What do we mean by "rare" and related designations?

The basis for our classification of equine breeds is based on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy's definitions. They call these designations the "status" of the breed. They define four (4) categories of "status": critical, rare, watch, study. The key indicator of ALBC's status is reproductive performance, and this is measured by the number of annual purebred registrations in North America (keep in mind that ALBC is primarily focused on the status of these breeds in North America). The number of registrations approximates the number of purebred animals born that will be kept for breeding. This figure is more accurate than total population estimates, and registration numbers can be compared from year to year to understand trends within a breed. Global population ceilings are included in each category to eliminate breeds which are rare in North America, but numerous elsewhere, since such breeds are not threatened with extinction.

In its latest Breeders Directory the ALBC defines the following equine breeds / status:

We add to this the category "unique" which describes those equine breeds that possess unique traits, generally descended from rare bloodlines.

Defining 'rare'
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