- AKC now recognizes 205 dog breeds with the addition of three new breeds.
- There is a long process required for a breed to receive AKC recognition.
- Each dog is unique while being similar to other established breeds.
As of Jan. 1, three new dog breeds have earned full recognition from the American Kennel Club.
The newly recognized dog breeds are the Russian tsvetnaya bolonka, a dark curly-coated toy breed from Russia; the basset Fauve de Bretagne, a hound with royal heritage; and the Teddy Roosevelt terrier, named in honor of a U.S. president.
All three breeds have a long history in different parts of the world but have now become prominent enough in the U.S. to earn the AKC’s recognition.
These breeds can begin competing in AKC conformation and other events. Now the total number of AKC recognized breeds is 205.
“Each of these breeds offers a unique set of characteristics that make them stand out as first-rate companions,” according to AKC’s announcement. “Personable and cheerful in disposition, the new-to-AKC breeds are trustworthy companions who thrive on serving their owners, but they’re not newly developed.”
How breeds become recognized by AKC
Becoming an AKC-recognized dog breed isn’t a quick process; “it takes years of dedication and hard work from breeders and owners who are committed to their breeds,” per the AKC.
There are separate criteria for breeds developed domestically and internationally.
Some of the requirements are for the breeds to have 150 dogs with three-generation pedigrees, a written breed standard and one club representing the breed in the U.S.
To become recognized, a breed requires proof of registrations and a minimum number of dogs in different areas of the U.S. There are a number of other requirements that must be met to receive full AKC recognition.
Often, new AKC breeds are related to older established breeds, but they differ in looks, personality and purpose.
Russian tsvetnaya bolonka
The Russian tsvetnaya bolonka dogs are up to 10.25 inches tall and weigh seven to nine pounds.
These dogs can be a “sweet but clever little companion that wants playful interaction, not just snuggling,” per the AP.
The breed was developed in Soviet-era Leningrad after World War II and was originally meant as pets for apartment dwellers.
Russian tsvetnaya bolonkas are typically dark chocolate colored and are the perfect size to cuddle up in their owners’ laps, per AKC.
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Basset Fauve de Bretagne dogs typically range from 12.5 to 15.5 inches tall and weigh between 23 and 39 pounds. This breed is also known as the fawn colored brittany basset.
According to The Associated Press, dogs of this breed are small, short-legged, sociable, hardy hounds that need mental and physical activity and can hunt all day.
Versions of these coarse-coated, tan-hued hounds were recorded in 16th-century French aristocratic circles. Some of these dogs in the U.S. have also been used as medical alert dogs for people with diabetes.
“As a formidable hunter, the basset Fauve de Bretagne is intelligent, daring, and fixated on its quarry. The breed takes its hunting duties seriously but is a versatile hunter, adapting well to varied terrain and game,” per AKC.
Teddy Roosevelt terrier
The Teddy Roosevelt terriers are typically eight to 14 inches tall and weigh between eight and 25 pounds, per AKC.
The breed was named after U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt because he had a fondness for dogs, especially terriers. Roosevelt did not create the breed, contrary to popular belief.
These dogs tend to be solid, energetic and are known for alerting to strangers, ridding barns of rodents and can also do dog sports, per the AP.
Teddy Roosevelt terriers were originally seen as a short-legged variant of the rat terrier and were deemed as their own breed in 1999. It is also an original American breed.
The breeds are eligible to compete in any of AKC’s 26,000 sports and events each year, according to People.