Dog Breeding: The American Kennel Club Recognizes Two New Dog Breeds

The American Hairless Terrier and the Sloughi have been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) since January 1, 2016. These two dog breeds now join the 187 others recognized by the American Kennel Club and are eligible to participate in most dog shows and competitions. However, they will have to wait until next year to compete in the famous Westminster Kennel Club Show.   The American Hairless Terrier is the first hairless dog breed native to the United States and the only hairless dog with a normal set of teeth . This small- to medium-sized terrier, with an energetic, lively, and curious temperament, comes in 19 coat colors and 7 markings. Its life expectancy is 14 to 16 years. It is the result of a rare mutation that occurred in 1972 at a breeder’s kennel in Louisiana. A pair of Rat Terriers gave birth to a litter containing a single hairless puppy with pink skin and black spots. Since then, breeding of this natural variation of the Rat Terrier has led to the selection of two varieties—with or without hair—both of which carry the gene responsible for the hairless trait.         The Sloughi, along with the Azawakh, is one of two African sighthound breeds recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Native to North Africa, it is also known as the Arabian Greyhound. The Sloughi is a medium-sized, short-haired dog with a reserved temperament and an elegant, noble, and athletic appearance. This ancient breed, prized for its hunting ability, speed, agility, and endurance over long distances, was developed in Europe and the United States from dogs imported directly from Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Algeria. It comes in three coat colors and four markings, the most common being sable, brindle, or with a black mask. Both breeds have been officially eligible to compete in their respective groups—the Terrier Group and the Hound Group—since January 1, 2016.     http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-hairless-terrier/ http://www.ahtca.info/ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/sloughi/ http://sloughi-international.com/