American Kennel Club Recognizes 4 New Breeds
With their addition, there will now be 184 AKC-recognized breeds.
— -- Four new breeds of dogs have made it into the big league when it comes to dogs, the American Kennel Club.
The Spanish Water Dog, Cirneco dell’Etna, Bergamasco, and Boerboel have each gained full recognition, the AKC announced on Wednesday.
The four new breeds had to meet the requirements of having, “a minimum number of dogs geographically distributed throughout the U.S., as well as an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders,” in order to become AKC recognized, the organization reports.
The breeds will become recognized breeds and be allowed to compete in AKC-sanctioned dog shows on Jan. 1, 2015.
The Spanish Water Dog is described by the AKC as, “lively, hardworking, and very intelligent,” in addition to being “naturally protective.”
The Cirneco dell’Etna is described as, “a hunter that works by scent, sight, and hearing.”
The AKC calls the Bergamasco an, “athletic, sociable and intelligent dog that has a deep desire to please its owner.”
The Boerbol is described as not the dog for first-time dog owners, but one that still has, “strong protective instincts and loves its family.”
The four breeds' recognition means there will be 184 AKC-recognized dog breeds come Jan. 1.