Do you have an American Foxhound at home? Or perhaps a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen? If you do, congratulations! You’re the proud parent of one of this country’s rarest breeds.
The American Kennel Club crunched the numbers and released a list of the 20 rarest dog breeds across the United States, according to registration data from 2025.
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“Rare breeds are living treasures,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC president and CEO, in a statement. “By shining a spotlight on these extraordinary breeds, we hope to educate the public and inspire responsible ownership.”
Topping the list as the rarest dog breed in the U.S. is the Norwegian Lundehund, an adorable small dog originally bred to hunt puffins. Of the Spitz family, these pets are known to be energetic, loyal, alert and protective. They generally live 12 to 14 years and range in height from 12 to 15 inches.
Something really unique about these dogs? They have six fully-functional toes!
SloughiSabine Hagedorn / Shutterstock.com
“Choosing a rare breed is more than gaining a unique companion; it’s helping preserve a living piece of history,” DiNardo explained. “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.”
Sloughis, also known as Arabian Greyhounds, come in at No. 2, followed by the long-haired Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, the Beagle-adjacent Harrier hound, and the Chinook sled dog, who together round out the top five.
This list follows AKC’s list of the most popular breeds registered across the United States in 2025, which French bulldogs topped for a fourth year in a row.
Check the full list of rarest dog breeds in the United States below, and if you see a familiar name, give your rare treasure a special squeeze! You’re in extra special company.
Related: This Volunteer Uplifted a Shelter Dog, and It’s So Heartwarming
20 Rarest Breeds of 2025, According to the American Kennel Club
Norwegian lundehundCourtesy American Kennel Club
Grand basset griffon Vendéen
Related: How Popular Is Your Pup? American Kennel Club Announces Most In-Demand Dog Breeds of the Year
This story was originally published by PawNation on Apr 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add PawNation as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
