Each year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes new dog breeds that have passed their rigorous standards to join its membership. The AKC has registered 201 registered purebred dog breeds over its 140-year history. You may be familiar with Golden Retrievers or Mini Dachshunds, but do you know about some of the newest dog breeds in the AKC who have joined in the last few years?
Let’s explore American Kennel Club history, how dogs are accepted, and the most recently registered AKC dog breeds to learn more about these fascinating pups.
What Is the American Kennel Club (AKC)?
The American Kennel Club boasts a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Established in 1884, it began from a desire to standardize the breeding and showing of purebred dogs in America. The AKC’s founders aimed to promote the advancement and welfare of purebred dogs while also encouraging responsible dog ownership.
Initially, the AKC focused on organizing dog shows to showcase various breeds and establish breed standards. Over time, its role expanded to encompass a wide range of services and activities. Today, the AKC serves as the primary registry for purebred dogs in the United States, maintaining detailed pedigrees and breed standards for 201 dog breeds.
Beyond registration and breed standards, the AKC plays a vital role in promoting responsible dog ownership through educational programs and resources, partnerships, and legislation advocacy. These initiatives cover topics such as canine health, training, and responsible breeding practices.
The AKC also sanctions thousands of dog events annually, including conformation shows, obedience trials, agility competitions, rally for dogs, and more. These events give purebred and canine partners a great way to show off their training and athleticism while fostering human friendships.
The AKC Recognition Process
A dog breed cannot simply ask to join the AKC. There’s a rigorous process involving many moving parts that all work together to achieve official acceptance to the AKC for purebred dog breeds. Components of a registration consideration for membership include:
- 300 dogs with a third-generation pedigree
- A minimum of 20 litters bred
- Geographically distributed in at least 20 states
- Official approval of breed standard description
- Participation in various AKC-sanctioned dog sports
- An organized National Breed Club
New dogs usually enter in the Miscellaneous class and remain for 1-3 years. Statistics like the increase in recorded dogs and litters and how many entered eligible events including local and national competitions, matches, breed seminars, or workshops are gathered to check on the progress of breed awareness. Upon evaluation, dogs in the Miscellaneous class can be accepted into the other AKC dog breed groups, which are Herding, Toy, Sporting, Non-Working, Working, Terrier, and Hound.
5 Newly Accepted AKC Dog Breeds 2021-2024
You’ll love learning all about these new dog breeds you may not have encountered before. Who knows – perhaps some of these will be as common as French Bulldogs or Yorkshire Terriers!
Lancashire Heeler courtesy of US Lancashire Heeler Club's Member Gallery
Lancashire Heeler, 2024
The newest dog breed joining the other 200 breeds is the Lancashire Heeler, a loyal, energetic cattle herding dog with a spirited personality. Even though they are newly recognized, they are not a brand-new breed with roots in England. Lancaster Heelers were originally bred to assist farmers in driving cattle as drovers and controlling vermin on the farm. Today, they’re versatile dogs that do well working or as a companion to an active family, forming strong bonds with owners.
Lancaster Heelers typically stand around 10-12 inches tall and weigh 9-17 pounds, usually coming in black and tan with expressive eyes and eyebrows. While their origin is not known with certainty, some people think there is Corgi in the bloodline as evidenced by their body shapes. Although they may be small, they have an innate strong work ethic and excel in various canine sports and activities. Lancaster Heelers need to stay busy and be given “jobs” to do to reduce undesired behaviors like barking, chewing, and restlessness. Lancaster Heelers are known for their remarkable agility and speed, making them worthy competitors in events such as agility trials and obedience competitions.
Sheryl Bradbury, President of the US Lancashire Heelers Club, stated, "It's a breed that will work hard all day and is happy to curl up at your side and watch the TV news at night.” The Lancashire Heelers Club seeks to promote owner education and awareness to help potential owners see if this dog breed is the right choice for their family. It will be interesting to note the rise in popularity of this small, sturdy, sweet, and clever heeler.
Bracco Italiano
Bracco Italiano, 2022
The Bracco Italiano dog breed is the 200th dog to become registered with the AKC. Hailing from Italy, this pointing breed has a lineage tracing back to ancient times. Revered for its exceptional hunting abilities, this breed was developed for pointing and retrieving game birds in the marshes and plains of Italy. Today, there are 700-800 Bracco Italianos.
Bracco Italianos (called Braccis, plural) are characterized by their muscular build, long, pendulous ears, and distinctive upper lips, weighing 55-90 pounds. Their short, dense coat comes in various color combinations including white with or without orange or chestnut. With their origins as working dogs, Braccis have a moderate-to-high activity level, enjoying long walks, vigorous play sessions, and opportunities to engage in scent work and other mentally stimulating activities. They excel in hunting and field trials, showcasing their natural abilities and versatility.
Bracco Italianos are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with their families while maintaining a keen hunting instinct. They are intelligent and trainable, though they require consistent guidance and mental stimulation to thrive. John Kavalier, an enthusiastic Bracco Italiano owner and long-standing member of the Bracco Italiano Club of America (BICA), notes that of all the hunting dogs he’s owned, “I find the Bracco to be the most intelligent.”
A Mudi running an agility course
Mudi, 2022
The Mudi dog breed is a versatile hunting breed known for its intelligence, agility, protective nature, and ability to form strong bonds with their families. Originating from Hungary from crosses of Puli, Pumi, and German Spitz breeds, they were bred to work alongside shepherds. As such, these dogs excel in herding livestock and protecting their charges from predators. They also make excellent search and rescue dogs in the US and Finland.
Mudis are medium-sized dogs weighing 18-29 pounds and standing 15-18.5 inches tall. They have a curly or wavy coat that comes in various colors, including black, white, yellow, brown, merle, and gray. With proper care, Mudis can live up to 16 years old! Their activity level is high, as they thrive on physical exercise and mental stimulation. Mudis enjoy activities such as agility, obedience, and herding trials.
Mudis are highly trainable and eager to please, making them suitable for various dog sports and activities. However, they require early socialization and consistent, positive training methods to reach their full potential as well-behaved companions.
A Russian Toy's striking large, furry ears
Russian Toy, 2022
The Russian Toy, a dainty breed originating from Russia, holds the title of one of the smallest dog breeds worldwide with two varieties: the Smooth Coat and the Long Coat. Originally bred as companions for Russian aristocrats in the 18th century, their purpose transitioned to ratting and watchdog duties. Today, the Russian Toy dog breed is an affectionate companion happy to curl up on your lap.
Russian Toys have a very tiny frame with expressive eyes and a delicate mouth, but the real attraction is their large ears with unique feathering. They only weigh up to 6.5 pounds and stand 8-11 inches tall.
Despite their small size, Russian Toys are active little dogs, enjoying interactive play sessions and short walks. Their temperament is often described as affectionate, lively, and loyal to their owners although they can be reserved around strangers. Due to their intelligence and eager-to-please nature, Russian Toys respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, making them relatively easy to train for obedience and tricks alike.
Jo Buntrock has been a Russian Toy owner long before they were considered ready for AKC acceptance. She states, “The best home for this breed is one without large dogs or small children. Because of their high energy and desire to work and please, they do great in a home where they can compete in a variety of AKC sports.”
Biewer Terrier
Biewer Terrier, 2021
Originating in Germany, the Biewer Terrier, also known as the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier, is a relatively new toy breed developed in the 20th century by Gertrud and Werner Biewer. Originally a result of a genetic anomaly in Yorkshire Terriers, the Biewer Terrier was selectively bred for its unique tri-colored coat pattern and charming demeanor.
Biewer Terriers were primarily bred as companion dogs, known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They are small dogs standing 8-11 inches and only weighing 4-8 pounds. A Biewer Terrier’s elegant, long, flowing coat comes in a variety of colors, including white with chocolate, black, tan, and blue often in a tri-color pattern.
Despite their adorable, cuddly appearance, Biewer Terriers are active little dogs that enjoy romping around with their exuberant attitude. Biewer Terriers are lively, intelligent, and playful, forming strong bonds with their families. They thrive on attention and companionship but can also be independent at times. Training a Biewer Terrier can be rewarding because they are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques.
Gayle Pruett, Vice President of the Biewer Terrier Club of America, speaks to the versatility of Biewer Terriers living successfully in a variety of places from farms to apartments. She states, “It is very adaptable and loves the snow as well as the beach and can keep up with the best of hikers.”
Find a Special Pawrade Puppy
At Pawrade, we think every puppy is a champion. If you’re looking for puppies for sale from reputable breeders but don’t know where to start, that’s where we come in. We offer secure, scam-free puppy adoptions from our hand-selected breeder partners from rare dog breeds to more common ones. Some of our breeder puppies carry registration papers to a variety of national and international registries. You can speak with a Puppy Concierge to determine which dog breed is best for your lifestyle and wishes. We can’t wait to hear from you!
