Two New Breeds Join The American Kennel Club Family

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club (AKC^®) announces the full recognition of the American Hairless Terrier and the Sloughi, raising the total number of AKC dog breeds to 189.

"We're excited to welcome these two unique breeds into the AKC family," said AKC spokesperson Gina DiNardo. "Both breeds make wonderful companions for the right family. If a dog lover is interested in the American Hairless Terrier, Sloughi or any other AKC breed, we encourage them to visit www.akc.org to learn more about the breed and determine if they're a fit for their lifestyle."

Joining the Terrier group, the American Hairless Terrier is a small to medium sized, active terrier. Ancestors of the breed were bred to hunt rats and other vermin, and today the breed excels in many AKC dog sports. The breed comes in both a hairless and coated variety, although the coated dogs still carry the hairless gene. The AHT is well known for its propensity for fewer allergic reactions than other breeds, allowing them into homes of many allergy sufferers. The breed is energetic, alert, curious and intelligent. For more information, visit http://www.ahtca.info/.

Joining the Hound group, the Sloughi is a medium-sized, smooth-coated, athletic sighthound. An ancient breed, it is treasured in North Africa for its hunting skills, speed, agility, and endurance over long distances. The breed is noble and somewhat reserved, with a gentle, melancholy expression. The breed must be exercised on leash or in a large fenced area since it will run after anything that catches its fancy. Its smooth coat requires a weekly brushing. For more information, visit http://sloughi-international.com/.

Both breeds became eligible to compete in their respective AKC groups on January 1, 2016.

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

Related Links

http://www.akc.org