They’re small enough to fit in a cereal bowl, and yet big enough to eat the cereal right off your kitchen counter. Dogs are just one species, but the most diverse land mammal on the planet.
They range from 4 pounds up to 200, and can be as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder. They’re spotted, striped, solid, patched, black, white, red, blue, orange, brown and chocolate. They’re stout, skinny, long-haired, short-haired, wire-haired and even have fur that looks like dreadlocks.
Humans have been breeding dogs for certain traits for thousands of years, usually for precise purposes. There are dogs that are bred to hunt, to guard or herd livestock, kill rats, retrieve, rescue people, pull sleds, guide the blind, run around racetracks, and keep your lap warm.
Many dog breeds have nearly died out or grown less popular through time. Some breeds don’t transition well to simply being house pets--they may need hours of daily exercise, or bark and bay in a way that isn’t popular with the neighbors.
The English Foxhound may be one example. These gentle, sociable dogs have numerous admirable traits, but they can be so driven by a primal instinct for pursuit that not much else -- including training -- matters to them, the American Kennel Club says. They are are best left to people experienced with the challenges associated with swift, powerful hounds hardwired for the chase. They are now the rarest dog breed in the AKC, according their registration statistics for 2022.
The Otterhound is an ancient breed dating back to medieval England and bred for the now-outlawed activity of otter hunting. These dogs were ideal for this specific activity--they are expert swimmers, with a waterproof coat and webbed feet, and they can smell an otter underwater for great distances. Today the Otterhound is more rare than a Giant Panda.
Human relationships with dogs are always evolving--what will happen to the greyhound, for example, with the dog-racing industry down to two remaining tracks in the nation?
The AKC lists nearly 200 breeds. Here are some of the least common dog breeds, based on AKC registration statistics for 2022.
1. English Foxhound
60-75 pounds
Though these dogs are social and gentle with children and other animals, they are rarely seen as house pets because their instinct for pursuit is relentless. They are pack hounds with great stamina, bred for fox hunts, an unsportsmanlike activity in which packs of dogs and people mounted on horses relentlessly chase a single fox to exhaustion. Lucky for the fox, but not the foxhound’s future, fox hunting is banned in the U.K.
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2. Norwegian Lundehund
20-30 pounds
This dog was bred to hunt puffin birds on the remote arctic isles of Norway. They are very flexible with a great range of motion in their joints that helps them to reach in the crevices where puffins nest. They have six toes on each foot. The breed nearly became extinct in the 1940s-1960s; there are now about 1,400 in the world. Nobody hunts puffins anymore, except in Iceland.
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3. Sloughi
35-50 pounds
This ancient breed, also called the “Arabian Greyhound,” hunted a variety of game such as hare, fox, jackal, gazelle, and wild pigs in the deserts of North Africa. A classy, graceful dog, the Sloughi (pronounced SLOO-ghee) is devoted to its owner and aloof with strangers.
4. American Foxhound
60-70 pounds
These good-natured dogs get along with kids, dogs, and cats, but without lots of exercise they can become depressed and destructive. These independent dogs also bay loudly, which might upset the neighbors. They are cousins of the English Foxhound.
Wikipedia
5. Belgian Laekenois
44-66 pounds
Originally intended to guard livestock and linen (yes, linen) these fuzzy guys aren’t a new breed, but only recently recognized in 2020 by the AKC for competition in the herding group. The Laeken’s claim to fame is as a messenger dog in both World War I and II, and was the target of a bounty by Hitler, the AKC says. There are only about 200 in the world.
6. Azawakh
45-55 pounds, males
33-44 pounds, females
This supple West African breed has ancient origins in the region of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which includes the Azawagh Valley, hence its name. They are more common in Africa. They were bred as guard dogs and hunting dogs, but have a range of temperaments from lap dog to fierce protector.
7. Harrier
45 – 65 lbs
This dog, which the AKC says looks like a “Beagle with a gym membership” was bred for hunting hares essentially by trailing them. Though this cutie looks like an English Foxhound, it is smaller than the foxhound, but larger than a Beagle.
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8. Sussex Spaniel
35-45 pounds
The Sussex Spaniel, a slow-paced, calm dog, nearly became extinct during WWII. They are long, low-built bird dogs of great strength and endurance, though the breed suffers from some health conditions. They are known for their somewhat clownish behavior.
9. Cesky Terriers
13-22 pounds
These hypoallergenic terriers originated in Czechoslovakia where they were used for hunting. They are tenacious workers, but less active and quieter than other terriers, so can make good family pets, adventurous playmates and eager exercisers.
The Cesky is the national dog of the Czech Republic.
10. Pyrenean Shepherd
15-30 pounds
This little herder is descended from ancient sheepdogs of the Pyrenees mountains of southern France and northern Spain. The tough ‘Pyr Sheps’ come in two varieties: “rough-faced” and “smooth-faced.” which can be born in the same litter.
11. Skye Terrier
35-45 pounds
The purest of these dogs were found on Scotland’s Isle of Skye. It is one of the oldest terriers from Scotland. The big, feathery bat ears are a distinctive feature, though some Skye Terriers can also have ears that lie flat against the head.
Chris Phutully from Australia /Wikipedia
12. Finnish Spitz
20-33 pounds
The breed was originally bred in Finland to hunt all types of game -- from squirrels and other rodents to bears. Small and fearless, the Finnish Spitz is friendly, but an avid hunter, and sports a beautiful golden-red coat.
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13. Canaan Dogs
35-55 pounds
The national dog of Israel, this breed has been in existence in the Middle East for thousands of years. They are believed to have been a primitive feral in ancient Canaan, and archaeologists hypothesize that the dogs were revered as sacred animals. Their coat comes in various colors and patterns, and they are agile, clever, and confident. There are about 2,000-3,000 Canaan dogs in the world.
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14. Dandie Dinmont Terriers
18-24 pounds
These are little dogs with a big bark, and known for their distinctive topknot of hair. During the 1600s, they were used for hunting badgers and otters. They are an intelligent breed and make good watchdogs.
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15. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens
40-44 pounds
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, or GBGV, is a hunting hound, named for the Vendee region of France. They are independent, outgoing and happy dogs, with a worldly but amiable visage.
16. Cirneco dell’Etna
17-26 pounds
The independent Sicilian sighthound has a sweet nature and is incredibly swift. As house dogs, Cirnechi are mild, low-maintenance companions cherished for their loyal and gentle nature.
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17. Irish Water Spaniel
45-68 pounds
Often mistaken for poodles, the Irish Water Spaniel is the largest and one of the oldest of spaniels. They are champion swimmers, alert, inquisitive, hardworking and brave and also known for being a bit clownish. The Irish Water Spaniel Club of Ireland is one of the oldest dog clubs in the world. A club exists in the U.S. to protect this rare breed.
18. American English Coonhounds
45-65 pounds
Descended from Foxhounds, the athletic American English Coonhound was brought to America by settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Their tenacious and stubborn pursuit of raccoons can make them difficult as house pets.
19. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs
30-50 pounds
This shaggy herding dog was almost driven to extinction in WWII, but today they are popular as companion dogs for apartment dwellers in their native Poland, where they are called PONs. They are confident and clever.
20. Chinook
50-90 pounds
One of the rarest of the AKC breeds, this smart, patient, and devoted sled dog has many talents, among them herding and search and rescue. The breed was developed in New Hampshire during the early 20th century, and is the state's official dog.
21. Bergamasco Sheepdog
57-84 pounds
This big guy will catch your eye with his distinctive coat. The breed’s felting coat forms loose mats that helped keep them warm in the Italian Alps where they were used to tend sheep. According to the Bergamasco club, this ancient shepherding breed is highly intelligent and was developed to problem-solve on its own in the isolated high mountain valleys where it guarded herds. Its coat has a Teflon effect--things do not stick to it, and as the coat does not need brushing, the dog is actually low maintenance.
22. Norwegian Buhund
26-40 pounds
A Nordic spitz-type dog, closely associated with the Vikings, the Buhund is a cold-weather worker skilled at herding and guarding. They are friendly, agile, courageous and fun-loving.
23. Kuvasz
82-137 pounds
Traditionally a Hungarian flock guardian, the Kuvaszok were also royal guard dogs. They are such fierce protectors of their families that during World War II they were actively sought and killed by German and Soviet soldiers, taking them to near extinction.
24. Otterhound
80-115 pounds
With otter hunting generally illegal, this dog’s primary purpose in the world is done, which may be why they are one of the most endangered dog breeds today, with less than 1,000 worldwide. But Otterhounds make great family companions and the AKC says they have a great sense of humor.
25. Komondor
100 pounds or more (males), 80 pounds or more (females)
This large Hungarian flock guardian is a head-turner with its profuse white dreadlock-like fur from head to tail. Often called ‘mop dogs’ for obvious reasons, and somewhat resembling a parade float, this big guy is a fairly common breed in Hungary, its country of origin. Like the Kuvasz, many Komondorok were killed by Germans and Russian invaders during WWII, because it was the only way to capture a farm or house that it guarded.
26. Pharaoh Hound
45-55 pounds
The Pharaoh hound was traditionally used for hunting rabbits in the Maltese Islands. When not sprinting after small game over difficult terrain, they are friendly, affectionate dogs that are comfortable in the home. The elegant Pharaoh hound is the national dog of Malta.
27. Plott Hound
40-60 pounds
North Carolina's state dog is a hunting hound of striking color that was bred to bring big game (such as a bear) to bay or tree. The Plott hound is one of the least known breeds of dog in the U.S. The AKC calls the Plott hound “a mellow gentleman at home” but fearless at work.
28. Ibizan Hound
50 pounds
The graceful Ibizan hound is considered by most experts to be one of the most ancient dog breeds, believed to have evolved from an ancient Egyptian hunting dog. The dog was bred as a rabbit courser on the rocky shores of Spain’s Balearic Islands.
29. Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
13 pounds
These fun-loving, well-mannered little dogs are the smallest of three Podengo breeds from Portugal long used as rabbit hunters.
Tapio Patila / Wikipedia
30. Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes
20-24 pounds
These duck hunters of Holland are an easy going and faithful breed. The breed goes back to the 16th century and is depicted in paintings by Dutch masters. This is another breed that nearly disappeared in World War II. They generally make good companions.
