The American Kennel Club is the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics.
In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, 205 breeds will be counted. This will include the breeds that received full AKC recognition on January 1, 2026: the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.
A New Breed in the No.1 Spot
The rarest dog breed in the United States is the Norwegian Lundehund. They were recognized by the AKC in 2011.
The Lundehund was ranked as the No. 3 rarest breed in 2024, moving to the No. 1 spot this year. The Sloughi remains a consistent top 10 contender, with a No. 2 spot in 2025 and a No. 4 spot in 2024. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen took third in 2025, ranking third in 2024 as well.
Since new breeds are often added to the mix of AKC-registered breeds, the rankings shift year over year. In 2024, 201 dog breeds were recognized, and the English Foxhound took the No. 1 spot as the rarest breed in the United States. In 2025, 202 breeds were counted, and the top spot shifted to the Norwegian Lundehund.
The 10 Rarest Dog Breeds of 2025
Though some breeds surge in popularity over the years, some breeds climb the rankings as the rarest breeds. There is no less pride in these breeds than, say, the No. 1 breed in the U.S., the French Bulldog. Though the rare breeds may be smaller in numbers, they are mighty in passion and breed preservation. Their owners revel in owning rare breeds. Here are the top 10 rarest breeds in the United States:
- Norwegian Lundehund
- Sloughi
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
- Harrier
- Chinook
- Cesky Terrier
- Belgian Laekenois
- Azawakh
- Finnish Spitz
- Canaan Dog
Big Shifts of Note in 2025
With the additions of new breeds recognized nearly every year, it’s hard to gauge whether breeds are becoming rarer or if other breeds are just becoming more popular. In some cases, there are certainly surges in popularity, but for other breeds, the registration numbers are so low that even one fewer dog registered makes a difference.
Getting Rarer
The Greyhound saw a significant change from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, the Greyhound ranked No. 51 most rare, whereas in 2024, they ranked No. 83. Along with the Greyhound’s 32-ranking change, a few other breeds got rarer year over year. The Briard and the Black Russian Terrier moved 27 places, now at No. No. 49 respectively.
Within the top 10, the Harriers, Chinooks, and Cesky Terriers became rarer from 2024 to 2025. Harriers went from No. 18 to No. 4, Chinooks went from No. 19 to No. 5, and Cesky Terriers went from No. 14 to No. 6.
The Kerry Blue Terrier, Spanish Water Dog, and American Staffordshire Terrier all moved over 15 spots in the rankings, becoming more rare. The Kerry Blue went from No. 66 to No. 48, the Spanish Water Spaniel from No. 54 to No. 36, and the AmStaff from No. 124 to No. 106.
Getting More Popular
As some breeds become increasingly rare, others rose in popularity. The Wirehaired Vizla moved 29 spots in the rankings to No. 73 in 2025. The Bergamasco Sheepdog and American Hairless Terrier moved to No. 20 and No. 95, respectively. The English Foxhound, which was the rarest breed in 2024, is now the No. 16 most rare breed, a significant jump in one year.
AKC Registration Statistics
The American Kennel Club has recognized 205 breeds since it was first founded in 1884, with additional breeds working their way towards recognition through the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) and the Miscellaneous Class. 202 breeds were included in the 2025 rarest dog breeds rankings, and the three breeds that were AKC-recognized in 2026 will be included in the 2026 rankings.
If you’re looking for a puppy of your own, AKC Marketplace can connect you with a responsible breeder.
Knowing your dog will be counted as part of the compilation of the annual breed popularity list is only a small benefit of dog registration. The AKC is the only purebred dog registry in the United States that maintains systematic inspections and investigations. The AKC conducts thousands of inspections each year to ensure compliance with standards that support the welfare, safety, and health of dogs across the nation.
Rarest Dog Breeds of 2025 Full List
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