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"
