Meet The Newest AKC-Recognized Dog Breeds

Since its inception in 1878, the American Kennel Club has officially recognized 196 different breeds.

Earning a place on this highly regarded list is no walk in the park. In order to qualify, the breed has to be recognized by another country, has to have existed for at least 40 years, and have a minimum of 150 dogs with three-generation pedigrees in the United States.

The adorably small and multi-colored Norwegian Lundehund was officially registered into the non-sporting group in 2011.

As cute as this pup is, it’s best known for its unique features, like having six toes on each paw and a flexible neck that allows them to turn fully around in narrow spaces.

The hairy Cesky terrier was also inducted into the AKC in 2011.

Distinguished easily by its facial hair, this cute canine weighs between 14 and 24 pounds and can live up to 15 years.

Although this is a pretty common dog breed in America, the AKC only recognized it in 2012.

The tiny terrier usually weighs between 9 to 15 pounds and lives up to 12 to 14 years.

This breed has become so popular with dog lovers in the U.S. that the AKC calls it “the people’s choice.”

Still, it was only recognized by the organization in 2012 as a part of the hound group.

This people-pleasing, hardworking pup was on the verge of extinction not too long ago, and even today, it’s one of the rarest dog breeds registered by the AKC.

In 2013, it was named to the organization’s working group.

This tiny hound has a lot of history.

Even though it was only recognized by the AKC in 2013, many people believe that this breed is ancient and that it was first brought to Portugal generations ago by Moorish Phoenician, and Roman traders.

While it may not be the best breed name out there, rat terriers are as loveable as they come.

The breed was registered in 2013, and since then, has performed well in shows and agility competitions, which makes sense due to their high levels of intelligence.

It’s no surprise that this breed was inducted into the AKC’s sporting group in 2014.

Easy to train, this breed is often taught how to hunt and is successful in doing so on land and in water.

This fluffy pup is literally named for its plush fur. Coton translates to “cotton” in Frace, where this breed originates. It was also one of the preferred lapdogs for the noblemen of Madagascar.

Its coat isn’t just pretty; it’s also low-shedding, which makes this dog a popular option for people with allergies.

Obviously, this breed is one of the larger ones on the AKC list.

Inducted in 2015, the Boerboel can weigh around 200-pounds on average, making it a great option for those looking for a guard dog.

Notice something familiar about this dog breed? You may have come across it in some ancient Egyptian artwork.

According to the AKC (which registered the breed in 2015), the Cirneco dell’Etna looks very similar to a pharaoh hound.

Lovingly nicknamed the “truffle dog,” this Italian breed was added to the AKC’s official list in 2015 as a part of the sporting group.

Even though this dog resembles a stuffed animal, it’s not just interested in play.

Registered to the AKC in 2015, this scruffy pup hails from the Iberian Peninsula and was named for how often they can be found around the water.

This breed is a rustic one that’s best distinguished by its coat of tight-yet thick curls.

Everything is sweeter when it’s mini — including dogs.

The miniature American shepherd, which is a smaller version of the Australian shepherd, was officially recognized by the AKC in 2015.

This dog’s claim to fame is starring in the classic movie “Because of Winn Dixie.” However, it wasn’t registered to the AKC until 2015.

It was formerly bred to be a herder in northern France, and almost nearly went extinct in the 20th century.

Despite how wild their coats are, the Bergamasco sheepdog is actually one of the most low-maintenance pups on the list.

Added to the AKC’s herding group in 2015, this dog is best known for its unique coat that looks like a mixture of a mop head and dreadlocks.

Added to the AKC’s herding group in 2016, the Pumi hails from Hungary and is known for its high intelligence and willingness to work.

This dog stands out from the rest of the herding dogs thanks to its corkscrew curls, making it a great pup to snuggle up on the couch with.

With long legs and a lean build, it’s no surprise that the Sloughi makes for an excellent hunter. In fact, this ancient breed was originally used for hunting a variety of game that lived in the North African deserts.

Today this pup is nicknamed the “Arabian Greyhound,” and is known for being a gentle, sweet pet.

This energetic breed made AKC history in 2016 when it became the first-ever hairless breed that originated in the United States.

While it’s official origin location hasn’t been determined, many believe it comes from a rat terrier litter in Lousiana.

With a face similar to that of the spaniel breed, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje can be distinguished by their large ears and feathery tails.

This Dutch breed is known for being loyal, friendly, and hardworking — a combination that makes it the perfect addition to AKC’s sporting group.

This laidback and lovable pup was registered to the AKC’s hound group in 2018. And its name—which roughly translates to “large, low, shaggy dog of the Vendée” in French—accurately describes its demeanor.

This dog has a lot of stamina and doesn’t tire easily, so they would do best with an owner who can give them lots of exercise.

The Azawakh has only been apart of the AKC’s hound group since 2019, but it’s existed for centuries in the arid area near the Sahara Desert known as the Azawakh Valley.

They used to be bred for hunting and helped provide their families with meat along with providing protection.

This cheerful pup was added to the AKC working group in 2020—and when you hear of its history, you can see why.

In 1928, an Argentinan doctor bred this dog by cross-breeding several purebred dogs known for their fighting skills. But the doctor quickly recognized the Dogo Argentino’s hunting ability, especially when it came to chasing wild boars and pumas.

Another dog added to the AKC’s sporting group in 2020, the Barbet was originally bred in France to hunt water game such as ducks and geese.

In addition to its curly hair, it’s known for its sweet nature and sociable demeanor, which makes it an excellent pet for most families.

The most recent dog added to the AKC is the Belgian Laekenois, who entered the herding group in 2020.

This breed is one of Belgium’s four native dogs, although it differs greatly in its coat’s color, texture, and length.