This week, the American Kennel Club announced that they are formally recognizing two brand-new dog breeds: the Sloughi and the American Hairless Terrier.
Exciting as it is to have two adorable new breeds to add to the ranks of cute and cuddly dogs everywhere, I have to admit, I was a little surprised by the news.
Honestly, I thought that we had pretty much exhausted the supply of new dog breeds; I never realized that there could be more types of dogs out there!
But, as it turns out, new dog breeds get added to the canon pretty regularly. While most of us might be primarily familiar with traditional breeds, like Louie the sweet and silly beagle pup, occasionally new dog breeds develop, or long-standing breeds are finally confirmed by science!
In fact, while lots of dogs that we’re more familiar with were recognized as official breeds decades ago, a bunch of up-and-coming pups enter the record books every year!
Scroll through the gallery below to see a handful of the pooches that were confirmed as recognized breeds in the past five years.
1. American Hairless Terrier
Recognized by the AKC in 2016.
A variant of the Rat Terrier, the American Hairless Terrier is one of two dogs so far to be recognized by the AKC in 2016.
These small-to-medium dogs are intelligent and lively like most terriers, and, because they are generally hairless, are promoted as great pets for dog-lovers who suffer from allergies.
2. Sloughi
Recognized by the AKC in 2016.
Another of the New Year's new breeds, the Sloughi is a breed of sighthound native to North Africa.
Primarily found in Morocco, this elegant, light-footed hunting dog is a close relative of the Basenji hound. Once confused with other similar sighthounds, research recently confirmed that the Sloughi has existed as a distinct breed since the time of the ancient Egyptians.
Sloughis are sensitive, active, and eager to please; they respond well to lots of positive reinforcement.
3. Bergamesco Shepherd
Recognized by the AKC in 2015.
Like several dog breeds native to Hungary, the Bergamesco is a shepherd dog with an extremely thick, corded coat.
Unlike its Hungarian counterparts, however, the Bergamesco is native to the Italian and Swiss Alps, where its thick, matted coat helps to protect it from the harsh elements.
These dogs tend to be solitary and are "one-man animals," meaning that they tend to form a strong and very loyal bond with just one person.
4. Boerboel
Recognized by the AKC in 2015.
Also known as a South African Mastiff, the Boerboel was bred as a working dog to protect farmland. In fact, its name translates roughly from Afrikaans to "Farmer's Bull."
Despite its history as a guard dog, socialized Boerboels are known for being intelligent, loyal, and extremely affectionate to their families.
5. Cirneco Dell'Etna
Recognized by the AKC in 2015.
A close relative of the Pharaoh hound, the Cirneco dell'Etna is native to Sicily, particularly the region around Mount Etna, where they historically worked as rabbit dogs.
Today, this breed is praised in dog-show circles for its beautiful red coat, and Cirnechi are also beloved as loyal and affectionate family dogs.
6. Spanish Water Dog
Recognized by the AKC in 2015.
Though it wasn't identified as its own breed until 2015, specialists believe that the Spanish Water Dog has existed for at least several hundred years. Along with other curly-haired European water dogs, it may date back to ancient Turkey.
These dogs are fiercely intelligent with a strong herding instinct, but are deeply loyal to their humans.
7. Wirehaired Vizsla
Recognized by the AKC in 2014.
Developed in Hungary in the 1930s, these large, mellow pointers were bred as hunting dogs. Obedient and intelligent, the Vizsla loves the challenge of running and hunting all day as a working dog, and then returning home to a loving family at night.
With a gentle, even-keeled disposition, these dogs are cuddlebugs who love children.
Love learning about these unusual breeds? Then click through to the next page to learn which surprising dog was developed by pirates!
8. Coton De Tulear
Recognized by the AKC in 2014.
These fluffy, angelic-looking dogs actually have a fascinating, swashbuckling history!
Native to the African island of Madagascar, it's believed that their ancestors arrived on the island aboard pirate ships coming from Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Cuddly and affectionate, Cotons are popular family pets, and are considered hypoallergenic, because they have coats made of hair rather than fur.
9. Chinook
Recognized by the AKC in 2013.
Native to New Hampshire, where they are the official state dog, the Chinook is a rare breed of sled dog developed about a century ago.
Primarily a mixture of husky, mastiff, and sheepdog traits, the large, sturdy Chinook is still occasionally used as a sled dog, but is primarily a family pet these days.
True pack dogs, they love other pooches, pets, and children.
10. Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Recognized by the AKC in 2013.
The term "Portuguese Podengo" refers to a group of Portuguese hunting dogs, but only the smallest size, the Pequeno, has been classified as its own breed.
Originally bred to catch rabbits, the Podengo Pequeno was introduced in the U.S. in the early 21st century, and is prized for its lively, playful, and scrappy temperament.
11. Rat Terrier
Recognized by the AKC in 2013.
A relative of the American Hairless Terrier, the term "Rat Terrier" traditionally referred to a wide range of small farm dogs.
Today, these small and sturdy dogs are recognized as their own breed, and are common family pets who also do an excellent job of keeping away pests.
12. Russell Terrier
Recognized by the AKC in 2012.
In fact, the Rat Terrier has a lot in common with the Russell Terrier. Though lots of folks will recognize this pooch as a Jack Russell, not many people know that "Jack Russell" is not generally recognized as a breed.
In fact, the AKC settled on the name "Russell Terrier" as a useful catch-all term for these small, brindled terriers who were originally bred for fox-hunting.
These dogs are fairly friendly, but are primarily working dogs who need to be constantly active, not pets.
13. Finnish Lapphund
Recognized by the AKC in 2011.
A member of the Sptiz family, the Finnish Lapphund is a friendly and intensely fluffy dog that was bred to herd reindeer by the Sami people of Scandinavia.
Agile and energetic, it's still a great working dog, but also has a friendly, affectionate personality perfect for a family pet.
14. Xoloitzcuintli
Recognized by the AKC in 2011.
Sometimes known as a Xolo for short, or as a Mexican Hairless Dog, this medium-size breed is closely related to a number of other hairless breeds native to South America. An ancient breed revered by Aztec and Toltec civilizations from antiquity.
This breed is social, energetic, and is happiest when treated as just another member of the family!
Did you love learning about these unique dogs that were only recognized as official breeds in the past five years?
Then please SHARE on Facebook for fellow dog-lovers!
