Dog trends change over time, just like fashion or food preferences. Breeds that once filled neighbourhoods and family albums can quietly fade from popularity as new favourites take the spotlight.
Changes in lifestyle, home size, and social media influence all play a role in shaping which dogs people choose to bring home. Some breeds have slipped down the rankings despite their loyalty and charm, while others are suddenly everywhere, admired for their looks, adaptability, or online fame.
The information in this article is collected from online sources and is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not replace professional advice from veterinarians, breeders, or animal behaviour experts.
1. Cocker Spaniel
Once a top choice for families across North America, the Cocker Spaniel has experienced a steady decline in registrations over recent years. Their beautiful flowing coats require regular grooming appointments, which can become costly and time-consuming for busy households.
These dogs were bred as hunting companions but adapted wonderfully to suburban life for decades. However, their needs for consistent coat care and potential health issues have led many families to consider lower-maintenance alternatives.
Despite their declining numbers, Cocker Spaniels remain affectionate and loyal pets for dedicated owners.
2. Miniature Schnauzer
With their distinguished beards and expressive eyebrows, Miniature Schnauzers were once everywhere in Canadian neighbourhoods. Registration numbers have dropped noticeably as other small breeds capture attention with different temperaments and looks.
These terriers possess strong personalities and can be quite vocal, which doesn’t always mesh with apartment living or noise-sensitive neighbours. Their wiry coats need professional grooming every few months to maintain that classic Schnauzer appearance.
Families seeking quieter, more easygoing small dogs have increasingly looked elsewhere, contributing to this breed’s declining popularity.
3. Dalmatian
Remember when every kid wanted a Dalmatian after watching certain animated movies? Those days have faded considerably as families discovered these dogs need far more exercise and stimulation than anticipated.
Dalmatians were originally bred to run alongside carriages for miles, so their energy levels can overwhelm unprepared owners. They can also be stubborn during training and require patient, consistent guidance from experienced handlers.
Their unique appearance still turns heads, but the reality of their demanding nature has caused registration numbers to plummet over the past two decades.
4. Airedale Terrier
Known as the King of Terriers for their impressive size, Airedales have seen their popularity fade significantly since their peak in the mid-twentieth century. These intelligent dogs require firm training and plenty of mental challenges to prevent boredom.
Their wiry coats need hand-stripping or professional grooming to maintain proper texture, which adds ongoing expense. Modern families often prefer breeds with simpler grooming requirements and less intense personalities.
Airedales still have devoted fans who appreciate their courage and versatility, but their numbers continue declining as other breeds gain favour.
5. Chow Chow
With their lion-like manes and unique blue-black tongues, Chow Chows once commanded significant attention in the dog world. Their independent, sometimes aloof nature doesn’t suit families seeking outwardly affectionate companions.
These dogs can be territorial and require early socialization to prevent aggression toward strangers or other animals. Their thick double coats demand regular brushing and shed heavily twice yearly, creating maintenance challenges.
As preferences shift toward more openly friendly breeds, Chow Chows have seen registration numbers drop considerably across Canada and the United States in recent decades.
6. Scottish Terrier
These dignified little dogs with their distinctive silhouettes were once presidential favourites and regular fixtures in popular culture. Scottish Terriers have experienced a notable decline as newer small breeds capture public imagination.
Scotties possess independent streaks and can be stubborn, making training more challenging than with some other small dogs. Their wiry coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their characteristic appearance.
While still beloved by dedicated enthusiasts, their serious demeanour and grooming needs have led many potential owners to choose more playful or low-maintenance alternatives.
7. Irish Setter
Few breeds can match the Irish Setter’s stunning mahogany coat that ripples like silk when they run. Despite their breathtaking beauty, these sporting dogs have declined in popularity due to their substantial exercise requirements.
Bred to hunt all day across Irish countryside, they possess seemingly endless energy that can frustrate owners without large yards or active lifestyles. Their long coats tangle easily and require frequent brushing to prevent mats.
Families increasingly prefer breeds with moderate energy levels, causing Irish Setter registrations to drop steadily over recent years.
8. Pekingese
Once treasured in Chinese imperial palaces, Pekingese dogs carried an air of royalty into Western homes throughout the twentieth century. Their popularity has waned considerably as health concerns about flat-faced breeds receive more attention.
These small dogs can experience breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during exercise, due to their brachycephalic facial structure. Their long coats require dedicated grooming, and their independent personalities don’t always suit families wanting highly trainable pets.
Modern preferences for healthier facial structures have contributed significantly to declining Pekingese registrations.
9. French Bulldog
Compact, playful, and endlessly charming, French Bulldogs have skyrocketed to become one of the most registered breeds in North America. Their adaptability to apartment living makes them perfect for urban dwellers without access to large yards.
Frenchies form strong bonds with their families and thrive on human companionship without demanding hours of outdoor exercise. Their comical personalities and expressive faces have made them social media darlings, further boosting their visibility.
While they do have some health considerations, their popularity shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
10. Goldendoodle
Combining the friendliness of Golden Retrievers with the low-shedding coat of Poodles, Goldendoodles have become incredibly sought after. Families with allergies particularly appreciate their reduced shedding, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
These crossbreeds inherit intelligence from both parent breeds, making training generally straightforward and enjoyable. Their sociable nature suits households with children, other pets, or frequent visitors.
Goldendoodles come in various sizes depending on whether Miniature, Standard, or Toy Poodles were used, offering options for different living situations and preferences.
11. Cane Corso
This ancient Italian breed has surged in popularity among those seeking loyal protection and impressive presence. Cane Corsos possess natural guarding instincts that make them excellent watchdogs when properly trained and socialized.
Their muscular builds and confident demeanour appeal to owners wanting a dog that commands respect. Despite their imposing appearance, well-raised Cane Corsos can be affectionate family members who bond deeply with their households.
Responsible ownership requires commitment to training and socialization from puppyhood, but dedicated owners find these dogs incredibly rewarding companions.
12. Cavapoo
Blending the sweet temperament of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Poodle intelligence creates the increasingly popular Cavapoo. These small dogs typically weigh between 12 and 25 pounds, fitting comfortably into various living spaces.
Their affectionate personalities make them wonderful therapy and emotional support animals who genuinely enjoy cuddling. Cavapoos generally inherit moderate energy levels, needing daily walks but not marathon exercise sessions.
Their soft, wavy coats require regular grooming but shed less than purebred Cavaliers, offering a practical compromise for allergy-conscious families.
13. Australian Shepherd
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Australian Shepherds have captured hearts with their stunning coat patterns and remarkable intelligence. These herding dogs excel at dog sports, obedience training, and any activity that challenges their sharp minds.
Active families appreciate their enthusiasm for hiking, running, and outdoor adventures that would tire out less energetic breeds. Their loyalty and trainability have made them increasingly popular as both working dogs and family companions.
Aussies do require substantial mental and physical stimulation, but owners willing to provide it find them incredibly fulfilling pets.
14. Shiba Inu
This ancient Japanese breed has gained considerable traction thanks to their fox-like appearance and spirited personalities. Shiba Inus carry themselves with confidence and independence that some describe as cat-like in their selective affection.
Their compact size suits apartment living, while their clean habits and minimal doggy odour appeal to fastidious owners. Social media has amplified their popularity, with their expressive faces and quirky behaviours becoming viral sensations.
Prospective owners should understand that Shibas can be stubborn and require patient training, but their devoted fans wouldn’t trade them for anything.
