Pardon Me, What Breed is That?

Click here to read the complete article
76 – September, 2022

By Wayne Cavanaugh

The newest addition to the list of AKC-recognized breeds, the Bracco Italiano, is the AKC’s milestone 200th recognized breed. They are wonderful sporting dogs that have what it takes to be successful in the ring and in the field. Welcome.

When I saw the historical number in print, I couldn’t help but look back to see how we got here. I harkened back to the ‘70s and ‘80s when we had no hesitation if a spectator pointed to a nearby dog and asked what breed it was. One quick peak over the shoulder and our reply was immediate. The same question is not as easy to answer today with the acceleration of recognizing new breeds. How many new breeds? Well, since 2002, 52 new breeds have been recognized. Let’s have a look.

If it seems like more breeds are being recognized lately, it’s because they are. I’m not suggesting it’s a bad or good thing, but it is a change of direction. Let’s break down the numbers in 20-year segments. From 1960 to 1980, only 12 breeds were added. From 1981 to 2001, 19 breeds were added. From 2002 to 2022, a whopping 52 new breeds were added–enough breeds to fill two group rings.

Why the sudden acceleration in accepting new breeds? I don’t believe there is a single, simple answer, but there may be a few contributing factors to consider.

Click here to read the complete article
76 – September, 2022

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=240008

Posted by AnthonyA on Aug 7 2022. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.