Diamonds in the ‘Ruff’ – The American Kennel Club Reveals the Rarest Breeds in the U.S.

Diamonds in the ‘Ruff’ – The American Kennel Club Reveals the Rarest Breeds in the U.S.

New York, NY- Move over, most popular! The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, has reviewed AKC’s registration statistics and found that the Norwegian Lundehund is the rarest dog breed in the United States.

The Norwegian Lundehund, the only dog bred to hunt puffins, is truly one-of-a-kind. With six fully functional toes, a neck that can bend back to touch its spine, ears that fold shut to keep water out, and ultra-flexible shoulders that allow the forelegs to extend perpendicular to the body, this medium- to high-energy breed is as extraordinary as it is rare. Though scarce in the United States, breeds like the Norwegian Lundehund have centuries of history, serving a variety of purposes such as herding, hunting, and carting.

“Rare breeds are living treasures,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and CEO. “By shining a spotlight on these extraordinary breeds, we hope to educate the public and inspire responsible ownership. Choosing a rare breed is more than gaining a unique companion, it’s helping preserve a living piece of history. 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.”

The 2025 rarest breeds in the United States are:

For photos of the rarest breeds, click HERE, and for more information, visit www.akc.org.