Try counting 10 dog breeds in your head that you think are one of the rarest dog breeds in the USA. I know you might have tried your best to go the extra mile just to make sure you win this one, but did your list include any dog named the Hovawart, the Xoloitzcuintli, or the Azawakh?
If not, then let me tell you that although you might have thought they were rare dog breeds, but still, they are still not one of the rarest dog breeds in the USA. In this article, we will shed light on some of the rarest breeds of dogs that are available in the USA.
Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Rare in the United States
1. Pyrenean Shepherd
The first dog that we are going to commence our list with is a herding dog commonly known as the Pyrenean Shepherd, but it is not so common in the USA. Pyreneans are usually believed to have been originally bred in France, where they are called Berger des Pyrénées. These dogs are famous for having a smooth coat of fur with silky hair, the length of which can vary in different cases.
Pyrenean dogs are active and athletic and are good at herding livestock and reindeer. These are energetic and love to play all day long with the people they love. Their dense coat of fur comes in a variety of colors that give them their iconic look, as per WebMD.
2. Cesky Terrier
The second spot in our list of rare dog breeds goes to the Cesky Terrier. It is a dog that is way rarer than you think, making a total of about only 600 in almost all of the United States, as per the AKC.
These dogs are usually small in size, but on the contrary, full of energy that keeps them charged all day long. This loyal dog is quite muscular and is believed to have come from Czechoslovakia, due to which they are also called the Czech Terrier.
Ceskies are an old breed that is believed to have been created in the late 1940’s but they entered the USA in the 1980s and were added to the American Kennel Club not until 2011. No doubt, its quantity is so less in America.
These dogs are small animals that can have a height above than 10 inches and can be seen with fur of different shades. They are also light weight that can be from 16 to almost 20 pounds in some cases.
3. Sussex Spaniel
The next breed of dog that is rare but also has a unique appearance is the Sussex Spaniel. The dog is as rare as the name shows, and can be highly energetic, even if they are a bit slower than usual in moving.
A special feature of this dog is that it is quite down to earth, and that is not in terms of attitude but in terms of stature, which is quite powerful. They have pig paws with hair in between the toes and thick hanging ears.
Sussex dogs are known for their very nice thick coat that is usually a double coat, with silky, straight or wavy hair, with a very beautiful golden liver color. This rare dog breed has a sturdy build with large bones, making them a good working dog with a height of 13 to 15 inches. This lesser-known breed is also not so heavy and falls in a weight category of about 50 pounds or more.
4. Harrier
The fourth breed in our list is a hunting dog that comes from England and is named the Harrier. Recognized back in 1885, this hound is a reliable country dog that was used to hunt rabbits and hares.
These dogs are laced with almost all the qualities of a scenting pack hound, making them a good search dog breed. Harriers are rare dogs that have a muscular physique, are full of energy, and exhibit a very friendly temperament around their trusted people.
Harrier is a rare dog breed in the USA that was known to be first imported into America in the early 1700s. But even after that, their number didn’t grow very well, and only about 949 Harriers were registered with the American Kennel Club from 1884 to 1994.
They have a nice build with about 19 to 21 inches that gives them some nice looks. They also don’t weigh much and only range from 45 to 65 pounds, which helps them move at a fast pace.
5. Azawakh
The list of rare dog breeds will stay incomplete until one of the most famous but rare dog breeds for hunting Azawakh, is added to it. This dog got its name from the place of its origin which is Azawakh Valley, a place in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
PetMD states that this is a muscular dog with a super lean physique and long legs, making them an ideal choice for hunting small game. These dogs are known to have been used to hunt hares, antelopes, and even Gazelles due to their fast pace and ability to run even in rugged plains.
Azawakh are dogs with a slender body and a light weight of 33 to 35 pounds that give them their characteristic look. These are tall dogs that are quite intelligent and are usually energetic with a fine coat available in a variety of colors, ranging from red to blue, black, or even brown. In terms of height, Azawakhs are tall, with an average height of about 23 to 29 inches.
6. American Foxhound
The next dog in our list of rare dog breeds is the official state dog of West Virginia, called as American foxhound. This dog has physical features similar to its close cousin English foxhound, and is usually used as a hunting dog.
This dog breed was raised in the USA in the 1700s by one of the most famous personalities in the history of the USA, that is, George Washington.
This rare dog breed is usually a quite athletic dog that has a lean physique, which enables them to run tirelessly at a very fast pace during their chases. Being the national dog of Virginia, this dog can also show some tantrums if proper exercise and training are not provided.
This tall dog breed has a very nice short coat and a height of about 21 to 24 inches. Being a hunting dog breed also doesn’t allow them to carry a lot of weight, and they usually weigh from 65 to almost 70 pounds in some cases.
7. Sloughi
The last but not the least rare dog breed on the list is the Sloughi. These dogs are also believed to have come from North Africa and are originally bred in areas of Morocco and Tunisia. This is also a hunting dog that is quite famous for its sturdy physique and fast running speed.
It is believed that this rare dog was bred by African Berbers to hunt wild boars, deer, gazelles, rabbits, hares, and other fast-running animals.
Sloughis are dogs of a medium size but have relatively long legs that are ideal for fast running. They have physical features related to a Greyhound, and they are known to be affectionate towards their pet parents. In terms of height, they can be from 26 to 29 inches tall, and talking about weight, they fall in the 50 to 62-pound category.
Conclusion
Dogs have been living with humans for thousands of years, and over the years, more advanced breeds have been created. People think we know almost everything about dogs, yet there are still dog breeds that are extremely rare, and experienced pet parents are required to raise them properly. The above-mentioned dogs are a very good example of the rare dog breeds that are available in the USA.
