Six New Dog Breeds Acknowledged by Westminster Kennel Club

The Westminster Kennel Club only allows the best dogs to compete in its annual dog show. This year they will be allowing six new dog breeds into the competition; the Entlebucher mountain dog, the Norwegian Lundehund, the American English coonhound, the Finnish Lapphund, the Cesky terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli.

According to the Westminster Kennel Club, the 6 new dog breeds bring the total number of eligible breeds to 185. David Frei, the club’s director of communications, said that the number of breeds in the dog show has been steadily increasing over the years. In 1990 there were 142 eligible breeds.

Frei said that the six new breeds are long shots to win best in show this year. According to Frei, new breeds don’t usually get a lot of recognition at the beginning. The Bichon Frise, which was introduced in 1974, didn’t win Best in Show until 2001.

Here’s a look at the new dog breeds.

American English coonhound

Entlebucher mountain dog

Cesky terrier

Finnish Lapphund

Xoloitzcuintli (left) and the Norwegian Lundehund

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the oldest American sporting competition next to the Kentucky Derby.

Here’s a video from last year’s show.

This year’s show will air live on USA and CNBC from Madison Square Garden on February 13th and 14th.