At a Glance
- Three new breeds added to the American Kennel Club’s roster.
- The additions are the Teddy Roosevelt terrier, Russian tsvetnaya bolonka, and basset fauve de Bretagne.
- The AKC now recognizes 205 breeds, prompting a lawsuit over breeding standards.
- Why it matters: New breeds can appear in shows, affect pet markets, and raise questions about animal welfare.
The American Kennel Club announced on Tuesday that three breeds have joined its list of recognized dogs, expanding the number of breeds eligible for U.S. dog shows. The new members-Teddy Roosevelt terrier, Russian tsvetnaya bolonka, and basset fauve de Bretagne-add variety to the kennel club’s 205 breeds. The move also fuels ongoing debate over the health and breeding practices of popular dog lines.
New Breeds Join AKC Roster
The announcement made Tuesday added the three breeds to the AKC’s official registry, giving them the right to compete in sanctioned shows and increasing their visibility among dog lovers.
- Teddy Roosevelt terrier
Height: 8-14 inches; Weight: 8-25 pounds
Traits: Energetic, rodent-killing, alerting, and good in dog sports.
Named for President Theodore Roosevelt.
- Russian tsvetnaya bolonka
Height: up to 10¼ inches; Weight: 7-9 pounds
Traits: Playful companion, likes snuggling, needs active play.
Originated in Soviet-era Leningrad.
- Basset fauve de Bretagne
Height: 12.5-15.5 inches; Weight: 23-39 pounds
Traits: Hard-eyed, sociable hound, requires mental and physical activity.
| Breed | Height (in) | Height (cm) | Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teddy Roosevelt terrier | 8-14 | 20-36 | 8-25 | 3.5-11 |
| Russian tsvetnaya bolonka | up to 10¼ | 26 | 7-9 | 3-4 |
| Basset fauve de Bretagne | 12.5-15.5 | 32-40 | 23-39 | 10.5-17.5 |
Each breed brings distinct characteristics that may appeal to different owners.
Breed Highlights
The new breeds showcase a mix of historic lineage and modern purpose, from a terrier named after a president to a Russian lapdog developed for apartment living.
Cindy Hartman stated:
> “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 said:
> “They know how to get you to laugh,” says Cindy Rickey of Waynesville, North Carolina, the secretary of the American Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Club. While many terrier breeds are known for being independent-minded, her Teddy competes in obedience. “They’re terriers, no doubt about it, but they also have this tremendous desire to please,” she explains.
Denise Dang said:
> “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 of Oklahoma City, the secretary of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Club of America. Owners also need to care for a thick, wavy coat that’s low-shedding but can get matted. Even if it’s cut fairly short, a bath every couple of weeks is wise, Dang says.
AKC Growth and Controversy
The AKC currently recognizes 205 breeds and maintains a pipeline for new entries, but has not yet approved any “doodle” hybrids.
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.”
The club faces a lawsuit from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals over the health of certain breeds. The AKC has denied the allegations and asked a court to dismiss the case, calling the suit frivolous while affirming its commitment to dog health.
Key Takeaways
- The AKC’s roster now includes three new breeds, expanding show opportunities.
- The addition sparks debate over breeding standards and animal welfare.
- A lawsuit challenges the club’s breed standards, highlighting ongoing controversy.
The addition of these three breeds invites new owners into the dog-show world, while the legal dispute reminds stakeholders that breeding standards remain a contentious issue.
