Issue Date: December 9, 2007

In this article: The AKC now recognizes

AnimalSmart

Pets: Meet the new breeds

Find out how these dogs made this year's cut in the American Kennel Club's registry.

The American Kennel Club (akc.org) recognizes 169 breeds and varieties of dogs, including four newbies. That may seem like a lot of breeds, but there are more than twice that number worldwide. What is a breed? It's a group that shares characteristics, like haircoat length and tail shape, which were selectively bred into the dogs to serve a particular function, such as herding or hunting.

The AKC maintains the oldest and largest registry of purebred dogs in the country. Most people probably have never heard of the newest additions to the AKC's list: the Tibetan Mastiff, Plott, Swedish Vallhund and Beauceron. All were admitted to "the club" in 2007.

These breeds have been on the world stage for some time and are gradually becoming more popular in America. Years ago, national clubs representing them began the process of gaining official recognition by petitioning the AKC.

Among the benefits of inclusion in the AKC are opportunities to participate in its dog shows and sporting events. Marion Karhatsu, past president of the American Beauceron Club, says some owners of that breed were interested in competing in shows and in trials demonstrating traits such as tracking, herding and agility, and "finding an organized venue isn't easy." The AKC, she notes, "has all of that in place."

Martha Feltenstein, president of the American Tibetan Mastiff Association, says her group sought AKC recognition in part to ensure that births and other official records of the breed would be kept by a well-known organization. In addition, her group favored the idea that future decisions about issues related to the breed "are going to be based on the guidelines of an institution, not on individual preferences," she says.

The AKC doesn't consider a breed for registration unless an organized American breed club is in place. The AKC reviews the breed's history, which often includes the existence of breed clubs in other nations where the breed may be better known. While the petition is under review, members of the parent club can begin participating in AKC events.

"In many instances, when a breed seeks recognition, it may be in very small numbers in this country," says Mari-Beth O'Neill, AKC's assistant vice president of customer service. "We want to see their registry grow to at least 300 dogs with three generations of breeding pedigrees, which may take several years."

Once that is achieved, the AKC board of directors reviews the parent club's numbers, participation in AKC events and overall impression, and makes the final decision on recognition. "Certainly, AKC exposure is very important for these rare breeds to be able to grow," says Liz Palika, author of The Howell Book of Dogs. But she cautions those thinking of getting one of the new breeds. "There are lots of choices," she says. "What's important is choosing the breed with the right temperament for your family." To stay ahead of the canine curve, keep your eye on these breeds now being considered for AKC recognition: Dogue de Bordeaux and Norwegian Buhund.

The AKC now recognizes