Two European Dogs Join The List 

As the list of dogs keeps growing, the prestigious AKC expands its breed recognition in 2018. Generally known by its full name, the American Kennel Club recently took the decision to allow two more breeds to join their ranks. Both of these newcomers hail from Europe and one in particular has a name that most of us will be challenged to pronounce. Let me give you an introduction.

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB LIST GROWS BY TWO

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

The first breed to be added to the American Kennel Club’s growing list is the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje. Pronounced Coy-ker-hund-tsje, you may have already guessed from the name, it originated in The Netherlands. And, no, it’s not a new breed at all. In fact, it has been popular in that country for centuries. And even depicted in paintings by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt. 

Ducks In The DNA

Since it was bred for duck hunting, it enters the AKC’s Sporting Dogs category. The name actually means “little cage dog,”which indicates what it was trained to do. Interestingly, it uses its long fluffy tail as a tool to lure ducks into cage traps. Quite ingenious, don’t you agree!

A Happy Home

Surprisingly, this sporting breed doesn’t have to be in the countryside. Experts tell us that it can live quite happily in an apartment as long as it gets regular exercise. However, one important factor is this. Because it is very sensitive to sound, it doesn’t do at all well around small children that make a lot of noise. Apart from that, it is intelligent, loves to please and makes a great companion.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

Now let’s meet the second canine to be selected as the AKC expands the breeds it recognizes in 2018. This one comes from France and falls into the Hound category. It is the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the larger relative of the already recognized Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen.

Traits And Demeanor 

This particular breed used to hunt wolves and deer but, at the same time, also tracked smaller game such as rabbits and hares. Now, as you might expect, the GBGV is a high-drive dog that requires plenty of mental stimulation and lots of space to exercise. In addition, because they would typically hunt in a pack, this breed thrives on being part of a group and staying very active.

Friendly And Cute 

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that the GBGV is friendly and looks really cute. It has the typical Griffon wire coat but its short legs and droopy ears are what gives it a most endearing appearance. It is friendly and mostly low-maintenance, except for the fact that it needs a lot of space to run and express its hunting instincts.

To Sum Up

Winning the Best in Show trophy at the renowned Westminster Dog Show may not happen just yet. Nevertheless, it won’t be too long before both these latest AKC-recognized European breeds gain popularity among dog lovers in the USA. And, when that happens, we’ll all have to learn how to pronounce their names correctly!

Together, let’s keep our precious pets healthy, happy and safe!  

You might also like to read about the beautiful Burmilla cat that was created by accident, https://petpeevesunmasked.com/burmilla-cats-became-another-oops-breed/