American Kennel Club Adds Three New Dog Breeds

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has officially added three new dog breeds to its registry. This decision was announced this week and marks a significant event for the world of purebred dogs.

With these new additions, the total number of recognized breeds now stands at 205. The recognition is a crucial step for these breeds, as it opens the door for them to participate in high-profile competitions across the United States.

Gaining recognition from the American Kennel Club is a rigorous process that can take years or even decades. To be considered, a breed must have a sufficient population and a defined breed club. The dogs must also be consistently bred with traits that remain true to the breed standard.

Once a breed meets these initial requirements, it enters the AKC's Foundation Stock Service. After accumulating enough registered dogs in various regions, the breed can move to the Miscellaneous Class before finally achieving full registration status. This process ensures that only well-established and stable breeds are added to the official registry.

The primary benefit of this recognition is eligibility for AKC dog shows. These breeds can now compete for titles such as Champion, Best in Show, and group placements. Participation in these events provides national exposure for the breeds.

Furthermore, recognition often leads to an increase in public interest. When a breed is officially listed, it typically sees a rise in inquiries from potential owners. This phenomenon, sometimes called the "AKC effect," can influence the breed's popularity and visibility in the coming years.

With the inclusion of these three breeds, the American Kennel Club now maintains a registry of 205 distinct dog breeds. This number fluctuates over time as new breeds are recognized or, in rare cases, removed.

The registry represents a wide variety of dogs, from working groups to toy groups. The AKC continues to monitor breed standards to ensure the health and well-being of all registered dogs.