top of page
Search

The Five LEAST Popular Breeds in America (2024)

Writer's picture: Windsor ContributorWindsor Contributor

We have already covered the five most popular breeds in the US, but what about the least popular breeds? Less popular breeds are still amazing, they are often just not as universally suitable to most families, often needing specialized care. Or sometimes they're just rare!


Starting things off with the least popular (but super amazing) breed in America, the Sloughi!


200 - Sloughi

The Sloughi is a sleek and powerful sighthound that you're very unlikely to spot at your local dog park. Well muscled but extremely lean, most people who are not familiar with the breed think they are underfed, but they are bred to carry very little weight. In general, members of the sighthound group are less common, with two of the five on this list being among them!



199 - English Foxhound

The English Foxhound is one of only four recognized foxhound breeds. It is closely related to the American Foxhound. They are scent hounds, bred specifically to hunt foxes by scent. As time has passed and fox hunting has diminished, this breed has waned in popularity.



198 - Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund was a valuable working animal for hunting Puffins along the Norwegian coast as food for over 400 years. Industrialization and the global food trade has made this breed less necessary, but it persists both in Norway and abroad, mostly in the capacity of a companion.



197 - Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, also known as the GBGV, is a long-backed, short-legged hunting breed of dog of the hound type, originating in France. They are obligate pack dogs, so owners should either spend a lot of time with them or get a second dog or a cat. They have a happy and confident personality, which can sometimes manifest itself as disobedience. With obedience training and patience, they can make great companions.



196 - Azawakh

The Azawakh (No. 196) is a breed of sighthound from West Africa, named for the Azawakh Valley. Unlike other sighthounds, the primary function of the Azawakh in its native land is that of a guard dog. It develops an intense bond with its owner, and tend to be reserved with strangers. Azawakh have high energy and tremendous endurance. They are excellent training companions for runners. Many Azawakh dislike rain and cold weather. They are one of the rarest sighthounds in the world. You can view out Breed Spotlight on the Azawakh here.




This list is determined annually using AKC registration data. You can view the Top Five list here.









30 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


© 2023 by Windsor Animal Hospital (Florence, South Carolina), design by Chase Gartzke.

web2_2.png
web5_2_edited.jpg
ivpa-logo-blue-in-line-space-1024x309.png
bottom of page