30 New Dog Breeds Recognized by the American Kennel Club

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The American Kennel Club has added 30 new dogs to its list of recognized dog breeds. With each breed comes diverse history, personality, and a whole new experience to cherish for the dog-lovers out there. Let us learn more about these breeds and see how they are unique.

Biewer Terrier

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The Biewer Terrier is a small, elegant breed with a long, flowing coat and a cheerful nature, making it a wonderful pet. These dogs originate from Germany and are adored for their playful nature and affectionate temperament. These qualities make them excellent companions for families with children. Moreover, they are well-suited to modern living spaces like apartments, studios, and even condos due to their small size.

Barbet

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The Barbet is a medium-sized water dog with a friendly personality. They originate from the city of France. With their curly coat and webbed feet, Barbets are excellent swimmers and excel in various water-related activities. They are intelligent and loyal, and they make wonderful family pets for active households. They love to play with humans and other dogs and cater best to open spaces like clean lounges and medium sized backyards.

Belgian Laekenois

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Also known as the Belgian Shepherd dog, Laekenois is strong, active, and full of life. They are a herding breed that is known for its protective instincts and high energy levels. Originating from Belgium, these dogs are intelligent and agile, making them well-suited for various dog sports and activities. They require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

Dogo Argentino

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Dogo Argentino is a powerful and muscular breed that was originally bred in Argentina for big-game hunting. These dogs make the best-guarded dogs because of their protective nature. They are confident, loyal, and protective, making them excellent companions for experienced owners. In order to utilize their energy positively, owners must give them consistent training and keep them among other dog companions. 

Dutch Shepherd

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The Dutch Shepherd is an all-purpose, medium-sized, herding-type dog from the Netherlands. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, Dutch Shepherds excel in various canine sports. They are also loved for their obedience, agility, and protection work making them highly reliable for safety and loyalty. They are highly trainable and make devoted companions for families looking for a loyal and friendly companion.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

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Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a breed of dog from France. It has a long and low body with its hair being shaggy. These dogs are skilled in scenting and were initially bred for hunting small game. They are independent, high-spirited and need regular physical activity to remain healthy.

Lagotto Romagnolo

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The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed known for their ability to hunt truffles. These dogs have curly coats, and they love other people making them lovely as family dogs as well as being great at many canine sports. They are very clever dogs that easily respond to commands and get bored unless their minds are regularly engaged.

Miniature American Shepherd

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The Miniature American Shepherd is a compact herding breed that is extremely smart and full of energy. They were bred in the United States and are known for participating in tough games. These dogs are agile and super faithful. They always stick by you when you are down, showing affection at all times, so they can be good partners for single people and even families.

Norwegian Buhund

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Hailing from Norway, these dogs are a spitz-type breed. These dogs are known for their cheerful demeanor, intelligence, and versatility. Obedience training and agility trials, Norwegian Buhunds need constant mental and physical stimulation due to their high energy levels. Hence, regular exercise would help keep them sane in mind and body throughout their life journeys.

Spanish Water Dog

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The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile breed that was originally bred for herding and retrieving in Spain. With their distinctive curly coat and webbed feet, these dogs are excellent swimmers and excel in various water-related activities. They are intelligent and loyal, and they make devoted companions for active families.

Thai Ridgeback

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The Thai Ridgeback is a rare breed that originates from Thailand. These dogs are known for the distinctive ridge of hair that runs along their back in the opposite direction of their coat. Thai Ridgebacks are independent, loyal, and protective, making them excellent guard dogs and companions for experienced owners.

Tosa

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The Tosa, also known as the Tosa Inu, is a large and powerful breed that was originally bred in Japan for dog fighting. Despite their history, Tosas are affectionate, loyal, and devoted to their families. They require firm and consistent training to channel their protective instincts positively and thrive in a loving home environment.

Lancashire Heeler 

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With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, the Lancashire Heeler is a small breed that normally weighs between 9 and 17 pounds. Known for having a thick, water-resistant coat, this breed is low maintenance, requiring only minimal grooming, including light brushing and occasional baths. They are lively and adaptable and known for their agility and obedience, making them a devoted work companion during the day and a good friend at night.

Azawakh 

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The Azawakh breed has been in the West Africa region since ancient times. They have long stick-like legs to help them get around in the hot Saharan sand without burning their feet. They are excellent runners, which makes them good sports dogs.  Azawakh have a gentle and known reputation for their independent and aloof demeanor, which makes them excellent watchdogs.

Norrbottenspets

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The Norrbottenspets are a small, highly intelligent and energetic breed. They have a curious nature and require considerable exercise. Hailing from Sweden, they possess a friendly nature, sharp hunting instincts, and adaptability for multiple outdoor engagements. With a sweet and moderate temperament, they make perfect companions to both individuals and families.

Portuguese Podengo

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The Portuguese Podengo is a kind of scent hound that comes in three sizes: petite, medium-sized, as well as large. These dogs are known for their nimbleness, smartness, and hunting prowess. They remain true to you always, are playful and good family pets that need plenty of exercise and mental challenge.

Russo-European Laika

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The Russo-European Laika is a type of hunting dog from Russia that can be utilized for other purposes such as tracking or treeing games. They will stay loyal to you till death does them apart; besides, they have all the courage in the world, but make sure never to leave any small animals around them whenever they roam freely outside your compound.

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

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The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer is one such versatile gun dog known for its exceptional tracking ability and retrieving skills. IThese dogs are always faithful to their owners; they are intelligent family pets suitable for active homes. To maintain happiness and good health, an owner should provide daily exercise and mental challenges.

Small Munsterlander

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A versatile hunting breed from Germany, the Small Munsterlander is very good at pointing and retrieving. They are loving and devoted animals that make great additions to active families. You will find the best living conditions for them in a house where they can engage in outdoor activities and participate in different dog sports.

Swedish Vallhund

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A small and energetic herding breed from Sweden is the Swedish Vallhund. Famous for their wolf-like appearance, these dogs are intelligent and playful and can be utilized in different types of dog sports. In terms of temperament, Vallhunds are known for their intelligence and lively personality. They are affectionate and loyal to their families, forming strong bonds with their human companions.

Taiwan Dog

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The Taiwan Dog is a medium-sized breed with an extremely versatile nature. Mostly known for its loyalty, agility, and hunting abilities. These dogs are highly intuitive, almost making them self-sufficient hunters. They are intelligent and independent, and they make great companions for experienced owners who can provide them with firm training and plenty of exercise. They make great stunt dogs, search and rescue dogs. 

Treeing Tennessee Brindle

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Treeing Tennessee Brindle is an exceptionally sturdy and healthy breed. They are intelligent, brave, courageous, and loyal companions with strong physiques. This intelligent breed can be stubborn and may pick up unwanted guarding habits, so they may not be the best choice for a novice pet parent. Still, if you are looking for a loyal and affectionate companion ready to go wherever you are, this might be the breed for you!

Volpino Italiano

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Small, fluffy breeds from Italy called Volpino Italiano which has good instincts when it comes to alertness as well as loyalty.  They love to run, but when done, will jump up on your lap and lay there the rest of the day. They are super affectionate, fun loving pets ideal for companionship to households or individuals desiring an energetic small pet.

Wetterhoun

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The Wetterhoun is not a popular dog breed; they originated in the Netherlands. Known for their curly coat and hunting abilities, these dogs are loyal, independent, and make great companions. Wetterhoun have tolerant and loyal personalities that make them ideal family pets. They love the water and prefer an active lifestyle, happy to accompany their owners on hikes, runs, and adventures outdoors.

Yakutian Laika

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The Yakutian Laika is an ancient dog breed from the cold region of Yakutia, an area of northern Russia that experiences extreme temperatures. They are popularly known for their endurance, intelligence, and versatility to survive in extreme weather conditions. With their medium-high energy level, they love to run alongside a bike, do sled or rig running, or play fetch in the yard. They are loyal and friendly and thrive on regular exercise and sufficient training. 

Bergamasco Sheepdog

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The Bergamasco Sheepdog is an Italian herding breed known for its unique, matted coat.  They are medium-sized dogs popular for their rustic appearance, with an abundant coat covering all parts of the body. These dogs are intelligent, loyal, calm, and even-tempered, making them great family pets for those who can provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

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The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a breed that originated from a cross between a German Shepherd and a Carpathian wolf. Despite being smart, loyal, and athletic, they do not make good pets for average first-time dog owners. Independent, aloof with outsiders, and with a short attention span, they need plenty of exercise and enrichment to keep them happy and out of trouble.

Estrela Mountain Dog

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The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large, powerful breed from Portugal, known for its protective instincts and loyalty. It not only makes excellent guard dogs but also loyal family pets for those who can provide them with ample space and exercise. Its super steady nature makes it a loyal addition to the family. 

Kooikerhondje

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The Kooikerhondje is a small Dutch spaniel breed known for its agility, intelligence, and friendly nature. Its little white and orange look is easily recognizable with a sporty, eye-catching silky all-weather coat. They also have large, black-tipped ears and richly feathered tails that they wag proudly. These dogs are great companions for active individuals or families who enjoy participating in dog sports and outdoor activities.

Löwchen

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The Löwchen, also known as the Little Lion Dog, is a small, playful breed known for its distinctive hairy coat. It is also considered a companion dog that is affectionate and friendly and demands a lot of attention. It makes a great companion for families or individuals looking for a small pet that is both active and playful and very intelligent, making it an excellent house pet.