Kuranda Blog

Newly Recognized AKC Breeds

Posted by Jenn on 10/12/2015

If it seems as though you see a new type of dog in every dog show, it’s not your imagination: Over the past decade, the AKC has added numerous breeds to its ranks, bringing the total up to 187 breeds as of July 2015. Newly added breeds have come up the ranks of the AKC, starting as an FSS breed and then moving into the Miscellaneous Class before attaining full recognition.

Unless you’re a coonhound aficionado, you may be surprised to learn that three coonhound breeds were added quite recently: the Redbone Coonhound was added in 2009, the American English Coonhound in 2011, and the Treeing Walker Coonhound in 2012. The Chinook has only been recognized since 2013. The Coton de Tulear, a small, fluffy dog originally owned by noblemen in Madagascar, was recognized in 2014, along with the Wirehaired Vizsla, a hunting dog from Hungary.

Here are the newest recognized AKC breeds, as of July 2015:

  • Bergamasco

    Source: Artos Bergamasco Sheepdogs

    Bergamasco
    Origin: Italy
    Group: Herding
    Known for: Its shaggy, matted coat that resembles dreadlocks
  • Boerboel

    Source: Alpine Lions

    Boerboel
    Origin: South Africa
    Group: Working
    Known for: Its muscular build and protective nature
  • Cirneco dell Etna

    Source: Dog Breeds List

    Cirneco dell’Etna
    Origin: Italy
    Group: Hound
    Known for: Its history as a hunting dog in volcanic regions of Sicily
  • Spanish Water Dog

    Source: Dog Breed Info

    Spanish Water Dog
    Origin: Debated (Spain, but may be originally from Turkey or North Africa)
    Group: Herding
    Known for: Its swimming ability
  • Berger Picard

    Source: Berger Picard Club of America

    Berger Picard
    Origin: France
    Group: Herding (berger is French for “shepherd”)
    Known for: The movie Because of Winn-Dixie
  • Lagotto Romagnolo

    Source: World Dog Show

    Lagotto Romagnolo
    Origin: Italy
    Group: Sporting
    Known for: Its skill at finding truffles underground
  • Miniature American Shepherd

    Source: American Miniature Shepherds

    Miniature American Shepherd
    Origin: California
    Group: Herding
    Known for: Its small size and intelligence

Read more in our AKC series in Part 1: American Kennel Club (AKC) Breed Registration
Read more in our AKC series in Part 3: AKC's Dog Groups