Just as the saying goes, “Dogs are a man’s best friend!” According to the ASPCA, nearly 50% of American households have at least one furry family member. Harvard recently published an article about scientific studies that have shown that having a pet helps improve mental health and can even help you live longer. You’re more likely to be healthy since you have to walk your four-legged companion a few times a day. While dogs like German Shepherds, Schnauzers, and Golden Retrievers are often popular options for households looking to buy or adopt, some breeds are not so lucky. Every breed is unique, has its own behavior traits, and require a certain level of maintenance. If you’re thinking about buying or adopting a dog, it’s important that you do your research and find a breed that is right for you. Keep in mind the following: Where you live – Some uncommon dog breeds do better in apartments, while others do better in houses. How much maintenance you can handle – Some breeds require more maintenance, such as daily brushing and frequent ‘fur-cuts’. What type of health problems are you willing to accept – Some breeds are more prone to certain health problems. Once you know all the above, you’ll be able to pick the perfect dog for you and your lifestyle.

Check out these unique and rare dog breeds in 2020

25. Ibizan Hound

I’m an Ibizan Hound, one of the unpopular dog breeds, and I love to run! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed requires quite a bit of maintenance because they shed a lot, especially the long-haired Ibizans. They require a lot of room and exercise so they don’t do well in apartments. These dogs also don’t live comfortably in a cold climate.

24. Lowchen

I’m a Lowchen and I bark at everything! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed of dogs has long hair, which means it requires frequent grooming. They are small and don’t require a lot of room, but they are barkers. If you live in a strictly no-bark apartment you may want to avoid this breed.

23. Kuvasz

I’m a Kuvasz and I’m overly protective of my humans! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed requires daily brushing and doesn’t handle heat well. It needs lots of room to live so it would not be comfortable in an apartment. Unfortunately, these dogs are prone to health problems and don’t handle heat well.

22. Komondor

I’m a Komondor and while I may look like a mop, I’m actually a dog! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? These dogs are known as the “mop dogs” because of their unique fur. This breed is prone to a number of health concerns and is known to bark a lot making them among the least favorite dog breeds due to them being so high maintenance. These dogs can sometimes be overly protective and aggressive towards other dogs, which adds to the reasons why they are such unpopular dog breeds.

21. Polish Lowland Sheepdog

I’m a Polish Lowland Sheepdog and I’m nearly impossible to train. Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed requires constant grooming and needs a lot of exercise. These dogs would not do well in apartments because they need enough room to run around.

20. Norwegian Buhund

I’m a Norwegian Buhund and if you have allergies you should probably stay away from me! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed is non-hypoallergenic, so if you have allergies steer clear of these dogs. They’re known for their excessive barking and need a lot of exercise, which is why apartments are not the best place for them to live.

19. American English Coonhound

I’m an American English Coonhound and I need a lot of room to run around. Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed is best suited for active owners or in a home with a large yard. They need a lot of exercise and have a tremendous amount of energy.

18. Spanish Water Dog

I’m a Spanish Water Dog and I need regular trips to the doggy salon! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed is high maintenance and requires regular grooming. These dogs also need to see a professional groomer regularly because its fur may be more than a pet owner can handle. They don’t do well in apartments since they enjoy running around.

17. Glen of Imaal Terrier

I’m a Glen of Imaal Terrier and I’m too friendly to be a guard dog! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed isn’t meant for apartment living because it needs a lot of exercise. If you do buy or adopt one of these dogs and live in an apartment you’ll need to take him/her out a few times a day for a walk to ensure optimum health. These dogs do not make good guard dogs because they are too friendly. They also don’t do well in hot weather.

16. Finnish Lapphund

I’m a Finnish Lapphund and I was originally bred to be a herding dog! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed has a rich and long coat that requires frequent grooming. They were originally bred to be herding dogs so they enjoy running by nature. They are not suitable for apartment living because of their size and energy level.

15. Canaan Dog

I’m a Canaan Dog and I have a serious attitude problem! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? These dogs are stubborn and difficult to train. They also have an aggressive temperament and don’t get along well with other dogs. This breed is very active and isn’t comfortable living in an apartment.

14. Wirehaired Vizsla

I’m a Wirehaired Vizsla and I prefer living in a warmer climate. Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed is active and requires daily exercise. They need room to run around so apartments are not ideal for these dogs. They prefer living in warmer climates and don’t do well in the cold.

13. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

I’m a Dandie Dinmont Terrier and I’m tiny, but I’m feisty. Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed is prone to multiple health problems, including intervertebral disc disease. These dogs are also very difficult to train.

12. Sussex Spaniel

I’m a Sussex Spaniel and I shed A LOT! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? This breed has long hair, which is why it sheds a lot and requires regular grooming. These dogs need daily exercise to stay healthy.

11. Bergamasco

I’m a Bergamasco and my fur gets a little wild! Why Is This Breed Not Popular? These dogs are quite large and have long fur, which means they need a lot of grooming. They are not comfortable in apartments and need a lot of room to run around. This breed does not handle hot climates well and is difficult to train.

10. Cirneco dell’Etna

I’m a Cirneco dell’Etna , and some people think I look like a rat!

Why is this breed not popular?

The Cirneco dell’Etna isn’t a very popular dog for some quite obvious reasons: they have features that resemble rodents. Most people want a dog with a more beautiful coat and friendlier facial features, so they tend to opt-out of getting a Cirneco.

9. Pharaoh Hound

I’m a Pharaoh Hound, and I look very similar to the Cirneco dell’Etna!

Why is this breed not popular?

Just like the Cirneco dell’Etna, the Pharoah Hound comes across as just having too many rodent-like features to become popular. Its a far cry from the cute and cuddly dogs that are among the most sought-after.

8. Skye Terrier

I’m a Skye Terrier, and I require a whole lot of grooming!

Why is this breed not popular?

Skye Terriers have unusually difficult-to-manage hair and aren’t very popular due to their need for constant grooming. Unlike the more popular versions of terriers, which have a more vibrant colored coating, Skye Terriers tend to have a dull grey coat that isn’t the most pleasing to look at for many folks.

7. Pyrenean Shepherd

I’m a Pyrenean Shepherd, and I’ll shed and require a lot of exercises!

Why is this breed not popular?

Pyrenean Shepherds have hair that rivals that of Shaggy from Scooby Do. It’s scruffy and unmanageable, so you can expect constant grooming to keep it in check. They also shed a lot, so if you’re not into walking on fur-coated floors, steer clear of the Pyrenean Shepherd. Daily exercise is also required for this pooch to stay happy.

6. Chinook

I’m a Chinook, and even though I have short hair, I’ll shed it everywhere! Why is this breed not popular? Chinooks are a beautiful breed, but they experience heavy seasonal shedding, which can be a pain if you’re living in an apartment. Since the fur is short, it can prick your feet as you walk on it, making it even less pleasant than the shedding of longer furred dogs.

5. Finnish Spitz

I’m a Finnish Spitz, and I need to be groomed all the time! Why is this breed not popular? It seems to be a going trend that many of the least popular dogs are so because of their shedding. The Finnish Spitz is a heavy seasonal shedder and requires far too much exercise for the average apartment dweller. Heavy, daily grooming of the fur is also a requirement, as it tends to mat.

4. Cesky Terrier

I’m a Cesky Terrier, and I need all of your attention! Why is this breed not popular? Cesky Terriers are a very high maintenance breed that not only requires heavy grooming to prevent it from becoming one solid ball of fur but also requires a lot of attention. Yeah, they’re attention-mongers, and if you don’t show them enough appreciation throughout the day, they tend to get depressed.

3. Otterhound

I’m an Otterhound, and I just only like cool climates! Why is this breed not popular? The Otterhound just doesn’t adapt well to different climates. They need cool temperatures to stay comfortable unless you plan on shaving off their fur, which like many of the other dogs on this list, will wind up all over your floors whether your buzz it off or not.

2. American Foxhound

I’m an American Foxhound, and I’m just bursting with energy! Why is this breed not popular? American Foxhounds are far too full of energy for the average dog owner, especially if you live an apartment. They’ll need a big yard to run around in, and they’ll want you to throw a ball or some other toy to satisfy their desire to chase things. They also shed on a regular basis, and since its short hair, it can poke your feet as you walk around the carpet.

1. Norwegian Lundehund

I’m a Norwegian Lundehund, and I make many people sneeze and cough! Why is this breed not popular? Norwegian Lundehunds a very unique breed, but this also means that they have some unique problems, making them one of the least popular dog breeds to own. They are very non-hypoallergenic, which means that many people will have some sort of allergic reaction to their dander. They’ll also need to go out for frequent jogs because they just require so much exercise to keep their bodies healthy and fit. Absolutely steer clear of a Lundehund if you’re living in an apartment. Now that you know why these are the least popular dog breeds to own as pets we hope that you can better find a breed that suits you and your lifestyle.

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Katelyn Son