The Pack Has Expanded!

"We're excited to welcome these two breeds into the AKC family," said AKC Executive Secretary, Gina DiNardo.  "These are two very different dogs – a duck hunter and a scent hound – and they make wonderful companions for a variety of people.  It's important for prospective dog owners to do their research to find the right breed for their lifestyle, and visiting www.akc.org is a great way to start."

Joining the Sporting Group, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje – pronounced Netherlands-e Coy-ker-hond-tsje – is a spaniel-type dog that originated hundreds of years ago in Europe as a duck hunter.  The breed was also a favorite of Dutch nobility.  These are energetic, friendly and alert dogs that are ready for work.  They have a moderate activity level, needing regular mental and physical activity to be happy.  Their medium-length coat requires weekly brushing to keep it free of tangles.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (GBGV) – pronounced Grahnd Bah-SAY Grif-FON Vahn-DAY-ahn – joins the Hound Group.  Bred as a rabbit and hare hunter in France, the GBGV has a great deal of stamina and speed.  The GBGV is a laidback, intelligent, friendly pack hound that gets along well with other dogs.  These dogs are courageous and passionate workers with a high activity level.  They need daily vigorous exercise.  The GBGV's coat is rough and straight, and looks tousled and natural.  It does need weekly brushing to prevent it from matting.

Both breeds became eligible to compete in their respective groups on January 1, 2018.

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.

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SOURCE American Kennel Club

Related Links

http://www.akc.org