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Lancashire Heeler
The 201st breed to be recognized by the AKC is the Lancashire Heeler. This small breed dog was just recently added to the AKC breed list in January 2024. According to the United States Lancashire Heeler Club, the breed is thought to have originated from the Manchester Terrier and the Welsh Corgi. Bred as a herding dog, the Lancashire Heeler has an energetic personality and is athletic. On average the small herding dog weighs less than 20lbs and shoulder height is between 10-12inches tall. The AKC also highlights the dog’s friendly disposition towards other animals and people as an endearing quality of the breed. Adding to the appeal, is the Heeler Smile that the dogs often exhibit when happy.
Russian Toy
In 2022, the Russian Toy was added to the AKC breed list. Coming in at 6.5lbs or less, the Russian Toy packs a lot of character into a small package. The AKC breed description references the small dog as playful, but seems versatile, as they can be energetic or cuddlers depending on the need of their human counterparts. The breed has thin, long legs and appears lean. Additionally, two different coat varieties exist; Russian Toys can either have a short, smooth coat or can have a semi-long coat. Although they closely resemble chihuahuas, they are a completely separate breed.
Mudi
Another herding breed added in 2022 to the AKC list is the Mudi. The Mudi originated from Hungary and was utilized on farms. The breed is very uncommon, with most dogs residing in Hungary and Finland. The Mudi is smaller than a Border Collie as it weighs between 18-29lbs and sports a curly coat. As with most herding dogs, the Mudi is highly intelligent and driven. Mudi must be physically and mentally stimulated and may not be the best companion for a sedentary lifestyle. The Mudi Club of America encourages owners of Mudi to learn about sporting opportunities to help appropriately satisfy the herding instinct of the breed.
Bracco Italiano
Also added in 2022 is the Bracco Italiano, a sporting dog originating from Italy. This historic dog breed has been linked further back than the Renaissance. Considered a large breed dog, the Bracco Italiano can range between 55-90lbs and thrives when used in the field as a gun dog. This breed has a short, manageable coat, with color combinations of orange, white or chestnut. The Bracco Italiano, also known as the Italian Pointing Dog, is a highly trainable and gentle breed. Â
Biewer Terrier
The only dog breed added to the AKC list in 2021 was a toy breed, the Biewer Terrier. The Biewer Terrier is an elegant appearing dog with long hair. This breed has been bred to exist as a companion animal and was first documented in 1984, originating from Yorkshire Terrier breeders. Interestingly, this was the first breed that was genetically proven through DNA to be a purebred. The Biewer Terrier ranges between 4-8lbs and can have a life expectancy up to 16 years.
Belgian Laekenois
3 breeds were added to the AKC list in 2020, with one being the Belgian Laekenois. Although similar in size and disposition to the Belgian Malinois, the Laekenois sports a tousled coat. The Belgian Laekenois is highly intelligent and observant. Originally the dog breed was used to protect livestock, but also went on to serve as messenger dogs in both World Wars. This particular breed averages between 55-65lbs and has a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
Dogo Argentino
A breed that can’t be ignored is the large Dogo Argentino, weighing in between 80-100lbs. The Dogo Argentino originated from Argentina as the name suggests, belongs to the working class of dogs originally bred to take down large game. Completely white and heavy muscled, the Dogo Argentino was first recognized by the AKC in 2020.
Barbet
The Barbet is a historic breed that was first mentioned in the 1300s and are thought to be the early ancestors to poodles. Added to the AKC list in 2020, the Barbet is a water dog initially bred to assist hunters. The Barbet has a curly coat that comes in a variety of colors. The Barbet is a friendly dog who is eager to learn and please and is between 35-65lbs full grown.
The AKC breed list is an ever-changing list. The AKC has strict requirements that all potential recognized breeds must meet. There are several breeds in the process of being recognized including the Dutch Shepherd and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.
Dr. Marti Dudley attended veterinary school at Ross University in St. Kitts, and completed her clinical year at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduating in 2014, Marti has worked as an associate veterinarian at a small animal practice in her hometown of Williamsburg, Virginia. She enjoys providing personalized care to patients and emphasizes the importance of preventative medicine. Marti shares her home with her husband and children, along with a menagerie of pets. In her spare time, she enjoys camping with her family and relaxing with her pets.
