Newly recognized breeds for 2020

From time to time, the American Kennel Club grants recognition to breeds to be eligible to compete in conformation events in AKC licensed shows. As of January 1, 2020, two breeds become eligible and will be included in the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills list of eligible entries.

The Barbet (Sporting Group) and the Dogo Argentino (Working Group) will bring the total of eligible breeds and varieties to 207.

BARBET (Sporting Group)

An archetypic water dog of France, the Barbet is a rustic breed of medium size and balanced proportions who appears in artwork as early as the 16th century. In profile, the Barbet is slightly rectangular with a substantial head and long, sweeping tail. He has a long, dense covering of curly hair and a distinctive beard. An agile athlete, the Barbet has been used primarily to locate, flush, and retrieve birds. He has a cheerful disposition and is very social and loyal.

The defining characteristic of this rustic, medium-sized bird dog is the dense curly coat that covers him from the top of his large, broad head to the tip of his curving tail. The coat comes in shades of black, gray, brown, or fawn, sometimes with white markings. The breed’s delightfully shaggy coat and amiable nature creates the impression of a Muppet come to life, but the Barbet is a strong, solidly-built dog bred for centuries to be a keen hunter and tireless swimmer. Barbets are very intelligent and learn new things quickly. They have a calm nature and are easy to live with as long as their exercise needs are being met. (AKC.org)

DOGO ARGENTINO (Working Group)

The Dogo Argentino is a pack-hunting dog, bred for the pursuit of big-game such as wild boar and puma, and possesses the strength, intelligence and quick responsiveness of a serious athlete. His short, plain and smooth coat is completely white, but a dark patch near the eye is permitted as long as it doesn’t cover more than 10% of the head.

The ideal Dogo Argentino is a study in harmony. He is large, powerful, and athletic. His strong head is supported by a thick, but elegant neck that connects to a balanced body, which is sustained by straight, substantial forelegs and very muscular, medium-angulated hindquarters. The Dogo gives the impression of explosive power and energy. Developed to find, chase and catch dangerous game the Dogo must have a good nose, great lung capacity, and a powerful, yet agile, muscular build. His expression is alert and intelligent, with a marked hardness. The Dogo is instantly identifiable by his short, completely white coat. (AKC.org)

By American Kennel Club rules, there are 207 breeds and varieties eligible for conformation competition as of January 1, 2020.

VARIETY: A division within a breed based upon size or coat or color.

There are 9 breeds with varieties that are divided for competition (i.e., there are representatives of each variety in the Group). Those 9 breeds, with varieties, send 21 dogs forward into the groups. In competition, those 21 winners are called Best of Variety (BOV) rather than Best Of Breed (BOB).

SPORTING GROUP

VARIETIES: 3 Cockers (Black, ASCOB, Parti-color). With the newly-eligible Barbet joining the Sporting Group as of Jan. 1, 2020, there are 34 breeds and varieties in the Sporting Group. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/sporting/

HOUND GROUP

VARIETIES: 2 Beagles (up to 13” and over 13”, under 15”), 3 Dachshunds (Longhaired, Wirehaired, Smooth). There are 35 breeds and varieties in the Hound Group. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hound/

WORKING GROUP – No varieties. With the addition of the Dogo Argentino as of Jan. 1, 2020, there are 31 breeds in the Working Group. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/working/

TERRIER GROUP

VARIETIES: 2 Bull Terriers (White, Colored), 2 Standard Manchester Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier (in Toy Group). There are 32 breeds and varieties in the Terrier Group. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/terrier/

TOY GROUP

VARIETIES: 2 Chihuahuas (Long coat, Smooth coat), 2 English Toy Spaniels (Blenheim and Prince Charles, King Charles and Ruby). There are 23 breeds and varieties in the Toy Group. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/toy/

NON-SPORTING GROUP

VARIETIES: 3 Poodles (Standard, Miniature, Toy – in Toy Group). There are 21 breeds and varieties in the Non-Sporting Group. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/non-sporting/

HERDING GROUP

VARIETIES: 2 Collies (Rough, Smooth). There are 31 breeds and varieties in the Herding Group. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/herding/