The world of dog ownership is always evolving. While traditional favorites like Labradors and Golden Retrievers still hold a place in many homes, emerging trends in 2025 are pushing new breeds into the spotlight.
These rising dog breeds are gaining popularity due to their unique looks, trainability, compatibility with modern lifestyles, and strong social media presence. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned canine lover, these five up-and-coming dog breeds are worth keeping an eye on this year.
1. Miniature American Shepherd – The Smart Urban Companion
The Miniature American Shepherd is a compact version of the Australian Shepherd, but with all the brains and agility in a smaller, apartment-friendly package. In 2025, this breed is seeing a surge in popularity due to its high intelligence, trainability, and suitability for active individuals or families.
Why it’s trending:
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Great for agility and dog sports
- Perfect size for smaller homes or apartments
2. Barbet – The Hypoallergenic Water Dog
Originating from France, the Barbet is finally getting the recognition it deserves in 2025. With a friendly temperament and a non-shedding curly coat, it’s ideal for allergy-sensitive households. Barbets love water, are great with kids, and have the looks to charm just about anyone on Instagram.
Why it’s trending:
- Hypoallergenic and low-shedding
- Rare, unique appearance
- Friendly and adaptable to family life
3. Belgian Laekenois – The Rare Guardian
The rarest of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds, the Laekenois is catching attention for its distinctive rough coat and natural protective instincts. With the AKC recognizing it more formally and increased appearances in dog competitions, more people are turning to this breed in 2025 for its loyalty and intelligence.
Why it’s trending:
- Unique appearance and heritage
- Strong guardian instincts
- Increasing visibility in canine sports and competitions
4. Shikoku – The Japanese Hidden Gem
Similar in appearance to the Shiba Inu but slightly larger and more reserved, the Shikoku is making waves in 2025 among dog enthusiasts looking for a loyal and independent companion. Known for its wolf-like features and adventurous spirit, the Shikoku appeals to active dog owners who want something rare.
Why it’s trending:
- Rare and exotic appeal
- Loyal and reserved, great for experienced owners
- Gaining social media attention for its wild look
5. Eurasier – The Balanced Family Dog
The Eurasier is a German-bred dog known for its calm demeanor, wolf-like appearance, and loyalty to its family. As more people in 2025 search for well-rounded family pets that are neither overly energetic nor too lazy, the Eurasier fits the bill perfectly.
Why it’s trending:
- Calm, stable temperament
- Great for families and multi-pet homes
- Rare but increasingly available through ethical breeders
Bottom Line
Dog ownership trends in 2025 are leaning toward rare, intelligent, and hypoallergenic breeds that match today’s lifestyles. The five rising breeds highlighted above—Miniature American Shepherd, Barbet, Belgian Laekenois, Shikoku, and Eurasier—are gaining popularity for all the right reasons. If you’re looking for a breed that stands out from the crowd while fitting perfectly into modern living, these emerging stars are worth considering.
FAQs
Q1: Are these rising dog breeds hard to find?
A1: Some, like the Barbet and Shikoku, are still rare in many areas, but ethical breeders are slowly making them more accessible.
Q2: Do rare breeds cost more?
A2: Yes, due to their rarity and limited breeding programs, prices are often higher than common breeds.
Q3: Are these dogs good for first-time owners?
A3: Some breeds like the Miniature American Shepherd or Barbet are great for beginners, while others like the Shikoku may suit more experienced handlers.
Q4: Can I adopt these breeds instead of buying?
A4: While adoption is always encouraged, some rare breeds may not be widely available in shelters, but breed-specific rescues may help.