The French Bulldog continues to top the American Kennel Club’s rankings as the most popular dog breed in America, ending the messenger dog, Labrador Retriever’s 31-year-long uninterrupted era. Before the Labrador Retriever, the Cocker Spaniel topped the list for 23 consecutive years, being the ’80s talk of the town.
Internet is flooded with the search “What is the most popular dog breed in America?” But have you ever wondered about the least popular dog breed? Some dog breeds might not be so popular in the U.S, but they are still loved and make wonderful family pets.
It is worth mentioning that these breeds are not unpopular because of their bad personalities. Many of them are too rare or unknown, so people are unfamiliar with them or have never seen them. We have prepared a list of these wonderful dogs for you.
Have a look at 7 lesser-known breeds in the United States that are recognized by the AKC.
Least Popular Dog Breeds in America
1. Sloughi
Breed Overview
Height: 24 to 29 inches
Weight: 50 to 65 pounds
Breed Group: Hound group
Temperament: Loyal, aloof
Originating from North Africa, the Sloughi tops the list of least popular breeds. Since 2022, it has dropped two spots in popularity. The Sloughi is also known as the Arabian Greyhound. They were originally bred as hunting dogs, but today they are popular as family pets.
According to the AKC, the Sloughi is a lean and swift dog with an ancient lineage. It is a sighthound that was used to hunt small game such as hare, fox, and gazelle. Having big and dark eyes, Sloughi stands around 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder.
They have a short coat. Coat colors may vary from light sand to mahogany red-fawn. The coat can be with or without black markings, with no invasive white markings. Soughis have a gentle nature.
Soulghis have introverted personalities, initially reserved but loyal at heart. With high energy levels and great stamina, they make wonderful jogging companions. Soulghis need a lot of exercise every day.
2. Cirneco dell’Etna
Breed Overview
Height: 16.5 to 19.5 inches
Weight: 17 to 26 pounds
Breed Group: Hound group
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, loyal, sweet
Hailing from Sicily, Italy, Cirneco (pronounced as CHEER-nay-ko) dell’Etna is an ancient breed. These are the loyal hound dogs with athletic personalities and the ability to move through rough terrain while hunting small prey. They were recognized by the AKC in 2015.
These dogs have sleek and muscular bodies with large ears pointing upwards. Coat colors include light to dark tan and chestnut. The amber or ochre colored eyes complement the coat. They are independent and good-natured dogs with a sweet temperament.
According to WebMD, these alert hunters share a close resemblance with their cousin Pharaoh hound, hailing from Malta. However, Cirnecos are a bit smaller in size and have a slightly square build. Pharaoh’s ears are more mobile than Cirneco’s high-set ears. Also, they do not have white anywhere on their body, unlike Cirnecos.
3. Finnish Spitz
Breed Overview
Height: 15.5 to 20 inches
Weight: 22 to 33 pounds
Breed Group: Non-sporting group
Temperament: Playful and affectionate, aloof with strangers
Finnish Spitz was originally bred for hunting and tracking. As its name indicates, Finnish Spitz hails from Finland. It has a unique bark called which it uses to alert the hunters of its prey’s location. Due to this, it has earned the nickname “Barking Bird Dog.”
They are wonderful family pets having playful personalities. These athletic dogs get along well with children. They are difficult to train due to their independent nature. However, rewards, food, and positive reinforcement turn them into well-behaved pups.
Finnish spitz is often confused with the more popular Shiba Inu. Both dogs are vocal, have a fox-like face, and a curled tail. However, PetMD explains that you can distinguish between the two based on their coats.
Finnish Spitzes have a compact build and longer coats that are usually red in color. On the contrary, Shiba Inus come in different colors. Moreover, unlike Finnish Spitzes, Shiba Inus originate from Japan.
4. Norwegian Lundehund
Breed Overview
Height: 12 to 15 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Breed Group: Non-sporting group
Temperament: Friendly, fun-loving, and protective
Norwegian Lundehund had the bottom spot in 2021, but now it is climbing the list, ranking third. This breed was on the verge of extinction in the 1960s, but now its population has been restored. It originates from Norway and belongs to the Spitz family.
Lundehunds are strong and athletic dogs perfectly designed to hunt puffins. They continue to have strong work ethics and enjoy having a job. Their intellect and versatility make them capable of a variety of jobs. They have also made it to dog shows due to their unique appearance.
Lundehunds have six toes on each foot. The extra toes provide more traction and grip that help them navigate rocky terrains. These dogs need moderate exercise to stay healthy and happy. An active 30-minute walk and some playtime will suffice.
5. English Foxhound
Breed Overview
Height: 24 inches
Weight: 60 to 75 pounds
Breed Group: Hound group
Temperament: Playful, affectionate, and social
The English foxhound has been among the 20 least popular breeds since 2009. They were specifically bred as hunting dogs and had once been popular in England for chasing foxes before this sport was banned. They have an excellent sense of smell.
These extremely intelligent pups are keen observers. English foxhounds are gentle and affectionate towards their families. They are loyal, sociable, and love being surrounded by people. They are friendly with other dogs, too.
English foxhounds are highly energetic pups and can be a little overwhelming around young kids, especially as puppies. According to PDSA, English foxhounds need 2 hours of exercise per day for physical and mental stimulation. Weekly grooming helps keep them clean and healthy.
6. Azawakh
Breed Overview
Height: 23.5 to 29 inches
Weight: 33 to 55 pounds
Breed Group: Hound group
Temperament: Loyal and athletic
Azawakh is another dog among the list of the least popular breeds. It is a West African sighthound hailing from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. They used to live with the Tuareg people of the Sahara desert. Azawakh serves as a companion, guardian, and a lure courser.
Their lean build and extreme agility make them perfect for hunting fast prey like gazelles. They are devoted and affectionate towards their families. Azawakh’s intelligence makes it a fast learner and a good fit for dog sports. Azawakh is an athletic dog.
Azawakh is a sweet-tempered dog with lots of energy. Keep them in homes with securely fenced yards so that they can roam freely and spend at least some of their energy. They need one to two hours of physical activity every day.
7. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Breed Overview
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
Breed Group: Herding group
Temperament: Clever, lively, and confident
Polish Lowland sheepdog is a herding dog that loves working hard. It is a confident and clever dude with a shaggy coat. Although they are less known in the U.S., they are quite popular in their native country, Poland.
Since it is an athletic dog, it is ideal for pet parents with active lifestyles who can make sure their exercise needs are met. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are nicknamed “Polski Owczarek Nizinny (PON).” PONs are medium-sized dogs standing around 20 inches tall at the shoulder.
PONs have muscular and stocky bodies. Their rectangular bodies are covered with a double coat from head to toe. They have high grooming needs as the fur needs to be brushed every day. The head’s perfuse coat covers the eyes that give a keen and penetrating gaze.
Conclusion
Apart from those mentioned in the article, some other less popular breeds include: Belgian Laekenois, Bergamasco Shepherd, Pyrenean Shepherd, Sealyham Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terrier, and Grand Basset Griffon.
These breeds are less known due to their rarity and uniqueness. Consider yourself lucky if you ever come across any of these breeds. Just like other dogs, these breeds also deserve all the love and attention.
