American Kennel Club Recognizes The Belgian Laekenois
NEW YORK, July 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, announced today that the Belgian Laekenois has received full recognition, and is eligible to compete in the Herding Group. This addition brings the number of AKC-recognized breeds to 196.
"We're happy to have the Belgian Laekenois as part of AKC's family of recognized breeds," said Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary. "It's a wonderful dog that will make a great companion for active people. As always, we'd like to remind potential dog owners to do their research to find the right breed for their lifestyle."
One of the four native dogs of Belgium, the Belgian Laekenois is a herding dog that was originally used to guard and tend to its owner's flock, as well as guard linen drying in the fields. The breed is still able to guard its people and property today. These dogs are known to be alert, intelligent and inquisitive. They're reserved with strangers, but affectionate and friendly with those they know well. As a working dog, the Belgian Laekenois needs an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a job to do. Their coat requires regular brushing and occasional bathing.
Recognition does not mean the creation of a new breed. Many of the breeds that gain full AKC-recognition have been around for many years, and some are ancient. 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®). Additional information on the process can be found at akc.org.
About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club 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 and mixed breed 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.
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SOURCE American Kennel Club
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