When you’re walking through the American neighbourhood, you’ll spot the usual suspects. You might see Golden Retrievers bounding through yards or the French Bulldogs shutting down the sidewalks, and the German Shepherds standing as guard dogs.
But what about the dog breeds that rarely catch your attention and are not so common? The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized around 201 dog breeds, yet some remain invisible in the United States. These rare breeds are treasured by the few lucky enough to find them.
Many were bred for specific purposes in distant lands, and they carry history in their genes. Others face challenges from limited breeders, geographic isolation, or simply remain overshadowed by the most popular dog breeds. Still, these rare dog breeds have unique traits that you’ll discover here.
These dogs are excellent companions for dog lovers. Whether you want perfect hunting dogs, athletic dogs, or the gentle herding breeds with webbed feet, you have the list now to choose from.
Dog Breeds That Are Rare in the US
1. Norwegian Lundehund
Norway’s coastline birthed the most extraordinary hunting dog breed that’s rare. They rank as the most uncommon dog breeds. These remarkable dog breeds have six toes on each foot, which gives them a good grip on treacherous cliff faces where they are found hunting small game.
Their double coat protects them against harsh Nordic weather, and their erect ears can close to prevent water and debris entry.
They are one of the rarest dogs as they have more toes than other breeds. They can tilt their head backward to touch their spine due to extraordinary neck flexibility.
These dogs developed an independent streak that’s important for exploring the dangerous terrain. They deeply bond with the owners as a family dog.
2. Cesky Terrier
Less than a few hundred are registered annually in the U.S., with only five breeders in the whole country, which makes them a rare dog breed. Unlike many terriers that are known for their feisty attitudes, they bring a calm demeanor to your family.
Their soft, wavy coat typically comes in shades of gray ranging from charcoal to platinum. They stand tall up to 13 inches at the shoulder and are perfect small animals and compact companions.
Their short legs and sturdy body shows that they are real hunting dogs to work in the Czech forests. You’ll have to regularly brush their coat, and they might also need professional grooming depending on the condition. However, their food requirements are moderate due to their small size.
These rare breeds are perfect at adapting to the environment. They have a friendly nature that makes them a great pet, full of intelligence.
3. Azawakh
The West African sighthound is one of the most elegant creatures on Earth. They originate from the countries of Burkina Faso, Mali and niger and have bloodlines that stretch back thousands of years through the Sahel region of Africa.
This dog breed has grace in their movement, and when they lean with their athletic frame that’s built for speed, you can adore them. Their energy levels require them daily exercise to maintain their mental and physical health. Long runs, off-leash play in good areas help them stretch their legs to satisfy their movement desires.
They love to be in homes where experienced dog owners are ready to lift them up and allow them to live freely with their independent nature.
4. Belgian Laekenois
Among the four Belgian Shepherd breeds, this rare breed is the most mysterious one that only recently gained AKC recognition in the U.S.
They have a balanced temperament that combines their protective instincts with genuine affection for their families, as Purina mentions. They remain alert to their surroundings and are gentle with children.
Their rarity in America means finding reputable breeders requires research and patience. This breed’s rough tousled coat gives them the distinctively rustic appearance that shows that they come from the working class.
Unlike the smooth coats of Malinois, Laekenois have a wiry and weatherproof double coat that protects them during long days herding the livestock in challenging climates.
5. Sloughi
It is recognized by the AKC and is still the rarest dog. These perfect sighthounds developed with the Berber Tribes across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Their smooth coat comes in shades of cream, fawn, and brindle with a texture that feels like silk beneath your fingers.
Their lean build and long legs tell about their speed and history. They are gentle with family members, and they are not too demanding. They are also good in energy and become quiet at times when needed; this way, their balanced personality makes them great.
These dogs need fenced and secure areas where they can do regular exercise and run safely. If you want to train them, you need to be patient as they are perfectly conscious about themselves and have a lot of things going on in their heads.
6. American Foxhound
Their status as hunting dogs to pursue foxes made them perfect and determined athletes. They are high in height than their English Foxhound cousins. Their short coat is dense, providing them protection without interfering with their motion.
These hounds have voices that carry for miles. Their vocal nature makes them less suitable for apartment living and urban areas. These dogs have a genetic legacy of hounds that the early colonists brought with them.
They have a friendly and positive nature and are wonderful companions for active families. They genuinely make bonds with their family and are with them in thick and thin.
7. Pyrenean Shepherd
The Pyrenean Shepherd brings centuries of herding expertise to American homes, though their rarity means most people have never seen these remarkable working dogs. The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small breed French herding dog with a highly intelligent & sensitive temperament.
These compact powerhouses come in two coat varieties, like rough-faced and smooth-faced. Each adapts to different aspects of mountain work. Their weather-resistant double coat protects against harsh alpine conditions while allowing freedom of movement essential for their herding duties.
Despite their small size, they have incredible stamina and agility that allows them to work all day in terrain that would challenge much larger dogs.
Pyrenean Shepherds’ intelligence helps in reading sheep behavior and anticipating problems before they develop. This same intelligence creates dogs that form deep bonds with their families and maintain the independent thinking that’s useful for making decisions without human guidance.
8. Harrier
Standing perfectly between the compact Beagle and the larger English Foxhound, Harriers represent the ideal middle ground for families seeking a medium-sized hound with exceptional hunting abilities. The Harrier is a medium-sized hound dog that’s been used since the mid-13th century primarily to hunt hares.
These athletic dogs have the stamina and determination that they need for following hare trails across challenging terrain. They maintain the gentle nature that makes them perfect family pets.
Their coat remains short and weather-resistant and requires minimal grooming, and provides adequate protection against various weather conditions. Colors are traditional hound patterns of tricolor or combinations that create distinctive markings.
9. Sussex Spaniel
Sussex Spaniels were originally bred for hunting small game in dense cover, which is why they developed a methodical approach that makes them flawless in challenging conditions. This background created dogs that think before acting, approaching problems with patience rather than impulsiveness. Their calm nature makes them excellent companions for families seeking dogs that bring peace rather than chaos to their homes.
Training Sussex Spaniels requires you to know their thoughtful nature and respect their need to process information before responding. They show eagerness to please, along with gentle stubbornness that makes sessions interesting rather than frustrating.
Conclusion
These nine extraordinary, rare dog breeds represent just a fraction of the incredible diversity waiting to be discovered in America’s dog world. Each brings unique qualities developed through centuries of careful breeding for specific purposes. Finding reputable breeders takes patience and research, and understanding their specific needs becomes important for you to create a good relationship.
