Least well-liked canine breeds in America

Popular culture presents the standard suspects in the case of canine companions. Golden retrievers, German shepherds, Labradors, and poodles, to call just a few, are simple to identify and title each on display and on sidewalks. Whereas nobody canine breed ought to get extra love than one other, human nature can lead us to play favorites. With 201 registered breeds, some inevitably fall to the underside.

To assist perceive what guides our decisions, Stacker broke down the 50 least well-liked canine breeds in America in 2024 primarily based on information launched by the American Kennel Club on March 19, 2025.

Some components that play right into a breed’s nationwide reputation—or lack thereof—are apparent: dimension, upkeep, allergy symptoms, disposition, and temperament. However title recognition is simply as necessary; take into account why Labradors, retrievers, and bulldogs are among the many hottest yearly, whereas a number of the least well-liked breeds had been solely formally acknowledged by the AKC prior to now 5 years. One other barrier to reputation will be entry—newer or much less frequent breeds have far fewer respected breeders, which limits the choices for making one of many lesser-known breeds part of your loved ones.

Preserve studying to find 50 lovable sorts of canine you could not have heard of.

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#50. Treeing walker coonhound

– 2024 reputation rank: #152 (up 3)

First bred in Virginia, these canine are Southern hunters by and thru. As soon as the canine timber its prey—normally a raccoon—it’s going to set free a particular bark to let its proprietor know the place to search out supper. These canine are nice with children, however not ultimate in case your family has different pets smaller than your prolific searching canine.

#49. Swedish vallhund

– 2024 reputation rank: #153 (down 15)

A breed no less than 1,000 years previous, this corgi relative has a definite function—its tail. Many Swedish vallhunds are born with out tails, whereas others have nubs or lengthy tails.

#48. Löwchen

– 2024 reputation rank: #154 (up 5)

Löwchen interprets to “little lion”—an applicable nickname for a breed that always sports activities a powerful mane. Löwchens are primarily companion canine, and their mild natures make them ultimate for work as remedy canine, as properly.

#47. Petit basset griffon Vendéen

– 2024 reputation rank: #155 (up 3)

Every phrase on this French breed’s title is related to the outline of this canine, which is small with brief legs and wiry coats that come from the Vendée area of France. As a real pack canine, this breed is happiest surrounded by different pets and members of the family.

#46. Lakeland terrier

– 2024 reputation rank: #156 (down 3)

Lakeland terriers are more and more uncommon. The small canine as soon as labored the Lake District in England, and they’re infamous burrowers. The primary president of the Lakeland Terrier Association claimed he had a Lakeland terrier that chased an otter right into a 23-foot burrow (and needed to be rescued because of this). Lakelands are largely hypoallergenic and bond with their households regardless of being of a extra independently minded breed.

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#45. Portuguese podengo pequeno

– 2024 reputation rank: #157 (up 6)

The official canine of Portugal was as soon as generally discovered on the ships of medieval Portuguese explorers. Today, these small canine can nonetheless be eager hunters however are simply as blissful being their homeowners’ greatest buddies. In Portugal, the breed is assessed into three dimension classes (small, medium, and huge) however in america, the Portuguese podengo has two sizes (massive and medium), which is a separate breed from the Portuguese podengo pequeno.

#44. Australian terrier

– 2024 reputation rank: #158 (down 2)

The Australian terrier is a frontier canine bred to be an exterminator of snakes and small mammals, even perfecting a “leap-twist-and-pounce” method. However, these candy canine need nothing greater than to play and preserve their homeowners blissful. Regardless of their good nature, this scrappy breed has a historical past of engaged on farms.

#43. Wirehaired vizsla

– 2024 reputation rank: #159 (down 17)

The wirehaired vizsla is an extremely trainable, disciplined, and delicate breed. Not solely was this breed the primary to develop into an American Kennel Membership quintuple champion, however vizslas are additionally one of many Transportation Safety Administration’s preferred bomb-sniffing dogs. For those who’re contemplating this breed, be prepared to offer your canine loads of train.

#42. Area spaniel

– 2024 reputation rank: #160 (down 13)

These canine had been primarily bred to be present canine and pets. Their fame as superior companions stays unchallenged, as they’re docile, loyal, and happiest by their human’s facet.

#41. Nederlandse kooikerhondje

– 2024 reputation rank: #161 (no change)

An actual sporting canine at coronary heart, Nederlandse kooikerhondje are recognized to be vigorous, self-confident, alert, and good-natured pups. Other than their lovely black-tipped ears, this “little white and orange dog with a big heart” can be a devoted furry pal, making them ultimate playmates to have within the residence—however in addition they do not thoughts exerting a few of their power outdoor, both.

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#40. Affenpinscher

– 2024 reputation rank: #162 (no change)

This breed has been described in French as “diablotin moustachu,” or a mustached little satan. The nickname is affectionate and has extra to do with the canine’s coat than persona. Affenpinscher interprets to “monkey terrier,” which is sensible, contemplating the breed is thought for its dexterity and talent to know issues with its entrance paws.

#39. Curly-coated retriever

– 2024 reputation rank: #163 (up 4)

These retrievers are recognized for his or her spectacular curly coats. Whereas they appear to be they have been crossed with poodles, curly-coated retrievers share no relation. As with all retriever breeds, these canine are loving, make nice household pets, and are desperate to please.

#38. Kuvasz

– 2024 reputation rank: #164 (up 9)

Hailing from Hungary, this was the chosen breed by King Matthias I. They’re extraordinarily loyal and can even sacrifice themselves to guard their people. The troubled king is believed to have trusted his beloved kuvasz greater than any human in his court docket.

#37. Scottish deerhound

– 2024 reputation rank: #165 (up 6)

The Scottish deerhound is a pleasant sufficient canine, however they love a very good chase—which implies a exercise for his or her homeowners. Taking part in fetch is not their forte, nonetheless, and neither is barking when a stranger is on the door.

#36. Berger Picard

– 2024 reputation rank: #166 (down 9)

These canine made excellent smugglers attributable to their distinctive coats. The breed was reportedly used to smuggle tobacco and matches throughout the Franco-Belgian border. Furry pouches of tobacco can be strapped to shaved canine, who would then go unnoticed as they moved the contraband throughout the border.

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#35. American water spaniel

– 2024 reputation rank: #167 (up 1)

The American water spaniel is the state canine of Wisconsin. These candy searching canine had been bred to dive off boats after prey, making them a favourite for individuals who dwell within the Nice Lakes area of america.

#34. Sealyham terrier

– 2024 reputation rank: #168 (up 1)

These white terriers had been bred particularly to hunt small sport like badgers, otters, and pheasants. Even the breed’s white coat performed a job in its work as a superb searching companion. The stark shade permits the canine to face out in landscapes stuffed with brown and grey hues. Sealyham terriers are recognized for his or her fearlessness and outgoing nature and may make nice household pets so long as they’re evaded another, smaller pets who they’re prone to hunt.

#33. Pumi

– 2024 reputation rank: #169 (up 3)

The pumi originated in Hungary as far back as A.D. 800. Formally adopted by the American Kennel Membership in 2016, a pumi is definitely distinguished by its corkscrew curls and unbelievable intelligence. The breed’s historical past as a sheepdog within the Hungarian countryside makes pumi greatest suited to energetic, outside existence with a lot of consideration from their homeowners.

#32. Irish purple and white setter

– 2024 reputation rank: #170 (down 5)

Not as properly generally known as its cousin, the Irish purple setter, this breed nearly went extinct throughout World Battle I. They make glorious hunters (and enjoyable, high-energy household canine). They make nice companions within the outdoor, on hikes or bike rides.

#31. American English coonhound

– 2024 reputation rank: #171 (up 7)

American English coonhounds are believed to have a presidential origin story. Proof suggests George Washington was one of many first folks in America to personal these canine.

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#30. Puli

– 2024 reputation rank: #172 (down 8)

One false impression that has haunted the brilliant puli is that they’ve hassle with their eyesight. The truth is, the one eye challenge plaguing the herding canine is an unruly, lengthy mane that may impede imaginative and prescient if not trimmed. So long as you retain your puli well-groomed, its eyesight should not be an issue (though maintaining with the energetic, cussed breed is perhaps).

#29. Plott hound

– 2024 reputation rank: #173 (up 8)

This all-American breed was developed within the Smoky Mountains. German immigrant Johannes George Plott and his descendants had been liable for breeding these superior trackers. Plott hounds are greatest fitted to skilled canine homeowners, as they require constant coaching; with a agency chief, these canine could make fantastic household pets.

#28. Ibizan hound

– 2024 reputation rank: #174 (down 8)

Ibizan hounds had been as soon as owned by Egyptian pharaohs, however they’d nonetheless be proper at residence in your less-than-royal abode. These athletic canine make glorious pets—simply be certain they get loads of train to tire them out.

#27. Sussex spaniel

– 2024 reputation rank: #175 (down 1)

Sussex spaniels are talkers—and for good purpose. As a result of their brief legs preserve them so low to the bottom (they max out between 13 and 15 inches tall), these even-tempered, athletic canine bark and make different noises to alert hunters to their whereabouts.

#26. Glen of Imaal terrier

– 2024 reputation rank: #176 (down 6)

The breed originated when Queen Elizabeth I’s troopers settled into the Wicklow area and intermixed their hounds with native terriers, which resulted in these candy fluff-balls. They make nice household pets however could also be too sturdy for younger kids to play with.

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#25. Irish water spaniel

– 2024 reputation rank: #177 (no change)

The Irish water spaniel is the tallest of all of the spaniel breeds. These canine are adept swimmers with water-repellent fur. Irish water spaniels are recognized for being downright clownish regardless of their working roots.

#24. Entlebucher mountain canine

– 2024 reputation rank: #178 (up 5)

Entlebucher mountain canine can most frequently be discovered working within the mountains of Switzerland from the place they originate. A cousin of the Bernese mountain canine, it may be troublesome to inform the 2 breeds aside.

#23. Skye terrier

– 2024 reputation rank: #179 (up 6)

Skye terriers love their homeowners however will be fairly ambivalent about everybody else. These regal animals had been a favourite of Queen Victoria’s and have working canine roots.

#22. Dandie Dinmont terrier

– 2024 reputation rank: #180 (up 6)

The Dandie Dinmont terrier acquired its title from Sir Walter Scott’s 1815 novel “Man Mannering.” The diminutive canine are recognized for his or her outstanding poofs of hair atop their heads, in addition to their comparatively mild-mannered temperaments.

#21. Polish lowland sheepdog

– 2024 reputation rank: #181 (up 12)

The Polish lowland sheepdog is a real hero of a breed. Throughout World Battle II, a Polish lowland named Psyche is claimed to have warned folks in Warsaw when bombs had been going to drop. These pups are happiest once they have jobs, making them extremely trainable and desperate to please.

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#20. Chinook

– 2024 reputation rank: #182 (down 3)

These sled canine are named after the canine that began their line. Breeder Arthur Walden crossed his canine Chinook with a inventory husky to create the breed. Sadly, Chinook was later lost during an expedition to Antarctica. These canine are wonderful household pets, recognized for his or her mild nature and extreme affection.

#19. Harrier

– 2024 reputation rank: #183 (up 7)

A member of the hound group, these hearty little pooches are generally mistaken for beagles. Though they’ve a historical past as hunters, that is one breed that has tailored superbly to life as a household pet. Harriers normally love kids, however their power may make them a bit an excessive amount of for youthful children to deal with.

#18. Norwegian buhund

– 2024 reputation rank: #184 (down 9)

Generally known as the canine of the Vikings, the Norwegian buhund is an historic breed. The canine’s historical past of driving shotgun with the Vikings continues. These are hardworking canine which are readily capable of assistance on the farm or assist handle a household. They’re fairly talkative, nonetheless, and their lush coats make for lots of shedding.

#17. Pharaoh hound

– 2024 reputation rank: #185 (down 9)

Malta’s nationwide canine is a favourite in america as properly. This dynamic breed is phenomenal at searching rabbits and requires a tall fence to maintain the high-jumper from straying.

#16. Komondor

– 2024 reputation rank: #186 (down 6)

There’s simply no getting round the truth that a komondor’s fur appears an terrible lot like a mop. However there is a good purpose for that: Their coats act as camouflage in order that they will mix in with sheep and shock any wolves that get too shut.

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#15. Cesky terrier

– 2024 reputation rank: #187 (up 5)

The American Kennel Membership claims that, as of 2017, there were only around 600 Cesky terriers within the U.S. This calm terrier breed could also be uncommon stateside, however those that have the privilege of being a Cesky proprietor probably know that they are eager hunters and keen agility rivals.

#14. Pyrenean shepherd

– 2024 reputation rank: #188 (down 1)

World Battle I introduced these small sheepdogs out of the mountains and into the conflict zone. The breed served as couriers, led search-and-rescue missions, and labored facet by facet with troopers.

#13. Lancashire heeler

– 2024 reputation rank: #189 (not relevant)

After incomes official AKC breed recognition in 2024, Lancashire heelers ended the yr close to the underside of the recognition rankings. Regardless, these energetic pups are usually a success with their homeowners—clever and extremely affectionate, the brief, sturdy Lancashire heeler is bred to work with cattle however is up for something.

#12. Belgian Laekenois

– 2024 reputation rank: #190 (up 5)

This uncommon breed was solely formally acknowledged by the American Kennel Membership in 2020, though it’s thought to have originated within the Eighties as a Belgian herding dog. The Laekenois was used as a messenger canine throughout each the World Wars and was even targeted by Hitler. There are at present solely about 1,000 Laekenois worldwide.

#11. Cirneco dell’Etna

– 2024 reputation rank: #191 (down 7)

First acknowledged by the AKC in 2015, this historic breed’s title means “canine of Cyrene (Libya).” These agile canine have outstanding instincts for searching—particularly in the case of rabbits.

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#10. Azawakh

– 2024 reputation rank: #192 (up 4)

The dearth of Azawakh reputation within the U.S. is attributable to its rarity, recency, and unfamiliarity within the states. The African sighthound traces its origins to historic occasions on the continent’s western area, roaming the Sahara alongside nomads. The first Azawakh arrived in America in the 1980s, birthing the primary home litter by the top of the last decade. The AKC categorized them as “miscellaneous” in 2011, after which they joined the official Hound Group in 2019.

#9. American foxhound

– 2024 reputation rank: #193 (down 11)

Because the state canine of Virginia, American foxhounds are a beloved searching breed and originated from canine introduced over to the American colonies. These canine are notably useful throughout search-and-rescue missions, due to their eager sense of odor. They’re additionally nice with kids, a few of whom even discovered to stroll whereas holding onto the breed’s tail.

#8. Finnish spitz

– 2024 reputation rank: #194 (no change)

Taimyr wolves dwell on by the Finnish spitz. The traditional breed of wolves is extinct, however DNA analysis has proven that they had been no less than partly liable for the existence of those champion barkers with a foxlike look. These good canine are quick learners, however they’re additionally crafty and can discover methods to problem their trainers.

#7. Canaan canine

– 2024 reputation rank: #195 (down 4)

Canaan canine have a wealthy historical past relationship again to Biblical occasions. Earlier than the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, Canaan canine herded sheep and different livestock. After their homeowners had been pushed out of their homeland, the canine fled to the desert the place they lived undomesticated till the twentieth century.

#6. Otterhound

– 2024 reputation rank: #196 (down 7)

There are stated to be fewer than 350 otterhounds at present in america and fewer than 1,000 worldwide. These canine make nice pets attributable to their even temperaments and pleasant nature, however their thick double coats require no less than weekly brushings.

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#5. Sloughi

– 2024 reputation rank: #197 (up 3)

Sloughi homeowners have been loyal to their canine since historic occasions—no less than if the maxims are to be believed. These elegant animals have discovered favor with royals all through historical past. They are saying the breed might have arrived in Europe by the Berber cavalrymen that got here together with Hannibal as he crossed the Alps.

#4. Norwegian lundehund

– 2024 reputation rank: #198 (no change)

Norwegian lundehunds boast two uncommon traits that make them expert at sniffing out puffins. These curious pups have six toes on every foot that appear to have developed to assist them navigate slippery rocks. They’ll additionally fold their ears shut—which protects them from water and helps out when crawling right into a puffin burrow.

#3. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

– 2024 reputation rank: #199 (down 2)

This newly acknowledged French breed is uncommon in america due to its breeding problem. House owners of those searching hounds report they’re quiet, family-friendly companions that require vigorous day by day train to work off their big quantities of extra power. Their title can be descriptive, roughly translating “large, low, shaggy dog of the Vendée.”

#2. Bergamasco sheepdog

– 2024 reputation rank: #200 (down 12)

These sheepdogs have immediately recognizable coats of lengthy, curly fur that must be well-groomed. For those who’re up for the duty, then this Italian breed is ideal for energetic households with huge yards.

#1. English foxhound

– 2024 reputation rank: #201 (down 2)

In contrast to many searching canine breeds, English foxhounds nonetheless have not fully caught on as companion canine within the conventional sense. Usually, these canine are saved by hunters and dwell in packs educated to chase foxes.

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