New dog breeds are discovered and created every year, keeping canine organizations and kennel clubs updating their lists regularly. To keep you up to speed, we’ve compiled a list of the most recent breeds achieving recognition or updated statuses.
You’ll notice many of these breeds have long lineages abroad, yet they’ve only recently arrived on American shores. Some of them have even more recently received full recognition from the American Kennel Club.
From sweet lapdogs to hard-working hounds, check out this list of old, but new dog breeds.
25 New Dog Breeds with Long Roots
#1 – American Hairless Terrier
AKC Full Recognition: 2016
The American Hairless Terrier came about as a natural offshoot of the Rat Terrier, the first one born in Louisiana in 1972. By 1983, breeders managed to manipulate the genetic quirk into an actual breed that dog parents find to be spunky, smart, and protective.
Did you know American Hairless Terriers run the risk of sunburn? Find out if your dog does too and Ask A Vet: Does My Dog Need Sunscreen?
#2 – Alaskan Klee Kai
AKC Foundation Stock Recognition: 2020
This mini-husky was worked on by an Alaskan native from 1970-1988 before it really became a breed of its own. Although not recognized by all kennel clubs, it has been considered an official breed by the UKC since 1997.
#3 – American Bulldog
AKC Foundation Stock Recognition: 2019
Bulldogs have varied histories that date back well into the past, but the American Bulldog really became a breed of it’s own and saved from extinction in the United States after World War II.
#4 – American Bully
After mixing of various breeds, the American Bully fully established itself in the mid-1990’s to create a wonderful family companion. While often confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier, they are differing breeds. The Bully is such a new dog breed, the AKC has not yet recognized it.
#5 – Azawakh
AKC Full Recognition: 2019
While an ancient breed in its native West Africa, this thin sighthound is relatively new in the U.S. First padding onto American soil in the 1980s, this fast hound can clock speeds of up to 40MPH.
Along with the Azawakh. find out about fast dogs in The Top Ten Fastest Dog Breeds.
#6 – Barbet
AKC Full Recognition: 2020
Another dog that’s actually been around a while, the Barbet is a water dog utilized in 16th century France but they didn’t come to America until 1994, bringing their playful and loving personalities with them to win over US dog lovers.
#7 – Biewer Terrier
AKC Full Recognition: 2021
First setting paws on American shores in 2003, the Biewer Terrier gained recognition as a breed in 2021. This beautiful terrier wears a long, elegant coat and sports a playful personality. Fun Fact: Biewer is pronounced “Beaver.”
#8 – Belgian Laekenois
AKC Full Recognition: 2020
Discovered in the early 1900s in its native Belgium, the Belgian Laeknois closely resembles other Belgian herding dogs, but their coat is plush and tousled. They work hard and love hard, giving lots of affection to family. When it comes to strangers, this watchful hound takes a minute to warm up. But after that, you’ve got a new best friend.
#9 – Bergamasco Sheepdog
AKC Full Recognition: 2008
The Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America formed in 1996, but the breed was born in ancient Persia, now modern-day Iran. A shaggy dog once used for flock herding, the Bergamasco is an intelligent dog who lives to please its family.
In an ever-changing world, new dog breeds are always being created or discovered. Keep reading and stay up-to-date!
#10 – Berger Picard
AKC Full Recognition: 2015
With those tall, pointed ears, the Berger Picard looks at the ready all the time! Adorable and rugged, it’s no wonder a Berger Picard was chosen for the canine role of Winn Dixie in the movie “Because of Winn Dixie.”
#11 – Boerboel
AKC Full Recognition: 2015
Large and muscular, this powerful dog once guarded South African farms against large predators. We’re talking lions and hyenas! An excellent guard dog known since the 1600s, the Boerboel needs lots of room to run and an experienced hand in raising dogs.
All dogs are great, but some breeds aren’t for the first-time dog parent. Here are another 8 Dog Breeds That Are For Experienced Owners Only.
#12 – Chinook
AKC Full Recognition: 2013
This breed derives from one male ancestor born in 1917, but the breed almost became extinct after the 1960’s. However, they were soon revived, taking the 176th spot as a new dog breed recognized by AKC.
#13 – Cirneco dell’Etna
AKC Full Recognition: 2015
A natural dog breed, the Cirneco dell’Etna found beginnings in the shadow of Mt. Etna more than 1,000 years ago. Good at hunting rabbits on rough terrain, this smaller hound is sure-footed and independent.
#14 – Dogo Argentino
AKC Full Recognition: 2020
With predators like puma and wild boar in the Argentine wilds, you need a tough dog like the Dogo Argentino on guard. First bred in 1928 for the purpose of hunting, this dog doesn’t play so well with other animals or strangers.
In fact, because they’re so set in their ways, the Dogo Argentino makes the list as of one of The 10 Most Stubborn Dogs Breeds.
#15 – Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
AKC Full Recognition: 2018
A shaggy sighthound originating in 16th century France, Grands, as they’re nicknamed, hunted rabbits and their DNA remembers the chase. Needing room to run, Grands have near unlimited energy.
#16 – Labradoodle
While the Labradoodle isn’t a recognized breed, these energetic dogs have installed themselves as a common household family member since debuting in 1955. Curly and cute, they tend to be less odiferous than other pups while shedding less dander.
#17 – Lagotto Romagnolo
AKC Full Recognition: 2015
Listed as a new dog breed in U.S., this happy dog wears adorable curly fur and has filled dog parents’ lives with joy since the Renaissance. Though used to retrieve waterfowl, the Lagotto Romagnolo proved to be an excellent truffle sniffing dog.
Hailing from Italy, learn more about the Lagotto Romagnolo in this list of 13 Dog Breeds From Italy.
#18 – Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
AKC Foundation Stock Recognition: 1996
The history of the Catahoula varies, some dating back to the early 1900s, with Teddy Roosevelt using them as hunting dogs. The breed, however, was only labeled the official breed of Louisiana in 1979.
#19 – Miniature American Shepherd
AKC Full Recognition: 2015
Miniature American Shepherds are essentially just small Australian Shepherds bred for their size. Since their founding in 1968, they’ve been widely used for herding, agility, and more.
#20 – Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
AKC Full Recognition: 2018
With a name like Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, its good to have a nickname! Called Kooikers for short, these hunting dogs appeared in the paintings of Dutch master in the 16th century. A highly intelligent dog, Kooikers require tons of activity and exercise in order to thrive. Here’s a fun fact about Kooikers, rather than retrieving ducks during a hunt, these intelligent dogs lured them into traps.
#21 – Puggle
Although not a recognized breed by any major kennel club, the Puggle proves tremendously popular while remaining relatively consistent in standard. Did you know the Puggle came about as the result of breeding between Pugs and Beagles?
#22 – Pumi
AKC Full Recognition: 2016
The Hungarian Pumi Club of America formed in 2005, but while a relatively new dog breed in the U.S., Pumik, as the plural form is spelled, have been herding flocks across Eastern Europe and some of the Asian continent since roughly 800 A.D.
Interested in the Odd? Check out who makes up The 10 Most Unusual Dog Breeds along with the Pumi.
#23 – Shiloh Shepherd
Created in the United States in 1974 as a new line of German Shepherds, the Shiloh Shepherd are much larger and more companion-like than their older working counterparts. This rare dog breed has no yet found kennel club recognitions.
#24 – Silken Windhound
The first Silken Windhound litter was whelped in 1987, with the breed club forming in 1999. These beautiful sight hounds work in similar manners as other members of their group, such as Greyhounds and Borzois. They have not yet been recognized by the AKC.
#25 – Sloughi
AKC Full Recognition: 2016
Called the “Arabian Greyhound,” the Sloughi wears a coat as golden or tawny as the sands where it roamed throughout history. This hound’s origins remain unclear, but something that can be seen easily, their beautiful doe eyes. The Sloughi might just be the original masters of “puppy dog eyes.”
You’ve learned about the new dog breeds, but now gaze into the past with The 10 Most Ancient Dog Breeds In Existence!
Feature Image: @hero_og_monica/Instagram
Toledo, United States.
