The 16 Most Unpopular Dog Breeds

While you can probably name several of the most popular dog breeds, what about the most unpopular breeds? It may be hard to fathom how any dog could be less popular than another, but every breed has its own unique personality and specific needs that may not suit certain households. Check out this list of the 16 most unpopular dog breeds and discover why these fur pals don’t get as much love as other pups.

Finnish Spitz

The lively and good-natured Finnish spitz is a fearless hunting dog known for its loud barking and unique tracking. These eager athletes are affectionate with their owners and wary and alert around strangers. They do best in highly active families that can give them the adventure and exercise they need, without being annoyed by their loud vocalizations and more serious demeanor.

Borzoi

The Borzoi is certainly an unpopular dog breed, as many people have never heard of them. This calm and dignified sighthound is bred to be tough and fast. Independent and stubborn, they can be difficult to train, so they require lots of patience. They also do better in families with older children who don’t mind their less serious demeanor. Borzoi also need lots of exercise and mental stimulation, including plenty of room to run when their predator/prey instinct is stirred.

New Guinea Singing Dog

The New Guinea singing dog is closely related to the Australian dingo and is a rare barkless breed known for its unusual yodel vocalizations, hence the name. They hail from the highlands of New Guinea, where they lived with local tribespeople in the mountains. Most populations have been found in the wild, but there are some domesticated versions, although uncommon. Not much is known about these dogs, other than they are very shy and non-aggressive. It is difficult to discern if they are one of the most unpopular dog breeds, as they are so rare.

English Foxhound

English foxhounds are galloping hounds used in hunting. They like to live in packs due to their very social behavior, and they are affectionate and gentle house pets. This breed is best suited to huntsmen who keep packs of hounds, as they have high social and active needs. Thankfully, they are easy to train, adaptable, and get along well with most people and other pets.

Sloughi (Arabian Greyhound)

The sloughi hails from an ancient lineage of sighthounds native to the deserts of North Africa. This breed is graceful and reserved. Sloughis are aloof around strangers but gentle and loving with their family. However, they do best in households without young children and lots of other pets. They have high energy levels, but they are not the most playful breed.

Cirneco dell’Etna

The sleek Cirneco dell’Etna is a coursing hound from Sicily. These excellent hunters are known for their speed and agility, but they also make great house pets. They are sweet, agreeable, and low maintenance. While they are playful and affectionate with their owners, they should be supervised around young children and other pets.

Wire Fox Terrier

These master show dogs were once common companions for British foxhunters. Today, wire fox terriers compete in dog shows and stay loyally by their owner’s side. Wire fox terriers are loving, friendly, and playful. They do well around young children but should be supervised around other pets. Owners should also be aware of their high energy and mental stimulation needs.

Komondor

This dignified and loyal breed is a large and powerful Hungarian guard dog. These intelligent and independent dogs need experienced trainers and homes without other dogs and young children. They are very affectionate with their owners but reserved around strangers. Komondors are highly protective and watch over their people diligently.

Norwegian Lundehund

Built for puffin hunting, the Norwegian lundehund is an athletic dog known for its flexibility, extra toes, and additional paw pads. This breed is alert and well-balanced. They are somewhat affectionate with their owners but can be reserved around strangers. Norwegian lundehunds are also a good balance between playful and relaxed. They are a generally friendly breed that needs an experienced trainer.

Cesky Terrier

The cesky terrier is family-oriented and clever. They are the national dog of the Czech Republic and are known for their playful behavior towards young children. This breed is a great watchdog without being too yappy. They love their owners and have a tendency to be wary of strangers. This breed is incredibly rare, with only several hundred of them available in the United States.

Flat-Coated Retriever

The flat-coated retriever is forever a puppy at heart. This breed is super loving and affectionate, but they are extremely high-energy and need the right family to match their needs. Flat-coated retrievers can also be a bit rambunctious. Thankfully, they are excellent around children of all ages and other pets. They are also easy to train due to their eager-to-please attitudes.

Otterhound

The vocal and well-balanced otterhound was first bred in medieval England for otter hunting. This breed loves to swim and has webbed feet and a super keen sense of smell. Otterhounds are very affectionate with their families but do best in households with older children and fewer pets. They are also fairly easy to train and have manageable energy requirements.

Harrier

Who’s a good boy who loves people? The harrier! This pack hound is outgoing and very vocal. It has high energy levels and needs lots of mental stimulation. Thankfully, this breed is pretty easy to train. Harriers are excellent companions for families with children and other pets. They also love strangers and adapt easily to new situations.

American Foxhound

The sweet, good-natured American foxhound is a low-maintenance pup that requires the right family to appreciate its lovable charm. This breed has high energy needs and must get lots of exercise to prevent them from becoming depressed and destructive. They can be difficult to train and housebreak and need a patient and experienced owner. Finally, American foxhounds are very vocal animals, which can be difficult to deal with if you have close neighbors.

Belgian Tervuren

Belgian tervurens are alert and courageous watchdogs that thrive under pressure and love lots of work. They are also a bit mischievous and have a great sense of humor. These dogs are highly intelligent and do best in households that have plenty of activities available. They are easy to train and possessive of their owners. They are also quite loving. Despite these wonderful qualities, they remain an unpopular dog breed.

Sussex Spaniel

The friendly, even-tempered, and adaptable Sussex spaniel is a slow hunter and acceptable housedog. Despite its permanent frown, this dog is always cheerful and good-natured. Sussex spaniels are very affectionate with their owners and stay loyal to their families. They are also content with playing or relaxing, perfect for those who don’t want a high-maintenance dog.

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