Westminster Dog Show announces 7 new breeds to compete this year

Bergamasco shepherd

Proving once again that dreads never really go out of style, the Bergamasco is an intimidatingly hairy sheepdog. Those thick mats are actually made up of three different types of hair that form into long, felted mats that reach the ground at around 6 years of age. According to the AKC, the coat even smells a little bit like a sweater when it’s wet.

Despite the epic amount of hair on this dog, the Bergamasco is strong, athletic and muscular in build. This independent sheepdog helped shepherds protect their sheep from predators in the isolated mountain valleys of what is now Iran. Today, they are patient dogs who get along well with both human and canine family members. If you ever get the chance to meet one, make sure you check out their exceptionally long eyelashes.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo was officially recognized in January of 2016, just in time to compete in this year’s Westminster. These sporting Italians can trace their roots back hundreds of years, when they were first bred to be water dogs and specialized truffle hunters. The AKC states that it is possible all water dogs descended from the Lagotta Romagnolo, which does make me wonder why it took them so long to recognize the breed.

If you fall in love with the Lagotto Romagnolo this year, here is what you need to know. Their distinctive, fluffy coats don’t shed, they get along well with just about anything, and they are reportedly easy to train, affectionate and a possible candidate for a long overdue “best in show.”

Berger Picard

Hardworking and on the shaggy side, these rustic French herding dogs were bred to work all day on the farm alongside their masters. The rough, wiry top coat and dense undercoat create a weatherproof coat that protects them from the elements, although it does not protect their owners from shedding. Sheepdogs similar to the Berger Picard are scattered throughout engravings, woodcuts and tapestries from the Middle Ages, and even though this breed was recognized only in early 2016 by the AKC, they have a rich history.

The breed’s scarcity is partially due to the ravages of both world wars on Picardy, France, where the breed originated. Thanks to the Internet, the breed is making a comeback. We’ll see how this underdog fares in February.

Miniature American shepherd

What is cuter than an Australian shepherd? Well, while Aussie lovers might disagree, the miniature American shepherd is pretty much the most adorable little shepherd on the block. The AKC recognized these little guys in 2016. They were developed in the 1960s, probably from small, unregistered Australian shepherd dogs, and have the breed’s intelligence and athleticism wrapped up in a much smaller package. These American herding dogs excel not only at herding but also at obedience, agility and rally training.

Don’t be fooled by those adorable little faces. These dogs require stimulation and exercise to keep their highly intelligent minds occupied. Horse show enthusiasts are particularly fond of the breed, as their loyalty, intelligence and small size make them perfect traveling companions. Let’s see if they can steal a dog show as well as a horse show next month.

Boerboel

This massive new breed from South Africa could dominate the working group if its personality in the ring is anything like it is at home. Its name translates literally to “farm dog,” and the breed is agile and athletic despite its size. Boerboels are a dominant breed and are not suited for first-time large dog owners, although the breed is clever and loyal to its family and is happy to learn new tricks. Legend has it that the South African breed was used to kill lions, and although this is perhaps a little far-fetched, the breed has been reported to take down the occasional leopard in defense of the farm. The harsh life of the early Boerboels who accompanied South African settlers bred a resilient, sturdy mastiff-type dog that could handle the heat, protect the farm and still have time for a few cuddles at the end of the day.

Spanish water dog

The AKC recognized the Spanish water dog in 2015 as a member of the herding group. This classification is a testament to the breed’s clouded history as a multipurpose Spanish hunting, herding, water and companion dog. This versatility means they are exceptionally trainable, and centuries of guarding flocks has made them protective of their territory. As a bonus for these herding, swimming, retrieving, guarding and loving canine companions, their wooly coats surprisingly require very little care. Who doesn’t love fluffy and low maintenance?

Spanish water dogs make great pets for families that provide them with plenty of exercise. They are very much attached to their working roots and need stimulation to keep them happy and mentally healthy. They particularly love water sports, as their name and their webbed feet suggest.

Cirneco dell’Etna

Talk about a legacy: The Cirneco dell’Etna has roamed the Sicilian countryside for over 2,500 years, hunting small mammals and fowl. The breed, which was recognized by the AKC in 2015, is hardy and compact, bred to hunt under adverse conditions with limited food and water in the Mediterranean basin. The Etna at the end of the name comes from Mount Etna, which happens to be the largest volcano in Europe. Cirneco dell’Etna were particularly good at hunting rabbits, both by sight and scent, and often worked closely with their furry ferret partners to flush out a burrow. This primitive breed has not changed its appearance over the past 2,500 years, if the many likenesses printed on coins in the region are any measure, but there is nothing primitive about the breed’s loyalty and affection for their people.

These seven new breeds have long and short histories behind them. We’ll see what new honors they can add to their records in February, when they have the option to compete for the first time at the Westminster Dog Show.