2022 was a milestone year for the American Kennel Club (AKC) as they reached over 200 dogs in their breed registry. Being recognized by the AKC ensures that these breeds will remain consistent and healthy for decades to come as a result of the club’s standards. Read on to learn more about the breeds newly registered with the AKC in 2022.
1. Russian Toy - Toy Group
Origin
As its name suggests, the Russian Toy comes from Russia where it was bred from the English Toy Terrier. These tiny dogs with big personalities were popular among Russian aristocrats. Throughout history, these dogs have also acted as rat population control and watchdogs. As of 2022, there are believed to be just under 800 Russian Toys in the United States.
Appearance
Russian Toys are a small dog breed, standing around 8-11 inches tall and weighing up to 6.5 pounds. This breed is on the list of smallest dog breeds worldwide along with Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers. Russian Toys have longer hair on their ears, bellies, legs, and tails. Because of its appearance and small size, the Russian Toy is frequently confused with Chihuahuas and Papillons.
These dogs usually have coats that are black and tan, brown and tan, or red. These coats can be long or short and smooth. While both coat lengths shed, Russian Toys with short, smooth hair shed less than those with long hair.
Energy & Activity
Russian Toys need around 45 minutes of exercise a day and mentally stimulating activities to keep them busy. This breed excels at agility competitions and trick training. The Russian Toy is very active and will need daily walks, frequent play, and space to run around. Even with their energetic nature, these dogs love to cuddle and curl up in the lap of their owner.
Temperament
The Russian Toy is a very loyal and protective dog that doesn’t become aggressive. These dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please their owners so training can be fairly easy with Russian Toys (although they can have a stubborn streak so firmness in training is important). This breed can be very vocal, doesn’t like being left alone, and loves attention.
Interestingly, a difference in coat lengths isn’t the only thing that makes a short-haired Russian Toy differ from its long-haired counterpart. Short-haired Russian Toys have more “terrier attitude” than their long-haired counterparts. With a long life expectancy of 12-14 years, this breed will make an affectionate and loving four-legged companion for many years.
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2. Mudi - Herding Group
Origin
The Mudi (pronounced “moodie”) comes from Hungary where it worked as a farm dog herding and protecting sheep. In addition to being farm dogs, Finland and the United States have used this breed for search-and-rescue purposes. The Mudi is a rare breed, in fact, it’s believed there are only around a few thousand Mudis in the world! While there are some in Finland, the majority of these Mudis can be found living in Hungary.
The Mudi was first included in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service in 2004 and was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006. However, its rarity led this breed to wait until 2022 to be recognized by the AKC. Today, the Mudi is still herding sheep in Hungary with flocks as big as 500 sheep.
Appearance
With a lengthy life expectancy of 12-14 years, the Mudi is a medium-sized dog that stands around 15-18.5 inches and weighs between 18-29 pounds. This breed generally has a black coat with merle markings but can also have a coat that’s brown, gray, white, yellow, or gray-brown. These dogs have coats that are medium-length, wavy, thick, and shed moderately. Their naturally short, stubby tails and upright, perky ears match the Mudi’s happy personality.
Energy & Activity
Mudis are friendly, energetic dogs who love being challenged and kept busy. They are smart and athletic, expertly herding livestock no matter how difficult the animals may be. These dogs love playful, athletic activities and excel at frisbee, fetch, obedience training, agility competitions, herding, and flyball.
Temperament
This breed is very affectionate, gentle, and loving. Their intelligence and eagerness to please their owners make these dogs easy to train. The Mudi is a great watchdog for its family and the livestock it’s in charge of, staying vigilant and ready to alert. Devoted, loyal, and non-hostile, the Mudi will stand by and protect those it loves.
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3. Bracco Italiano - Sporting Group
Origin
Originating from Italy, the Bracco Italiano also goes by the names “Italian Pointer” and “Italian Pointing Dog.” This breed is believed to be the oldest European pointing dog, being traced back to the 4th or 5th Century B.C. through art and literature. Despite existing for so long, the Bracco Italiano wasn’t introduced to the United States until 1994.
Even though this breed has been in the AKC Foundation Stock Service since 2001 and had its own Club of America since 2007, the Bracco Italiano wasn’t recognized by the AKC until 2022 and was their 200th breed to be recognized.
Appearance
The Bracco Italiano is a large dog, weighing between 55-90 pounds and standing around 21-27 inches tall. These dogs are recognizable by their short coats which are white with orange, chestnut, or roan markings. However, even though this breed has a short coat, they are still prone to moderate shedding and aren’t ideal for allergy sufferers.
Energy & Activity
The Bracco Italiano is a gun dog that works as a hunter, pointer, and retriever. These dogs are very athletic and love to run, especially chasing after birds. To burn off their energy, they need no less than 30 minutes of physical exercise a day and additional mental stimulation. With a long life expectancy of 10-14 years, the Bracco Italiano is a great gun dog and hunting buddy with plenty of energy and stamina for hunting trips.
Temperament
These dogs are very intelligent and eager to please but fit best with owners who have experience in dog training. The Bracco Italiano makes the perfect family dog as it gets along well with other dogs, is good with kids, and has a temperament that is sweet, affectionate, and gentle.
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