American Kennel Club adds 4 new dog breeds

NEW YORK (AP) — A Spanish farm and fishing dog, a Sicilian rabbit-hunting breed, an Italian sheepdog with a distinctive matted coat and a rugged South African watchdog are joining the American Kennel Club pack.

The kennel club announced Wednesday that the Spanish water dog, the Cirneco dell’Etna (cheer-NAY-koh-dehl-eht-nah), the Bergamasco and the Boerboel (BUHR'-buhl) will become recognized breeds Jan. 1.

They’ll be eligible to compete in many AKC-sanctioned dog shows next year, though not in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show until 2016.

The newcomers range from medium-sized, curly-haired Spanish water dogs to the big, mastiff-style Boerboels. The Cirneco dell’Etna is keen and sleek. The sociable Bergamasco is hard to miss with its long locks.

With them, there will be 184 AKC-recognized breeds. Criteria include having several hundred dogs of the breed nationwide.