Least Popular Dog Breeds: Top 5 Uncommon Canines, According To Experts
While some dog breeds have achieved widespread popularity and recognition, there exists a fascinating array of lesser-known canine companions that deserve attention. These underappreciated breeds often possess unique characteristics and endearing qualities that make them stand out from the crowd. Despite their lower profile, the least popular dog breeds have the potential to form strong bonds with dedicated owners and bring a sense of novelty and charm to the world of pet ownership just the same as any pooch.
It is important to note that this is not a hater’s list. Rather, this is a ranking of the dogs that are less common with pet owners, whether that be because of behavior, rarity, or a simple lack of awareness of the breed. These pups are not at the top of people’s minds when it comes to choosing a new furry friend, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make great pets, too.
These underappreciated canine companions possess unique characteristics and traits that often go overlooked in the shadow of more well-known breeds. Exploring the world of the least popular dog breeds not only sheds light on their individual charm but also showcases the vast diversity present within the canine kingdom.
It would seem that with dogs, people tend to play favorites. Labradors and Golden Retrievers receive near-universal love, but what about the breeds on the other end of the popularity spectrum? We turned to our sources to learn that the five least popular breeds are all hunting dogs that are well-loved by people that need an active pup. Please let us know your opinions on these canines in the comments below!
The List: 5 Least Popular Dog Breeds, According to Experts
1. Sloughi
According to Hepper, “The Sloughi is basically a North African Greyhound, as they’re incredibly fast sighthounds with long, slender bodies… These dogs are still used for hunting in certain North African countries, but they’ve never really caught on outside of that relatively narrow geographic window. If you decide to bring one home, make sure you have plenty of space, because these dogs need room to stretch out their legs and occasionally hit top speed.”
“Sloughi pups resemble a slightly smaller Greyhound. Breeders created these pups to be the perfect sighthound. These medium-sized dogs are known to have aided in fox hunts, along with hunting wild pigs, gazelle, jackals, and hares, in the North African deserts. While these pups are a hunting breed, the breed’s lean, sleek build can be regularly spotted at dog shows,” adds Pets.
The lowest ranked dog, in terms of popularity with the American Kennel Club [AKC] is the Sloughi. This is not to say that these are bad dogs in any sense, merely that they are poorly ranked on the popularity charts. “Pronounced ‘Sloo-ghee,’ the Sloughi is also known as the Arabian greyhound. This rare and elegant sighthound originates from the northern part of Africa and comes in three different colors and four unique markings. This dog is loyal to its people but known to be standoffish with strangers,” explains The Dog People.
The Dog People writes, “Wait, is that a beagle? Nope, but the Harrier is related ancestrally to both the beagle and the English foxhound. Like those hounds, the harrier was bred to hunt, and it retains a strong hunting instinct. Its a social, handsome dog that definitely needs a securely fenced yard.”
“The Harrier represents a middle-ground between English Foxhounds and Beagles, at least in terms of size. They’re extremely muscular with large bones, making them ideal for long, strenuous activity… they’re loving and loyal, not to mention incredibly good with kids. They’ll get along smashingly with other dogs, but you don’t want to bring them into a home with smaller, non-canine pets, as they’ll never be able to fully turn off their hunting instinct,” adds Hepper.
