Why Are Some Dog Breeds Rare or Not as Popular? By Jan Reisen | Published: Jun 19, 2023
Azawakh on lead standing in the grass Copyright (c) 2015 Aneta Jungerova/Shutterstock
E very year, the AKC publishes its list of breed rankings by popularity, based on registration statistics. 2022, the top 10 least popular breeds were: Pyrenean Shepherds (No. 190)
since become obsolete, making them less desirable as working dogs and not the right fit for everyone as pets. Are These Breeds’ Jobs Still Relevant? Some of these breeds were bred for purposes that are now redundant in modern America. The Norwegian Lundehund, for example, was bred to retrieve live puffins from the steep cliffs in Norway. They have unique characteristics specific to the job, including six toes on each foot, an extra joint in the neck that allows them to bend their head backward, and flexible
farmers began using nets to catch puffins. The government also levied a tax on Lundehunds, which became too expensive for many Norwegians to keep. Despite efforts to protect the breed, there are currently only 1400 Lundehunds worldwide and about 350 in the United States. With their job disappearing and the breed exceedingly rare, it’s no wonder this tiny, unique breed clocks in near the bottom of the annual breed rankings.
Cesky Terriers (No. 191) Sussex Spaniels (No. 192) Harriers (No. 193) Azawakhs (No. 194) Belgian Laekenois (No. 195) American Foxhounds (No. 196) Sloughis (No. 197) Norwegian Lundehunds (No. 198) English Foxhounds (No. 199)
If you’re considering that perhaps novelty or unfamiliarity has something to do with
Popularity is based on registration, not on which breed is the most entertaining, smartest, or best-looking. Breed popularity doesn’t mean that one breed is better than another, so don’t feel slighted if your favorite hovers near the bottom of the list. It’s not always easy to figure out why some breeds are so often among the bottom ten, but there are often many factors that contribute. In some cases, it may be the breed is rare in the United States. Other breeds may be perceived as unsuitable as family pets. Some breeds were bred for jobs that have
shoulders so that their forelegs can extend to the side. Norwegian Lundehund With a history extending back to the 15th century, the breed’s numbers dwindled sharply when Norwegian
Norwegian Lundehund puppy playing with a ball in the grass. Marielle - stock.adobe.com
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 48
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