Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America
Dogs are the most popular pets in America – deservingly, they are the most loved and affectionate furry friends, and their popularity as family companions never wanes. We all know what are the most popular dog breeds – and which evergreen breeds have been stealing hearts for decades back, but how about those lesser-known breeds? Which in particular are the rarest among them? Even if touting great qualities, some of these super rare breeds are simply hard to come by, and they are seldom seen.
Thanks to a survey conducted by the American Kennel Club ( AKC), we can now find out which dog breeds are as obscure as can be. Out of a list of 199 registered and accepted breeds, the AKC revealed the 10 rarest dog breeds in America.
Ultimately, the popularity of a certain breed should not be connected with their suitability as pets. After all, many factors contribute to that – a great deal of pet parents, myself included, are proud to share their lives with a mixed breed pooch and the fact that they’re not a certain breed doesn’t make them any less perfect. Your four-legged bestie might be a more popular dog breed, a rare purebred, a hybrid designer dog breed, or a cute mutt – they’ll steal your heart either way!
Don’t be surprised if you have never heard of some of these unique breeds. They are rare for a reason!
English Foxhound
Weight: 55-75 lb
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Group: AKC Hound
Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles, houses with yards, farms/rural areas, hunters
Temperament: Tolerant, gentle, friendly, companionable
Height: 23-25"
Norwegian Lundehund
Weight: 13-16 lb
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Group: AKC Non-Sporting Group
Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles and seniors, apartments, houses with/without yards
Temperament: Protective, alert, loyal, energetic
Height: 12-15"
Sloughi
Weight: 45-65 lb
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Group: AKC Miscellaneous Class
Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles, houses with yards, hunters
Temperament: Energetic, aloof, sweet, gentle
Height: 24-29"
American Foxhound
Weight: 40-65 lb
Lifespan: 11-13 years
Group: AKC Hound
Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles and seniors, rural/farm areas, hunters
Temperament: Well mannered, amiable, gentle, companionate
Height: 21-25"
Belgian Laekenois
Weight: 55-65 lb
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Group: AKC Miscellaneous Class
Best Suited For: Families with older children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards, watchdog, farms/rural areas
Temperament: Protective, intelligent, bold, energetic
Height: 22-26"
Azawakh
Weight: 33-55 lb
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Group: AKC Miscellaneous Class
Best Suited For: Families with older children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards
Temperament: Protective, loyal, intelligent, independent
Height: 23-29"
Harrier
Weight: 40-65 lb
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Group: AKC Hound
Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards, hunters
Temperament: Friendly, playful, amiable, outgoing
Height: 19-21"
Sussex Spaniel
Weight: 35-45 lb
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Group: Sporting Group
Best Suited For: Families with children, singles, seniors, apartments, houses with/without yards, hunters
Temperament: calm, friendly, loyal, easy going
Comparable Breeds: Clumber Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel
Height: 13-15"
Cesky Terrier
Weight: 13-23 lb
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Group: AKC Terrier
Temperament: Mild, reserved, calm, cheerful
Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles, active seniors, houses with yards
Height: 10-13"
Pyrenean Shepherd
Weight: 25-30 lb
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Group: AKC Herding
Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards
Temperament: Alert, energetic, obedient, easy to train
Height: 15-21"
