Ranked: 20 Least Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S.

Ranked: The 20 Least Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S.

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Dogs are the most common type of pet in the United States—65 million U.S. households own a dog as of 2024.

However, some dog breeds dominate U.S. households, while others remain relatively unknown to the general public.

This infographic highlights America’s least popular dog breeds based on registration statistics from the American Kennel Club, the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs. The latest registration data is for the year 2023.

The Underdogs: America’s Least Popular Dog Breeds

Many of the most unpopular dogs in the U.S. are historically hunting breeds.

The Sloughi, a hunting breed with origins in North Africa, is the least popular dog breed in the United States. It has dropped two spots in popularity since 2022, when it ranked third in the list.

The English Foxhound, a scent-driven hunting dog from the UK, has been among the 20 least popular dog breeds since 2009.

The Norwegian Lundehund has been slowly climbing the rankings since taking the bottom spot in 2021, now ranking third. The breed was on the brink of extinction in the 1960s and its population has since been restored.

While many of the unpopular hunting breeds have remarkable characteristics like agility and endurance, their needs often do not align with modern pet ownership. Many require significant exercise and activity, while others have unique traits that make them less appealing to pet owners.

Yet, these under-appreciated dog breeds offer a rich history, unique companionship, and plenty of devotion.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

Which other types of pets do Americans own besides dogs? See Visualizing the Most Common Pets in the U.S. on the Voronoi app to learn more.