At a Glance
- Three new breeds-Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka-joined the AKC roster.
- The 205-breed list now includes the newcomers, granting them show eligibility.
- A lawsuit challenges the AKC’s breed health standards.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized three new dog breeds on Tuesday, expanding its roster to 205 breeds and opening the door for the newcomers to compete in U.S. dog shows.
New Breeds Added
On Tuesday, the AKC added the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka to its recognized breeds list.
These additions expand the AKC’s 205-breed catalog and allow the dogs to compete in many U.S. dog shows.
Each breed brings distinct characteristics and histories.
| Breed | Height (in) | Weight (lb) | Height (cm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basset Fauve de Bretagne | 12.5-15.5 | 23-39 | 32-40 | 10.5-17.5 |
| Teddy Roosevelt Terrier | 8-14 | 8-25 | 20-36 | 3.5-11 |
| Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka | up to 10.25 | 7-9 | 26 | 3-4 |
Breed Histories and Traits
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a hardy, sociable hound with a long hunting tradition in Brittany.
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small, energetic terrier named after President Theodore Roosevelt, known for its willingness to please.
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a sweet, clever lapdog bred for apartment life in Soviet-era Leningrad.
Quotes from Enthusiasts
Cindy Hartman, a South Carolina service dog trainer, praised the fauve’s intelligence and activity needs.
> “They’re wicked smart, and so if you’re wanting a dog that’s just going to lay around all day long, a fauve is not for you,” Hartman said.
> “But yet, when challenged mentally and physically, they’re happy to come in with you and curl up on the sofa for the evening.”
Cindy Rickey, secretary of the American Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Club, noted the breed’s playful nature.
> “They know how to get you to laugh,” says Cindy Rickey.
> “They’re terriers, no doubt about it, but they also have this tremendous desire to please,” she explains.
Denise Dang, secretary of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Club of America, highlighted the dog’s energy.
> “Having a bolonka is like having a 3-year-old kid running around your house. … They can enjoy their time lying on the couch with you, but you’ve got to be prepared to play with them and keep them entertained,” says Denise Dang.
AKC’s Response to Lawsuit
The AKC denies the allegations and has asked a court to dismiss the lawsuit, calling the suit frivolous.
> “The suit is frivolous.”
> AKC
The club says it remains committed to the health, well-being, and proper treatment of all dogs.
Brandi Hunter Munden said:
> “It’s not ‘adding dogs indiscriminately,’ but rather providing an established framework for growth, breed standards, competition and education in the U.S.”
Lawsuit Details
PETA filed the lawsuit seeking to halt the AKC’s current breed standards for French bulldogs, pugs, dachshunds, and Chinese shar-peis.
- French bulldogs
- Pugs
- Dachshunds
- Chinese shar-peis
Key Takeaways
- Three new breeds added, expanding the AKC to 205 breeds.
- The additions grant show eligibility and raise visibility.
- A lawsuit challenges the AKC’s breed health standards, prompting the club to reaffirm its commitment to dog health.
With the new breeds on the books, the AKC’s expanded roster underscores its ongoing evolution amid scrutiny over breed health.
