Popularity and Rarity
Dog breed popularity is determined by registration, not by the breed's characteristics. For a variety of reasons, some breeds are still uncommon.
Obsolete Jobs
Some breeds, like the Norwegian Lundehund, are rare because they were developed for roles that are no longer necessary.
Foxhounds and Hunting
The popularity of English and American Foxhounds has been impacted by the fact that they were bred for hunting, a practice that is no longer popular.
High Prey Drives
Breeds with strong prey drives, like foxhounds, may not make good indoor pets, which reduces their appeal.
Rarity Factors
Some breeds, like the Sloughi, are scarce even in their own countries, which makes them even rarer elsewhere in the world.
Preserving Rare Breeds
Breed organizations put forth a lot of effort to promote and conserve endangered breeds like the Sloughi and Cesky Terrier.
The Charm of Rarity
Despite being rare, some breeds have distinctive characteristics that owners and aficionados find charming.