The American Kennel Club Pack Has Expanded: 3 New Breeds Gain Full Recognition

NEW YORK, June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announces the full recognition of the Berger Picard, Lagotto Romagnolo and the Miniature American Shepherd.  This raises AKC's total recognized breeds to 187.

"We're thrilled to welcome such a great selection of dogs to the AKC family," said AKC Spokesperson Gina DiNardo.  "Each of these breeds is unique and will make wonderful companions to a variety of people.  We urge potential dog owners to visit akc.org and learn about all 187 breeds to determine the right dog for their lifestyle."

Hailing from France, the Berger Picard joins the Herding group.  The Berger Picard is a medium-sized, athletic dog that was bred to be a working companion.  This good-natured, loyal breed has a great deal of stamina and drive, requiring daily exercise and mental stimulation.  These dogs need weekly brushing and occasional bathing.  For more information, visit http://picards.us/.

The Lagotto Romagnolo originated in Italy and joins the Sporting group.  This breed is the only purebred dog in the world recognized as a specialized truffle searcher.  It is a high energy dog that loves to retrieve, swim, and play, needing daily exercise.  The breed is intelligent, affectionate, and good with children.  For more information, visit http://www.lagottous.com/.

A small herding dog, the Miniature American Shepherd also joins the Herding group and was developed in the United States.  These dogs are very athletic and energetic.  They are eager to please, devoted, good-natured, and intelligent.  While they only need weekly brushing, their full coat does shed several times a year.  For more information, visit http://www.mascusa.org/.

All three breeds will be eligible to compete in AKC events beginning July 1, 2015.

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.

Hi-res images are available for download HERE.

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 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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