The American Kennel Club Recognizes Two New Breeds This Year

This year, the American Kennel Club welcomes two unusual dogs into the lineup of registered breeds: The American hairless terrier and the sloughi. The inclusion of the two breeds brings the number of recognized dogs to 189.

“We’re excited to welcome these two unique breeds into the AKC family,” AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo said in a press release. “Both breeds make wonderful companions for the right family."

The American hairless terrier is a variation of the rat terrier (a breed recognized in 2013). When a litter of rat terriers yielded a hairless puppy in the '70s, the unusual pup was given to a couple in Louisiana, Edwin and Willie Scott. The puppy was dubbed Josephine, and she was the foundation of the American hairless terrier breed. The dogs are lively, energetic canines that were used to hunt rats and other vermin. Today, they excel in agility and AKC sports. The American hairless terrier comes in two variations: Either completely hairless or with a complete coat; furred variations of the breed still have a hairless gene and can have hairless puppies.

The other new dog, the sloughi, comes from North Africa. A type of sighthound, it has long been prized for excellent skills in hunting, speed, agility, and endurance. Like other sighthounds, sloughis are known to sprint after things and need to be on a leash or in a fenced-in area. When inside, though, the sloughi is very calm and often reserved. Although an ancient breed, the first dog didn't arrive in America until 1973, when fanciers Kaethe and Carl Rodarty brought their dog, Tagiurie el Sian.