Our pack is getting bigger and bigger! The American Kennel Club has given four additional breeds AKC recognition, bringing the total number of recognized breeds to 184.
Allow us to introduce you to:
Cirneco dell’Etna
The Cirneco dell’Etna hails from Italy and joins the Hound group. The Cirneco is a hunter that works by scent, sight, and hearing. The breed has an independent temperament and is intelligent, inquisitive, and affectionate with its family. They need moderate exercise and their short coat requires minimal grooming.
Bergamasco
Joining the Herding group is the Bergamasco, known for its unique coat made up of long mats. The breed hails from Italy and worked as a livestock guardian. The Bergamasco is an athletic, sociable, and intelligent dog that has a deep desire to please its owner. Despite its coat of long mats, Bergamascos don’t require much grooming. They need very few baths per year and (surprise…) no brushing.
Boerboel
The Boerboel originated in South Africa and joins the Working group. It is a large, agile Mastiff-type breed that was used as a farm dog, as well as a guardian and loyal companion. The Boerboel has strong protective instincts and loves its family. It is not the dog for first-time dog owners. This breed needs daily exercise but only require minimal grooming.
Spanish Water Dog
Joining the Herding group, the Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized dog with a distinctively curly coat. The “SWD” was originally bred as a multi-purpose farm dog and used for herding, hunting, and assisting fisherman. The breed is known to be lively, hardworking, and very intelligent. Spanish Water Dogs are high-energy and do best with an active owner. They’re naturally protective of their family and very loyal. They require little grooming, only needing their coat clipped once a year.
All four breeds will be eligible to compete in AKC events beginning January 1, 2015.
To become an AKC recognized breed there must be a minimum number of dogs geographically distributed throughout the U.S., as well as an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders. Breeds working towards full recognition are recorded in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service. More information on the process can be found at akc.org.