For dog lovers, the new year is off to a great start — two new dog breeds have joined the American Kennel Club pack.
On Tuesday, the AKC announced that the Russian Toy and Mudi have received full recognition and are now eligible to compete in the Herding and Toy Groups, respectively. With these additions, the number of AKC-recognized breeds now stands at 199.
“We’re thrilled to have two unique breeds join the registry,” Gina DiNardo, executive secretary of the AKC, said in a press release. “The Mudi, a medium-sized herding dog, makes a great pet for an active family committed to keeping this worker busy, and the small, loving Russian Toy thrives on being close to its humans, making a wonderful companion for an owner who can be with the dog a great deal. As always, we encourage people to do their research to find the right breed for their lifestyle,” DiNardo added.
The Russian Toy is one of the smallest recognized breeds, and there are only about 775 of them in the U.S., according to the AKC.
Because of their fragility, “the best home for this breed is one without large dogs or small children,” Jo Buntrock told the AKC. “Of course, it always depends on the individuals. Because of their high energy and desire to work and please, they do great in a home where they can compete in a variety of AKC sports.”
The Mudi, on the other hand, is a loyal, energetic and affectionate breed that is ideal for any family with runners, according to the AKC.
“If not mentally and physically challenged, the Mudi can be barky and demanding,” Susanne Bergesen, Mudi Club of America, said in a statement. “This is not the breed for a first-time dog owner. While some may call the breed stubborn, I see it as getting bored if constantly drilled. They are thinkers, love to learn, learn quickly, and do not need lots of repetitions to acquire most skills.”
The AKC recognizes new dog breeds every year. The world’s largest purebred dog registry states that for a breed to be recognized, there must be a minimum of 300 to 400 dogs from the breed in at least 20 states. The dog must also be supported by an established breed club.
A recognized breed can then compete in the Miscellaneous Class, where dogs usually spend up to three years. The breed can then be officially recognized, making it eligible to participate in AKC events and affiliated clubs.
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