These are the least popular dog breeds in America | Pets

It’s safe to say that few living creatures have as high approval ratings as our canine companions. They’re not called “man’s best friend” for nothing, and it’s generally accepted that they all go to heaven. Odes to their loyalty are well documented throughout human history, from Argos in Homer’s “Odyssey” to movie tributes like “Balto” and “Beethoven.”

But human nature can lead us to play favorites, and with 197 registered breeds to choose from, some inevitably fall to the bottom. To help understand what guides our choices, Stacker broke down the 97 least popular dog breeds in America based on data released March 15, 2022, from the American Kennel Club.

Some factors that play into a breed’s national popularity—or lack thereof—are obvious: size, maintenance, allergies, disposition, and temperament. But name recognition (brand name, essentially) is just as important; consider why Labradors, retrievers, and bulldogs are annually among the most popular, while the #4 least popular breed appearing here was only officially recognized by the AKC in 2020, despite originally being bred in Belgium in the 1800s. Another barrier to popularity can be access—newer or less common breeds have far fewer reputable breeders, which limits your options for making one of the lesser-known breeds a part of your family.

Whether you’re adopting a dog and researching breed characteristics or deciding on a reputable breeder, keep reading to discover 98 lovable kinds of dogs you may not have heard of.

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