By Nikki Riggsbee

The Cirneco dell’Etna has been found for thousands of years on the island of Sicily, which is also home of the active volcano Mount Etna. It is thought that Phoenician traders of ancient times brought the ancestors of the breed to the island. There are Sicilian coins from as early as 500 BC with images of dogs resembling the Cirneco. The breed has been used for millennia hunting rabbit and other small game over the rough terrain of the island.

The breed was nearing extinction nearly a hundred years ago. An article on the Cirneco written by an Italian veterinarian inspired a Sicilian Baroness, Agata Paterne Castello, to help save the breed. The Cirneco was recognized by the Italian kennel club in 1939. Recording of the breed in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service began in 2006, and full recognition in the AKC hound group came in 2015.

Forty experts were invited to take a survey on breed priorities for the Cirneco dell’Etna. Twenty-three agreed to do so and were sent the survey. Thirteen surveys were received by the deadline. The contributors average nearly twenty years in the breed. Those who are approved to judge the breed have been doing so for thirteen years on average.

Cirneco dell’Etna Virtues

The experts prioritized a list of desirable characteristics taken from the AKC Cirneco breed standard. Below are the virtues in sequence by the average of the experts’ ranks, with 1 being the most important.

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282 – May, 2026

By Lee Connor

If you’ve ever visited England and partaken of a pint (or three) of ale, there is a high chance that the name of the pub you were seated in was called ‘The Fox and Hounds’.

The names ‘Fox and Hound’ and ‘Hare and Hound’ is commonly associated with numerous pubs in Britain and often indicated a local connection or significance of hunting in the area.

Sadly, the great British Pub, along with the Foxhound, is now rapidly being consigned to the dustbin of history–a true tragedy.

The Foxhound has been described by many as the ideal dog, the canine personification of perfection; eulogized for its fashion and the mold of form in its symmetry, for its beauty, speed, stamina, scenting ability and courage. These are all the qualities claimed for it by those who know and love the Foxhound best.

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274 – May, 2026

By Caroline Coile

We all know there are scenthounds and sighthounds. And we know there are a few hounds that don’t quite fit into either. But how exactly do the hounds divide up according to DNA?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is not related to any other hounds. Its closest relative is the Great Dane, and those two are next most closely related to Mastiff and Bull & Terrier breeds in one direction, and mountain livestock guardians in another. But again, no hounds. The Ridgeback is basically a working dog stuck in the hound group and called not only a hound, but a sighthound.

The Basenji is also unrelated to any other hounds. It’s most closely related to the Tibetan Mastiff and to several northern spitz breeds. No hounds, no sighthounds. It’s pretty much a village dog.

The Norwegian Elkhound is a hound by function, not heritage. It’s not closely related to the Northern spitz breeds, but is related to the European spitz breeds–especially the Swedish Valhund. Others in its family include the Keeshond, Icelandic Sheepdog, American Eskimo, Pomeranian, Miniature Schauzer–and counterintuitively, the Tibetan Terrier, and Lhasa Apso.

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268 – May, 2026

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260 – May, 2026

By Elaine Lessig

It’s SPRING. The long, dark nights and frigid weather are GONE. Hooray! Yippee! Good riddance! The worst winter in years has come to an end and, hopefully, will not return anytime soon. My dogs feared going out in the icy 3 degree weather which stayed around month after month this winter. Even the comfort provided by freshly dried warm towels did not adequately compensate for the harsh cold winds, snow-covered ground, and the small ice pellets that adhered to their long, silky coats. Getting the hard ice balls from between their feet was probably the most difficult of all. The floor of their room was covered in colorful beach towels most days. The dryer got a real workout. There must be a joke in all of this which I am missing. Mother Nature must have been saving up her fury for a decade or two.

The transition from winter to spring was very slow. The ups and downs of the temperature, high winds, and rainfall were a challenge. Every day was different. The weather forecasts were often wrong. You walk out the door only to turn back again and change your clothes, footwear, or both. A predicted warm sunny day suddenly goes cold with rain. You run quickly to your car before you get soaked. However, many times the deluge is unavoidable. You quickly turn on the engine, seat heater, and windshield wipers, determined to get home as soon as possible.

Then on March 8th, 2026, a minor miracle occurred, and Daylight Savings Time came around at last. The days were longer, but the overnight temperatures rarely got above freezing. Twelve days later–on March 20th–spring formally returned to the Northern Hemisphere. Suddenly, the extra light brought out dormant vegetation, large and small animals, and the birds were singing once again. How wonderful it is to see the forsythia bloom. Just the sight of those yellow flowers was a boost. One after another, the buds appeared on the trees. Quickly, the daffodils, crocus, and tulips provided a colorful array on the landscape. The dull brown and grey ground cover was swiftly replaced by bright spring green lawns. We have turned the corner. With no more dangerous ice on the ground, frozen water pipes, or dead car batteries, we can enjoy the warmer weather. It is about time.

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238 – May, 2026

By Denise Dang, RTBCA Secretary “Breeder of Merit”

Co-Author – Tatiana Semenova-Petrossian, PhD Biology MSAOM “AKC Breeder of Merit”

“A toy breed may be small—but type is never small.”

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is proof of that.

The newest Russian toy breed recognized by the American Kennel Club arrives in the ring with charm, softness, and undeniable appeal. But beneath the curls and sweetness lies a history of survival, purpose, and resilience. To judge or breed this dog correctly, one must understand the forces that shaped it—and the type that preserves it.

This is not a fragile ornament. This is a sturdy; companionable dog built for real life.

Born From Hardship, Built for Purpose

In the years following World War II, Russia faced unimaginable devastation—more than 20 million lives lost, cities destroyed, and its dog population nearly erased. As families rebuilt living in small apartments and harsh climates, they needed a compact, hardy companion that could thrive in close quarters and cold weather while acting as an early alarm for the larger guard dogs.

By the early 1950s, the Leningrad Toy and Companion Dog section identified the “colored lapdog” as a distinct type. White dogs were excluded to stabilize color. A formal standard followed in 1966, and by the 1970s, roughly 100 dogs formed the foundation of the breed.

“The Bolonka was created to comfort people—but never to be delicate.”

Understanding this origin is essential. Correct type reflects a dog that is small, yes—but sturdy, capable, and resilient.

The Silhouette: Where Type Begins

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228 – May, 2026

Curated By Elaine Lessig

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220 – May, 2026

By Jessica Braatz

Photos by Lisa Croft-Elliott

Mr. Raymond E. Yurick, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

“Westminster has always been the pinnacle of our sport. I have attended Westminster as an assistant, handler, breeder, owner, exhibitor, spectator, and ring steward in the past, and have loved each experience and opportunity. There is something just magical about the venues, crowds, spectators, exhibitors, and beautiful quality entries from around the world. I was extremely honored and humbled by the invitation to judge at this iconic event’s historic 150th anniversary.

“The Westminster Kennel Club is history and the future wrapped up in a glamorous package, watched at all levels by dog lovers around the world. There is only one Westminster, and the show chair, members, and committees pour so much into giving us the most prestigious and enjoyable experience every year. Their hospitality and incredible organization are second to none. Attention to detail and genuine love of purebred dogs are present in everything they do. It was an experience I will not forget.”

Afghan Hounds

“The Afghan Hound is an aristocrat; the whole appearance is one of dignity and aloofness with no trace of plainness or coarseness. The striking, exotic breed-specific characteristics of the Afghan Hound give them the appearance of the ‘King or Queen’ of dogs, which has held true to tradition through-out the ages. My breed winner, GCHG Zaida Bint Muti Von Haussman, was squarely built, moderately an-gulated, and dripping in femi-ninity, and the above classic breed characteristics. Where she excelled heads and tails above the rest was her tre-mendous ground covering movement, the whole appear-ance of great style and beauty. My Opposite winner and other placements shared these qualities in varying degrees. It was a quality entry that drew a large crowd of enthusiasts.”

Whippets

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204 – May, 2026

By Lisa Dubé Forman

Feng Shui (“fung shway”) is an ancient Chinese art and philosophy rooted in Taoism, Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. By arranging our spaces to flow with Qi—the vital life force—we shape our health, relationships, and luck. These eternal principles, which uplift human lives, can also work wonders in our dogs’ world.

Feng Shui is not just about decorating—it is a way of living in harmony with the energy that surrounds us. Even the smallest shifts can relieve stress and welcome peace. For those who live and work alongside dogs, Feng Shui becomes even more meaningful, as dogs are keenly attuned to every subtle change in their world. Here we will explore Feng Shui for dogs—at home, in the kennel, and in the bustling dog show grooming area.

The Dog in Chinese Tradition: Earth, Loyalty, and Protection

Before exploring how to arrange a dog’s sleeping space or design a kennel with Feng Shui, it helps to know how deeply the dog is woven into Chinese philosophy. In Chinese astrology, the dog is the eleventh zodiac sign, linked to the earthly branch Xu, symbolizing vigilance and guardianship at night. Through the Five Elements, the dog embodies the Yang Earth element: steadfast, reliable, and protective, which reflects his role as a loyal companion and vigilant guardian. As guardians, dogs were believed to bark at unseen forces to scatter negative energy (Sha Qi) and shield the home. So when you think your dog is barking at nothing, it might be purifying the space of hidden harm.

How Dogs Affect the Feng Shui of a Home

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194 – May, 2026

By Robin Kelly

The Västgötaspets is an ancient breed of Sweden, known internationally as the Swedish Vallhund. Originating in the region of Västergötland, this primitive spitz herding breed is valued for its intelligence, versatility, and strong working character. Historical records trace the breed back to at least the 8th century, though it nearly disappeared in the 1940s before being revived through careful breeding efforts. One of the breed’s most distinctive traits is its naturally occurring tail variation. Swedish Vallhunds may be born with multiple tail types ranging from spitz, sickle, stub, and tailless. All tail types are accepted under both AKC and FCI breed standards, with no preference given to any particular type. Over time, tail type has become the subject of growing discussion, particularly regarding breeding practices and their potential impact on litter size, and possible links to spinal health. This article reviews peer-reviewed scientific literature and available breed-specific data to clarify what is known, what is often misunderstood, and what the research tells us about tail genetics and health in the Swedish Vallhund.

Within the breed community, questions have emerged about whether breeding certain tail types together, especially short-tailed or tailless dogs, could increase health risks. Concerns often focus on two primary areas:

1. Whether breeding short-tailed dogs together leads to smaller litters

2. Whether short tails are associated with spinal defects

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178 – May, 2026