Six New Breeds Showcased at the National Dog Show

The newest breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club made their national television debuts with the Purina National Dog Show hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia.  From this NBC Sports page, you can see videos of each breed’s individual judging, as well as the Best in Group and Best in Show contests.

Where breed clubs exist at the national level, they are linked below.  Coonhound clubs are being started, but are not yet organized at the national level.  The Finnish Lapphund Club of America’s website is under construction, but the Canadian club is linked below.

Norwegian Lundehund (photo from MSNBC.com)

Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund, also known as the Puffin Dog, comes to us from arctic Norway, where he used to retrieve puffin birds before they became a protected species.  The Lundehund is one of the Spitz-type dogs, recognizable by a tail that curls up over the dog’s back like an Akita or Chow Chow.  These dogs have at least six toes on each foot because they need the extra stability on the nearly vertical cliffs where they hunt.  They have a flexible skeleton that helps them lie spread-eagled to prevent falls when they slip.  Their thick double coat protects from the freezing winds and is reddish-brown, usually with white on the collar, feet, and tip of the tail.  The Norwegian Lundehund competes in the non-sporting group.

Xoloitzcuintli (photo from MSNBC.com)

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli, pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee, is usually called simply “show-low”, and is the national dog of Mexico.  This breed is a descendant of the hairless dogs of the Aztecs and comes in three different sizes, defined as Toy (10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder), Miniature (14 to 18 inches tall) or Standard size (18 to 23 inches tall).  There is also a version that does have hair.  The breed standard is unique, in that its characteristics were not developed by humans, but rather as an adaptation to the dog’s natural environment.  They are highly intelligent and easy to train. The Xolo competes in the non-sporting group.

American English Coonhound (photo from MSNBC.com)

American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound (which, being a hound is my favorite of the new breeds) is a descendant of English Foxhounds, by way of Virginia.  These athletic dogs originally hunted fox during the day and raccoons overnight, and today can be used to locate any number of hunting prey due to their speed, endurance, and loud howl.  The medium-length coat can be red and white ticked, blue and white ticked, tri-colored with ticking, red and white, or white and black.  The highly social dog makes an excellent companion when he is not hunting.

Cesky Terrier (photo from MSNBC.com)

Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier ranges in color from charcoal to platinum.  The breed’s lean body and natural grace make them excellent hunters, both above and below ground.  They aren’t wild about strangers, but are very loyal to their families.  Their intelligence, sometimes interpreted as stubbornness, and their unbridled appreciation of food means they will find their prize no matter what.  Be sure to keep your food out of reach at all times in order to avoid the problems associated with obesity.  The Cesky competes in the terrier group.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog (photo from MSNBC.com)

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the four Swiss breeds.  The short tri-colored coat has the same beautiful symmetrical markings as his larger cousin, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.  The Entlebucher bonds well with humans, but he is protective to a fault, and requires thorough socialization to curb his guard dog tendencies.  This active and energetic dog makes a wonderful, if high-spirited, companion.  He is easy to train and has a great work ethic. The Entlebucher competes in the herding group.

Finnish Lapphund (photo from MSNBC.com)

Finnish Lapphund

Last but not least, the Finnish Lapphund  was bred to herd reindeer (a very important job this time of year!) in the northern parts of Scandinavia.  The native tribes of Finland made use of their strength and agility, probably for thousands of years.  These dogs make great family pets, both devoted to their families and friendly with everyone.  Lapphunds are very intelligent and love to learn.  They come in a wide variety of colors, and each of them includes a soft, expressive face.  The Lapphund competes in the herding group.

It may take a few years before judges feel comfortable enough with the new breeds for them to begin winning best in group or best in show awards, but in the meantime, we can enjoy seeing them at all-breed shows throughout the country.