A Norwegian Lundehund puppy.
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The Norwegian Lundehund, bred to hunt puffins, tops the AKC’s 2025 list of rarest dog breeds in the U.S.
“Rare breeds are living treasures,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and CEO.
The French Bulldog remains the most popular breed in the U.S.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has revealed its newest list of the rarest dog breeds in the U.S.
The organization determines the rarity of each breed by counting how many dogs of that breed are registered with the AKC.
Topping the AKC’s “diamonds in the ruff” rarity list is the Norwegian Lundehund. The one-of-a-kind pup is the only dog bred to hunt puffins, a small seabird species. Norwegian Lundehunds have six fully functional toes, a neck that can bend backward to touch their spines, and ears that can fold shut to keep water out. Though rare in the United States, these dogs have a centuries-long history of herding, hunting, and carting.
“Rare breeds are living treasures,” Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and CEO, said in a statement. “By shining a spotlight on these extraordinary breeds, we hope to educate the public and inspire responsible ownership.”
A Harrier dog competing in a dog show
Credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty
Rounding out the top five rarest breeds after the Norwegian Lundehund are the Sloughi, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, Harrier, and the Chinook — a playful sled dog developed in New Hampshire.
DiNardo encourages people interested in owning one of these rare breeds to do their research first.
“Every dog deserves a great home, and knowledge empowers owners to make the right choice for their lifestyle. Choosing to work with a responsible breeder to bring home one of these rare breeds is not just a personal joy; it helps ensure these remarkable dogs continue to thrive for generations to come,” said DiNardo.
Polish lowland sheedogs sitting on grass
Credit: Auscape/Universal Images Group via Getty
Other rare breeds on the list are the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Belgian Laekenois, Azawakh, Finnish Spitz, and the Canaan Dog.
The AKC also maintains a list of the country’s most popular dog breeds based on registrations. In March, the organization announced that the French Bulldog retained its spot as the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for the fourth year in a row. Before 2022, the Labrador Retriever held the top spot for 31 years.
The Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and the Dachshund round out the top five most popular breeds for 2025, according to the AKC.
Stock photo of dachshunds
Credit: Scott Barbour/Getty
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The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, currently recognizes 205 dog breeds. Often, several new dog breeds receive AKC recognition each year.
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