The American Kennel Club announced on Tuesday that with the new year comes two new recognized dog breeds. The Barbet and the Dogo Argentino were welcomed into the fold and will be eligible to compete in breed-judging dog shows starting on January 1, 2020. The two new breeds bring the club’s total of recognized dog breeds to 195.
Barbet
Pronounced “bar-BAY,” this curly-haired dog was originally bred in France as a hunter’s helper. The AKC describes the Barbet as being a “smart, even-tempered dog with a happy, friendly nature. ”
As a medium-sized water dog, the Barbet is a skilled sporting dog when it comes to locating and retrieving water fowl. Its thick, curly fur insulates them from cold and moisture, and their fur is also hypoallergenic and non-shedding. It’s believed that the Barbet is the ancestor to two other popular hypoallergenic dog breeds, the Poodle and the Bichon Frise.
Dogo Argentino
Originally from Argentina, the Dogo Argentino is a large, powerful dog with a confident and courageous personality. The average adult weighs between 80 and 100 pounds, and they’re almost all muscle. Their strength makes them ideal for hunting big game including puma and wild boar.
While most describe the Dogo Argentino as being loyal and lovable toward their owners, this isn’t a dog breed for an inexperienced dog owner. They are extremely intelligent, and they can also be fairly stubborn. Their natural instinct includes a strong urge to guard what they believe is theirs, and they tend to be territorial. With frequent training and socialization, these impressive dogs fit in well with active families.
Welcoming New Dog Breeds
In order to be officially recognized by the AKC, new dog breeds must meet specific requirements. There must be a certain number of dogs distributed geographically, and each breed needs a recognized club of dog owners and responsible breeders. Executive Secretary said,
“We’re happy to have the Barbet and Dogo Argentino as part of AKC’s family or recognized breeds. Both are unique, offering dog lovers very different choices. As always, we encourage people to do their research to find the best breed for their lifestyle when looking to add a pet to their home.”
Do you have a Barbet or a Dogo Argentino? Let us know!
