A Royal Dog And Expert Hunter Join AKC Family

NEW YORK, April 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The pack has expanded!  The American Kennel Club^® (AKC^®) announced today the Coton de Tulear and Wirehaired Vizsla will be welcomed to its litter of recognized breeds this year, growing AKC's family to 180.

"The AKC is excited to recognize these friendly, outgoing breeds, giving dog lovers everywhere even more choices to fit their lifestyle," said AKC Spokesperson Gina DiNardo.  "While they differ in exercise and grooming needs, both are sweet, loyal, loving family companions."

Known as the "Royal dog of Madagascar," the Coton de Tulear joins the Non-Sporting group.  The breed originated on the island of Madagascar and was owned only by nobleman.  Cotons are small, sweet dogs with a lot of heart.  They thrive on human companionship and make loyal family pets.  They get along well with children, as well as other dogs.  Their long, cotton-like coat requires regular brushing.  Additional information on the breed can be found on the United States of America Coton de Tulear Club's website at www.usactc.org.

An athletic breed with an excellent nose for hunting and tracking, the Wirehaired Vizsla joins the Sporting Group.  The breed originated in Hungary as a hunting dog that could withstand extreme weather and rough field conditions, which is why they have a long, dense, wiry coat.  They are gentle, outgoing, friendly dogs that make wonderful companions.  Because of their athletic nature, Wirehaired Vizslas do best with active families.  Additional information on the breed can be found on the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America's website at www.whvca.us.

Both breeds will be eligible to compete in AKC events beginning June 30^th of this year.

To become an AKC recognized breed there must be a minimum number of dogs geographically distributed throughout the U.S., as well as an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders.  Breeds working towards full recognition are recorded in AKC's Foundation Stock Service^® (FSS^®).  More information on the process can be found at akc.org.

The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog.  For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

To become a fan of the AKC on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/americankennelclub. To follow the AKC on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/akcdoglovers.

SOURCE American Kennel Club

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