The American Kennel Club’s pack just got bigger — and objectively cuter. Last week, the organization added three new dog breeds to its official roster: a wavy-coated toy pup, a French hound, and a terrier named after the 26th U.S. president.
Although the Russian tsvetnaya bolonka, basset Fauve de Bretagne, and Teddy Roosevelt terrier aren’t new to the world, they are newly recognized by the AKC due to the breeds becoming more prominent in the U.S. Including the newcomers, the org now recognizes a total of 205 breeds.
Russian tsvetnaya bolonka
“Each of these breeds offers a unique set of characteristics that make them stand out as first-rate companions,” AKC’s announcement reads. “Personable and cheerful in disposition, the new-to-AKC breeds are trustworthy companions who thrive on serving their owners, but they’re not newly developed.”
The Russian tsvetnaya bolonka (which translates to “Russian colored lapdog”) comes from the bichon family and boasts a medium-length coat that helps keep it warm in the often-frigid Russian temperatures. The basset Fauve de Bretagne, on the other hand, is a French hound with shorter, wiry fur, known for its penchant for hunting — as well letting out a signature “aahrooo” before a chase.
An American breed, the Teddy Roosevelt terrier is a short-legged version of a rat terrier. It sports a smooth coat and was bred to control small animals like rats and badgers. Originally called the Type B rat terrier, the little pup was given its current moniker in honor of Teddy Roosevelt’s wildlife conservation efforts and love for dogs.
To qualify for recognition by the AKC, which was founded in 1884, all breeds must meet a few requirements. First, they must be registered with the AKC Foundation Stock Service, a record of breeds vying for official recognition, or another accepted registry. Next, as AKC is a “club of clubs,” a National Breed Club must be established. The club needs to have at least 100 active household members for its breed to be considered, and there must be a minimum of 300 dogs in the U.S. with a three-generation pedigree, distributed in 20 or more states.
Danish-Swedish farmdog
The three newcomers are the first to be welcomed into the fold since January 2025, when the Danish-Swedish farmdog — a breed as old as the Vikings — joined the ranks. Now that they’re officially recognized, they’re eligible to compete in over 26,000 events every year, such as the AKC National Championship and the annual Thanksgiving National Dog Show.
RELATED: Research Shows That Dogs Definitely Smile — Learn Why
Share to:
