The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will be six breeds more competitive this year as the number of breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club Association (AKC) has risen by six. Believe it or not, breed clubs all over the nation support local, regional, state, and national competitions for 185 different breeds of dogs before entering the finals of the Westminster - that will be broadcast live from Madison Square Garden on February 13-14, 2012. The new breeds presented this year are...
1. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog
This dog is the smallest of four Swiss mountain dogs. He's lively, untiring, and learns fast. He loves to work and is a great herding dog. For more information on this breed, visit NEMDA.
2. The Cesky Terrier
Cesky Terriers originated in Czechoslovakia as a cross between a Sealyham Terrier and a Scottish Terrier, but their temperaments are less feisty than either of his ancestors. A good family pet, good with children and other animals too, the Cesky is one of the six rarest breeds, world wide. For more information about the Cesky, visit the Cesky Terrier Club, UK.
3. The Finnish Lapphund
A reindeer herding dog from northern Scandinavia, the Finnish Lapphund is said to have been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Now, a wonderful family pet, this sturdy, agile dog is very intelligent and eager to learn. For more information about this breed, check out the Finnish Lapphund Club of Canada.
4. The Norwegian Lundehund
Also called the Puffin Dog, the Norwegian Lundehund hails from arctic Norway where it hunted and retrieved puffin birds nesting on rocky cliffs. This Lundehund has six toes, which enabled him to climb the steep cliffs, and he is also extremely flexible so he can squirm out of tight spots. Now, a companion dog, he's known to be a bit mischievous. For more information about this breed, visit the Norwegian LundehundClub of America.
5. The Xoloitzcuintli
If you can't pronounce Xoloitzcuintli, you may be able to get by calling him the Mexican Hairless. They are descendants of the hairless dogs belonging to the Aztecs and, no doubt, Xoloitzcuintli is an Aztec name. The Xoloitzcuintli range in size from toy to standard and there are coated versions of the dog that are generally found in the U.S. They are good pets, highly intelligent, and very clean. For further information on the Xoloitzcuintli, visit Terrific Pets.
6. The American English Coonhound
This dog is a descendant of the English Foxhound and the American Coonhound and it was used to hunt fox by day and raccoons at night. Now the American English Coonhound is used for a wide range of hunting. Sociable with other dogs and people, he is known to be alert and confident. For more information on the American English Coonhound, visit the AKC's breed information.
Though the odds are against seeing any of these six breeds in the final rounds, you may be able to find videos online of particular breeds. The breed shows start on February 10, 2012 and you can find a schedule of them here.
That's the buzz for today!
