The AKC Family Just Got Larger!

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The Spanish Water Dog, Cirneco dell’Etna,

Bergamasco, & Boerboel Gain Full AKC Recognition

The pack has expanded! The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced that the Spanish Water Dog, Cirneco dell’Etna, Bergamasco, and Boerboel gained full AKC recognition. This brings AKC’s roster of recognized breeds to 184.

“The AKC is thrilled to recognize these four very unique breeds,” said AKC Spokesperson Gina DiNardo. “While each of these loveable dogs differs in temperament, exercise, and grooming needs, they make wonderful companions to a variety of people. We’re glad to give dog lovers more breed options to fit their lifestyle.”

Joining the Herding group, the Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized dog with a distinctively curly coat. The “SWD” was originally bred as a multi-purpose farm dog and used for herding, hunting, and assisting fisherman. The breed is known to be lively, hardworking, and very intelligent. Spanish Water Dogs are high-energy and do best with an active owner. They’re naturally protective of their family and very loyal. They require little grooming, only needing their coat clipped once a year. For more information on the breed, visit http://www.swdclub.org/.

The Cirneco dell’Etna hails from Italy and joins the Hound group. The Cirneco is a hunter that works by scent, sight, and hearing. The breed has an independent temperament, and is intelligent, inquisitive and affectionate with its family. They need moderate exercise and their short coat requires minimal grooming. For more information on the breed, visit http://www.cirneco.com/Welcome.html

Joining the Herding group, the Bergamasco is known for its unique coat made up of long mats. The breed hails from Italy and worked as a livestock guardian. The Bergamasco is an athletic, sociable and intelligent dog that has a deep desire to please its owner. Despite its coat of long mats, Bergamascos don’t require much grooming. They need very few baths per year and no brushing. For more information on the breed, visit http://bergamascousa.com/.

The Boerboel originated in South Africa and joins the Working group. It is a large, agile mastiff-type breed that was used as a farm dog, as well as a guardian and loyal companion. The Boerboel has strong protective instincts and loves its family. It is not the dog for first-time dog owners. They need daily exercise and their grooming needs are minimal. For more information on the breed, visit http://www.americanboerboelclub.com/.

All four breeds will be eligible to compete in AKC events beginning January 1, 2015.

To become an AKC recognized breed there must be a minimum number of dogs geographically distributed throughout the U.S., as well as an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders. Breeds working towards full recognition are recorded in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®). More information on the process can be found at akc.org.

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Posted by ralbee on Feb 19 2015. Filed under Current Articles, Editorial, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.