In July, the American Kennel Club will recognise two new breeds for Competition in the Working Group, the Black Russian Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Both breeds were approved for AKC registration, which will be effective May 1, 2004. With the addition of these two breeds, the number of breeds registered will total 152. At the FCI level, the Black Russian Terrier was recognised in 2001 and the Neapolitan Mastiff in 1989. Even if some American dog fanciers consider that there are currently too many breeds, one has to think that there are around 400 breeds recognised worldwide by various International organisations. In the USA, the majority of those other 250 breeds are not recognised, because there are not enough dogs, and also because owners never shown much interest in them. What’s more, the road to recognition is often long and hard. However, let’s note that in the 1990’s, the AKC recognised 151 new breeds. And since 2000, 5 other breeds had been granted championship status. 6 breeds have currently a pending status and are eligible to recognition: the Glen of Imaal Terrier, the Plott, the Beauceron, the Redbone Coonhound.
Log in
