At a Glance
- The American Kennel Club added three new breeds.
- The newcomers are the Teddy Roosevelt terrier, Russian tsvetnaya bolonka, and basset fauve de Bretagne.
- The AKC now recognizes 205 breeds.
- Why it matters: The new breeds can compete in U.S. shows and gain wider public attention.
The American Kennel Club expanded its roster on Tuesday, adding three breeds that bring new history and personality to the U.S. dog-show circuit. The move increases the number of recognized breeds to 205 and gives owners more options for companionship and competition.
New Breeds and Their Backgrounds
The three additions span continents and eras: the Teddy Roosevelt terrier, a spirited small dog named after President Theodore Roosevelt; the Russian tsvetnaya bolonka, a lapdog developed in post-war Leningrad for apartment life; and the basset fauve de Bretagne, a French hunting hound with a lineage that traces back to the 16th century.
| Breed | Height (inches) | Weight (lbs) | Top Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teddy Roosevelt terrier | 8-14 | 8-25 | Energetic, rodent-killing, alert |
| Russian tsvetnaya bolonka | up to 10¼ | 7-9 | Sweet, clever companion |
| Basset fauve de Bretagne | 12.5-15.5 | 23-39 | Hardy, sociable, compact hound |
Cindy Hartman of South Carolina said:
> “They’re wicked smart, and so if you’re wanting a dog that’s just going to lay around all day long, a fauve is not for you. But yet, when challenged mentally and physically, they’re happy to come in with you and curl up on the sofa for the evening.”
Cindy Rickey of Waynesville, North Carolina, the secretary of the American Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Club, added:
> “They know how to get you to laugh. They’re terriers, no doubt about it, but they also have this tremendous desire to please.”
Denise Dang of Oklahoma City, secretary of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Club of America, explained:
> “Having a bolonka is like having a 3-year-old kid running around your house. … They can enjoy their time lying on the couch with you, but you’ve got to be prepared to play with them and keep them entertained.”
AKC’s Growth and Legal Challenges
The AKC currently recognizes 205 breeds, though it has no cap on future additions. Spokesperson Brandi Hunter Munden said the club is not adding dogs indiscriminately but is “providing an established framework for growth, breed standards, competition and education in the U.S.”
Animal-rights activists, led by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have sued the AKC over the health of several popular breeds, alleging that the club’s standards encourage unhealthy dogs. The AKC has denied the claims and seeks to dismiss the lawsuit.
Key Takeaways
- Three new breeds-Teddy Roosevelt terrier, Russian tsvetnaya bolonka, and basset fauve de Bretagne-are now AKC-recognized.
- The AKC’s total breed count rises to 205, with no fixed limit on future additions.
- A lawsuit from PETA challenges the AKC’s breeding standards, but the club maintains a commitment to dog health.
The addition of these breeds marks a significant expansion of the AKC’s portfolio, offering enthusiasts fresh options while also spotlighting ongoing debates over breeding practices.
