Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) welcomes a select group of canine newcomers into its prestigious ranks. This year, dog lovers can celebrate three new dog breeds recognized by the AKC, each with unique traits and fascinating histories. Gaining AKC recognition isn’t a simple process: each breed must have an established lineage, documented population, and a national breed club devoted to maintaining its standards. By meeting these criteria, these special breeds officially join an elite roster that stands for consistent breed characteristics and robust health. Whether you’re a casual pet enthusiast or a seasoned breeder, these freshly recognized canines are worth discovering. They bring diversity to the dog world and highlight the AKC’s commitment to preserving purebred integrity and encouraging responsible ownership. From remarkable working backgrounds to charming companion qualities, each addition enriches the tapestry of canine heritage and promises something exciting today for anyone intrigued by dogs.
Our canine friends certainly come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Did you know that there are over 187 dog breeds now recognized by the AKC? That number includes three adorable new breeds. In this article, a local vet introduces these three new breeds, and if you’re interested in learning about other new breeds, check out our article “Meet The AKC’s Newest Breed: The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen“.
Berger Picard
Just added to the AKC’s Herding Group, the Berger Picard is an amiable, playful farm dog that originated in France. The Berger Picard is very rare, so rare, in fact, that it almost became extinct after World War I and World War II. This loyal pup is medium-sized, and has a slightly scruffy appearance that makes him super cute! Friendly and playful, this lovable pooch is a great family pet and does well with children. These guys do need lots of exercise, however, as they’re quite active! Proper socialization is very important for these pups, so if you’re considering getting one, you’ll want to be prepared to do lots of training during Fido’s first year or two.
Miniature American Shepherd
Like the Berger Picard, the Miniature American Shepherd has been added to the AKC’s Herding Group, joining the ranks of distinguished breeds like the German Shepard and Border Collie. Developed in California in the 1960s, the Miniature American Shepard quickly became popular at equestrian events, as they make great travel buddies for horses. This cute pup is small enough for apartment living, but is very active, and needs lots of exercise. This pooch loves to go on long walks or hikes, but is also a cuddly lap dog that is very eager to please. Notably, this addition highlights the ongoing expansion of new dog breeds recognized by the AKC.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Last but not least, we have this adorable, curly-haired pooch. The Lagotto Romangolo is unique among his canine friends in that he is the only dog bred for sniffing out truffles! Energetic and intelligent, this pup originated in Italy, and was originally used for retrieving game. The Lagotto Romangolo is the newest addition to the AKC’s Sporting Group. That cute, curly coat of his has a woolly appearance, but actually doesn’t shed, which makes grooming quite easy! These pups have a happy demeanor and can make great companions, but do they need lots of stimulation and training.
New Dog Breeds Recognized by the AKC: Clubs, History, and Activities
Are there National Parent Clubs for these breeds?
Yes, there are National Parent Clubs for each of the breeds mentioned. The Berger Picard, Miniature American Shepherd, and Lagotto Romagnolo each have dedicated clubs recognized by the American Kennel Club. These clubs serve as resources for breeders and owners, providing information on breed standards, health and genetic issues, and breed-specific care guidelines. They also organize events and activities to promote and preserve the unique characteristics of their respective breeds. Engaging with these clubs can be beneficial for current or prospective owners seeking to understand more about their breed of interest.
What is the history of the Lagotto Romagnolo’s truffle hunting?
The Lagotto Romagnolo, originating from Italy, has a distinguished history as a truffle-hunting dog. This breed’s keen sense of smell and adept digging abilities made it ideal for locating truffles, a valuable underground fungus, in varied terrains. Historically, before being refined for truffle hunting, the Lagotto Romagnolo was used for retrieving game from water. Over time, as hunting declined in certain regions, their olfactory skills were repurposed for truffle searching, cementing their role as the only breed specifically developed for this task. Their intelligence and energy make them excellent at this demanding job.
Was the Berger Picard featured in any movies?
Yes, the Berger Picard has gained some fame in popular culture through its appearances in film. Notably, the breed was featured in the movie ‘Because of Winn-Dixie’ (2005), where a Berger Picard played the role of Winn-Dixie, the titular dog. This exposure helped raise awareness about the breed, showcasing its expressive face and shaggy, distinctive coat. The film’s use of a Berger Picard helped highlight the breed’s amiable nature and compatibility as a family pet, contributing to a rise in interest and recognition of the breed.
What specific activities are recommended for the Berger Picard?
For the Berger Picard, activities that engage both their mind and body are highly recommended due to their active and intelligent nature. These include herding, which taps into their traditional working instincts, agility training that challenges their physical and mental agility, and obedience training to foster good behavior and enhance their responsiveness. Regular, structured playtimes, such as fetch and tug-of-war, can also help channel their energy positively. Additionally, long hikes or jogging are ideal to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated, ensuring a well-rounded and happy dog.
What is the AKC’s perspective on these breeds?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the Berger Picard, Miniature American Shepherd, and Lagotto Romagnolo as valuable additions to their respective groups—Herding and Sporting—due to their unique traits and historical significance. The AKC appreciates the Berger Picard for its resilience and friendly nature, the Miniature American Shepherd for its versatility and eagerness to please, and the Lagotto Romagnolo for its specialized skill in truffle hunting and cheerful disposition. These breeds are celebrated for their distinct abilities, contributing diversity and enriching the canine community under AKC’s recognition.
Do you have questions about your dog’s health, care, or behavior? Please feel free to contact us, your local animal clinic in Hobe Sound, FL any time! We are happy to serve all of your canine pal’s veterinary care needs. For more detailed information on specialized care, including surgical services, please visit our “Veterinary Surgery” page.
