At a Glance
- American Kennel Club adds 3 new breeds: Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
- Recognition expands AKC roster to 205 breeds, opening more shows for owners
- PETA sues AKC over health standards for several breeds, citing new additions
- Why it matters: Dog owners gain more choices, and the lawsuit highlights ongoing debate over breeding practices
On Tuesday, the AKC officially recognized three new breeds, broadening the list of dogs eligible for U.S. shows and increasing their visibility. The addition of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka brings unique histories and characteristics to the club. Meanwhile, a lawsuit from PETA underscores the controversy surrounding dog breeding standards.
New Breeds Spotlight
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a hardy, sociable hound that thrives on mental and physical activity. It stands 12.5-15.5 inches tall and weighs 23-39 pounds. Its coarse, tan coat dates back to 16th-century French aristocracy.
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, named after President Theodore Roosevelt, is a small, energetic dog that excels at rodent control and obedience. It measures 8-14 inches tall and weighs 8-25 pounds. It originated as a short-legged variant of the rat terrier and gained breed status in 1999.
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a sweet, clever companion that enjoys play as much as snuggling. It is up to 10¼ inches tall and weighs 7-9 pounds. Developed in post-war Leningrad for apartment dwellers, it is known for a thick, low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming.
Cindy Hartman stated:
> “They’re wicked smart, and so if you’re wanting a dog that’s just going to lay around all day long, a fauve is not for you. But yet, when challenged mentally and physically, they’re happy to come in with you and curl up on the sofa for the evening.”
Cindy Rickey added:
> “They know how to get you to laugh. They’re terriers, no doubt about it, but they also have this tremendous desire to please.”
Denise Dang said:
> “Having a bolonka is like having a 3-year-old kid running around your house. They can enjoy their time lying on the couch with you, but you’ve got to be prepared to play with them and keep them entertained.”
| Breed | Height (in) | Weight (lb) | Top Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basset Fauve de Bretagne | 12.5-15.5 | 23-39 | A hardy, sociable, compact hound |
| Teddy Roosevelt Terrier | 8-14 | 8-25 | A solid, energetic small canine |
| Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka | Up to 10¼ | 7-9 | A sweet but clever little companion |
AKC’s Growth and Controversy
The AKC now recognizes 205 breeds, including the three newcomers. The club maintains a pipeline that takes years of breeding, documentation, and consensus-building, and it does not limit the number of breeds it may eventually recognize.
Brandi Hunter Munden said:
> “We’re not adding dogs indiscriminately, but rather providing an established framework for growth, breed standards, competition, and education in the U.S.”
PETA has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the AKC’s promulgation of current standards for French bulldogs, pugs, dachshunds, and Chinese shar-peis, arguing that the standards create deformed, unhealthy dogs. The group claims the kennel club has supplied “blueprints for the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs.”
The AKC has denied the allegations and called the suit frivolous, asserting its commitment to the health, well-being, and proper treatment of all dogs.
Key Takeaways
- Three new breeds-Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka-join the AKC roster.
- The club’s list now totals 205 breeds, with no cap on future additions.
- A PETA lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns over breeding standards and the health of certain breeds.
The addition of these breeds expands opportunities for dog lovers, while the lawsuit reminds stakeholders of the ethical debates surrounding canine breeding.
