This 2013 photo provided by the American Kennel Club shows a Boerboel breed of dog. On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 the organization announced that the large mastiff-style dog will be recognized as a new AKC breed in 2015. (AP Photo/American Kennel Club, Tom Pitera)
Republished December 17, 2014 - 6:34 PM
Original Publication Date December 17, 2014 - 2:45 PM
NEW YORK, N.Y. - A Spanish farm and fishing dog, a Sicilian rabbit-hunting breed, an Italian sheepdog with a distinctive matted coat and a rugged South African watchdog are joining the American Kennel Club pack.
The kennel club announced Wednesday that the Spanish water dog, the Cirneco dell'Etna (cheer-NAY-koh-dehl-eht-nah), the Bergamasco and the Boerboel (BUHR'-buhl) will become recognized breeds Jan. 1.
They'll be eligible to compete in many AKC-sanctioned dog shows next year, though not in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show until 2016.
The newcomers range from medium-sized, curly-haired Spanish water dogs to the big, mastiff-style Boerboels. The Cirneco dell'Etna is keen and sleek. The sociable Bergamasco is hard to miss with its long locks.
With them, there will be 184 AKC-recognized breeds. Criteria include having several hundred dogs of the breed nationwide.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014