DevidDO | beautiful pictures - Belgian Laekenois (Missing–in–wah): With their shaggy coat, these dogs are active herding dogs and are very protective of their families. This is the 195th place on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
The Belgian Laekenois was recognized by the AKC in 2020 and is a member of the Herding Group. They weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. © Shutterstock - Azawakh: This tall, lean breed is a West African pet dog with above-average energy levels, playfulness and a need for mental stimulation. This is the 194th spot on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
- Eagle: A friendly medium-sized hound. These dogs date back to medieval England, where they were used to hunt hares. These active hunting dogs maintain a strong hunting drive. This is at number 193 on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
Harriers, medium-sized members of the Hounds Group, weigh between 45 and 60 pounds and have thick necks and long tails with short, thick fur. © Pic Nicki1982/Getty - Spaniel Sussex: Affectionate, loyal and cheerful, the Sussex Spaniel is long and low to the ground with a deep chest. This is the 198th spot on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
A member of Sporting Group, Sussex Spaniels are independent, smart and hard workers. These short spaniels weigh between 35 and 45 pounds. © Kayla Bertagnalli, as photographed at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. - Cesky Terrier (flag-kee): Hailing from the Czech Republic, these hounds have a smooth wavy coat, and in addition to their strong hunting abilities, they make excellent family pets. This is number 191 on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
Short but muscular, the Cesky Terrier is one of the most cat-friendly breeds. Belonging to the Terrier group, they weigh only 14 to 24 pounds. © Tierfotoagentur | Alamy . Stock Photo - Pyrenean Shepherd Dog: These playful and energetic herding dogs have a shaggy, medium length coat. These interactive dogs love to play and excel at sports. This is number 190 on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
Pyrenean Shepherds are very fast. Can you keep it up? They are members of the Herding Group, weighing between 15 and 30 pounds. © Amanda Labadie.
Where can I find rare breeders?
The American Kennel Club maintains a folder of breed clubs across the country. These breed clubs have volunteers who will answer questions you may have about these dogs and where you can find reputable breeders. The AKC directory of upcoming events is a great resource to locate dog shows in your area and meet handlers and breeders, and meet rare breed dogs in person.
Why should I get a rare breed?
When looking to add a dog to the family, research the different breeds, their size, temperament, and their original purpose. Don’t limit your research to dog breeds you’ve met before or to breeds you see in your neighborhood. Just because a dog is popular, it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily right for your home and lifestyle.
One of the benefits of owning a rare breed can be the opportunity to find the ideal match for your family.
You are also helping to preserve the breed’s history and heritage. Rare chicken breeds are in danger of disappearing if people do not continue to conserve them. Another benefit of sharing your life with a rare breed is that people associated with the rare breed tend to be extremely passionate about their breed and are excited to connect and meet with others are related to their breed. This can give you a built-in community of friends and support when you bring a rare dog home.
