As a dog expert, I have encountered and worked with various breeds of dogs. From the most popular to the rarest, each breed has its own unique characteristics and traits. However, among all the common and popular breeds, there are some that seem to fall into oblivion and are on the verge of extinction. These are the 10 least popular dog breeds in the American Kennel Club. One of these breeds is the Israeli Canaan Dog, which is known for its large size, weighing between 80 and 115 pounds.
They are extremely athletic and can master any physical challenge. However, despite their strength and agility, they also have a gentle side and love to curl up next to their owners for some quality bonding time. The Canaan Dog was originally used as a working dog but was later redomesticated in the 1930s by Israeli special forces. They are still independent and stubborn, making them not suitable for first-time homeowners. The American Kennel Association recently released its statistics on the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and it's no surprise that some of the all-time favorites topped the list. However, these popular breeds overshadow those that are not as well-known. One of these lesser-known breeds is the American Foxhound, which is larger than its English counterpart.
This breed has a remarkable ability to sniff out prey and can make a loud, penetrating howl. They are very active dogs that require a significant amount of stimulation to stay happy. However, they are also fun and loyal pets. The Otterhound is another breed that is not as popular as others. Bred to hunt otters, these strong and fast pups have webbed legs.
Unfortunately, this breed is now endangered, with reports suggesting that there are less than 1000 left in its native country, the United Kingdom. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there are approximately 70 to 80 million dogs in the United States that are considered someone's pet. This means that around 37 to 47 percent of all households have a dog as a member of their family. The Otterhound is not suitable for apartment living as they require regular grooming and shed hair frequently. The same goes for the American Foxhound, which also sheds hair regularly and requires daily exercise to stay healthy. Another breed that is not suitable for apartment living is the Norwegian Lundehund. This active dog requires daily exercise and is not hypoallergenic, making it unsuitable for those with allergies.
They also shed their hair regularly, so owners must be prepared to vacuum frequently. The Lagotto Romagnolo, also known as the Italian Water Dog, is another breed that is not as popular as others. This breed was originally bred to hunt waterfowl and truffles. They are active dogs that require daily exercise and are not suitable for apartment living. The English Foxhound is a breed that has a low level of adaptability and is not suitable for apartment living. They are active dogs that require daily exercise, so owners must be committed to ensuring they get enough physical activity. While some of the most popular breeds, such as the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd, rank high on the list each year, others like the Pharaoh Hound remain relatively unknown.
This red-gold hunting breed is the national dog of Finland and has roots that go back thousands of years. As a dog expert, I have also observed that these lesser-known breeds are not as popular with the general public due to certain living situations and lifestyles. For example, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog looks like a smaller version of the Bernese Mountain Dog but is not as well-known. They weigh around 65 pounds and have a coat that requires quite a bit of maintenance, which may be one of the reasons why they are not more popular. The Peruvian Inca Orchid, also known as the Peruvian Hairless Dog, is another rare breed that is only found in conservation centers. It is estimated that there are only between 200 and 300 specimens alive today.
This breed is not suitable for apartment living and requires proper socialization to eliminate any possibility of aggression towards other dogs. The Phalène, also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a breed that originated in France and is now considered one of the rarest breeds in the world. They are small, elegant dogs that were bred to be lap dogs and companions. However, they are not hypoallergenic and require regular grooming. Having a dog can bring so much joy and companionship to our lives. It can also make us more active as we have to walk our four-legged friends several times a day.
As a dog expert, I believe that every breed deserves love and attention, regardless of their popularity.