Each year, the American Kennel Club updates its list of officially recognised dog breeds, reflecting changes in breeding, cultural interest and global awareness. In 2025, a new breed joined the registry, marking the latest addition to a growing list of dogs that have earned recognition in recent decades.
Some of these breeds are well-established in other parts of the world, while others are newer or developed for specific roles. Understanding when and why a breed is recognised can offer insight into its history, temperament and the kind of home where it may thrive.
Recognition does not necessarily mean rarity, but it does signal that the breed has a documented lineage and consistent characteristics.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from breed organisations and reputable canine resources. Every dog is an individual, and behaviour depends on training, socialisation and environment. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. 2000 – Spinone Italiano
This Italian hunting dog brings strength, endurance, and a sweet, loyal nature to sporting households. Its wiry coat and soulful eyes create a charming profile that’s hard to resist.
Originally bred for versatile hunting across rough terrain, the Spinone excels at both pointing and retrieving. Families appreciate its patient temperament and gentle approach with children. Despite its rugged appearance, this breed forms deep emotional bonds and thrives on companionship, making it equally suited for fieldwork and fireside cuddles.
2. 2001 – Polish Lowland Sheepdog
With a long, shaggy coat and sharp intelligence, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog (or PON) balances hard work with lovable charm. This herding breed has protected and guided flocks across Poland’s countryside for centuries.
PONs possess remarkable memory and problem-solving skills, traits that made them invaluable to shepherds. Their confident, independent thinking means they need consistent training and mental stimulation. Under all that fur lies an affectionate companion who bonds closely with family members and remains alert to their surroundings.
3. 2003 – Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Canada’s smallest retriever joined the AKC in 2003, bringing unique hunting skills and boundless energy. This breed’s specialty involves luring and retrieving waterfowl, a technique developed along Nova Scotia’s chilly shores.
Tollers use their playful movements and fox-like appearance to attract curious ducks within shooting range. Their intelligence and enthusiasm make them excellent companions for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures. These dogs thrive on mental challenges and physical exercise, forming strong bonds with owners who appreciate their spirited, affectionate personality and remarkable work ethic.
4. 2005 – Glen Of Imaal Terrier
Small but sturdy, the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier earned recognition in 2005 after centuries of working in remote Irish valleys. This tenacious worker possesses a calm, charming temperament that sets it apart from more excitable terrier cousins.
Originally bred to hunt vermin and turn kitchen spits, Glens developed remarkable strength and determination. Their quiet nature means they bark less than typical terriers, making them suitable for various living situations. These dogs form strong family bonds and display surprising courage, proving that heart and ability aren’t measured by size alone.
5. 2006 – Tibetan Mastiff
Recognised in 2006, the Tibetan Mastiff is a massive guardian dog bred to protect herds in the Himalayas. Independent and majestic, this ancient breed commands respect wherever it goes.
Tibetan nomads relied on these powerful dogs to defend livestock against predators like wolves and snow leopards. Their thick, weather-resistant coat and natural wariness of strangers reflect centuries of adaptation to harsh mountain conditions. Modern owners appreciate their dignified presence and protective instincts, though they require experienced handling and secure fencing due to their size and independent thinking.
6. 2007 – Beauceron
A proud French herding dog, the Beauceron joined the registry in 2007 after demonstrating exceptional working ability. Intelligent and steadfast, this breed excels in obedience and police work across Europe.
Beaucerons possess remarkable versatility, handling everything from herding sheep to search and rescue operations. Their distinctive double dewclaws and black-and-tan markings make them visually striking. These dogs need purposeful activity and consistent training to channel their considerable energy and intelligence. Families who provide structure and engagement find them to be loyal, protective companions with unwavering devotion and impressive work ethic.
7. 2008 – Dogue De Bordeaux
This powerful French mastiff, known for loyalty and devotion, became AKC recognised in 2008. Behind its muscular build and wrinkled face lies a gentle giant with surprising sensitivity.
Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have protected French estates and families for centuries, combining courage with calm temperament. Their massive heads and intimidating presence deter intruders, yet they show remarkable patience with children. These dogs require early socialization and moderate exercise, as their size demands careful management. Owners value their affectionate nature and willingness to please, making them beloved family guardians despite their formidable appearance.
8. 2009 – Irish Red And White Setter
Graceful and athletic, this Irish gundog joined the AKC in 2009 after years of dedicated preservation efforts. Renowned for stamina, friendliness, and an even disposition, this setter brings elegance to the field.
Nearly extinct in the early 20th century, passionate breeders revived this historic pointing breed. Their striking red and white coat pattern distinguishes them from their solid-coloured cousins. These dogs possess boundless enthusiasm for outdoor activities and form close bonds with active families. Their cooperative nature and eagerness to please make training enjoyable, though they need regular exercise to stay happy.
9. 2010 – Cane Corso
A descendant of Roman war dogs, the Cane Corso officially joined the AKC in 2010. Muscular and alert, this Italian breed serves as both a capable guardian and devoted family dog.
Ancient Romans valued these powerful dogs for guarding property and driving livestock across challenging terrain. Their name derives from Latin words meaning bodyguard dog, reflecting their protective heritage. Modern Cane Corsos maintain that guardian instinct while showing remarkable gentleness with family members. They require experienced owners who provide firm leadership, proper socialization, and sufficient space for their considerable size and energy.
10. 2011 – Norwegian Lundehund
Recognised in 2011, this rare Norwegian breed is famous for its six toes and flexible joints, traits that once helped it climb cliffs to hunt puffins. No other dog possesses such remarkable physical adaptations.
Lundehunds can bend their heads backward to touch their spines and spread their front legs flat to the sides. These unusual abilities allowed them to navigate narrow cliff caves where puffins nested. Today, they remain rare even in their homeland. Owners appreciate their playful, alert personality, though they can be sensitive and require patient, positive training methods for best results.
11. 2012 – Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The smallest of Switzerland’s mountain dogs, the Entlebucher became AKC recognised in 2012. Agile and loyal, this tireless working companion brings Swiss precision to herding tasks.
Entlebuchers drove cattle across Alpine meadows for centuries, developing remarkable endurance and problem-solving abilities. Their compact size belies their strength and determination. These dogs bond intensely with their families and maintain a playful, sometimes mischievous personality throughout their lives. They thrive in active households where they receive both physical exercise and mental challenges, channeling their considerable energy into purposeful activities rather than destructive behaviors.
12. 2013 – Chinook
This sledding breed, developed in New Hampshire, joined the AKC in 2013. Known for strength and a kind, patient nature, the Chinook holds the distinction of being New Hampshire’s official state dog.
Arthur Treadwell Walden created this breed in the early 1900s, combining various working dogs to produce the ideal sled hauler. Chinooks possess remarkable pulling power combined with gentle temperaments that make them excellent family companions. Nearly extinct by the 1980s, dedicated breeders saved this American original. Their calm demeanor and eagerness to please make them wonderful with children and other pets.
13. 2015 – Spanish Water Dog
Recognised in 2015, this curly-coated herding and water-retrieving breed is smart, devoted, and happiest when it has a job to do. Spanish fishermen and shepherds relied on these versatile dogs for centuries.
Their woolly, corded coat protects them in cold water and harsh weather while requiring minimal grooming beyond occasional shearing. Spanish Water Dogs possess remarkable problem-solving abilities and eagerness to work alongside their handlers. Modern owners value their adaptability and affectionate nature, though these dogs need regular mental and physical challenges to prevent boredom. They excel in various dog sports and activities.
14. 2017 – Sloughi
The elegant Sloughi, an ancient sighthound from North Africa, was recognised in 2017. Graceful and reserved, this breed is known for loyalty and remarkable speed across desert terrain.
Nomadic tribes treasured these dogs for hunting gazelle and protecting encampments for thousands of years. Their sleek build and long legs enable them to reach impressive speeds while maintaining endurance. Sloughis form deep attachments to their families but remain aloof with strangers, reflecting their guardian heritage. They need regular exercise and appreciate soft bedding, as their lean build offers little natural cushioning.
15. 2018 – Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
This cheerful Dutch sporting breed joined the AKC in 2018. Once used to lure ducks into nets through elaborate canal systems, it’s now a spirited, affectionate companion.
Kooikers worked in special duck traps called kooien, using their waving tails and playful movements to attract waterfowl. Their striking orange-and-white coat and black ear tips create an unmistakable appearance. These dogs possess moderate energy and adapt well to various living situations when given regular exercise. Their friendly nature and manageable size make them excellent family pets who enjoy both playtime and relaxation.
16. 2020 – Barbet
The Barbet, a French water dog with a woolly coat and lively personality, officially entered the AKC in 2020. Friendly and athletic, it’s great for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy water activities.
This ancient breed likely influenced the development of several modern water dogs and poodles. Their dense, curly coat provides insulation in cold water while their webbed feet enhance swimming ability. Barbets possess joyful, sociable temperaments and get along well with children and other pets. They need regular grooming to prevent matting and thrive in active households that provide swimming opportunities and engaging activities.
17. 2022 – Bracco Italiano
In 2022, the AKC recognised Italy’s ancient pointing breed, the Bracco Italiano. Known for its noble profile and gentle, loyal temperament, it’s an affectionate hunter and family dog.
Renaissance paintings and texts document this breed’s presence in Italian nobility’s hunting parties centuries ago. Their distinctive head shape and pendulous ears create an aristocratic appearance. Braccos combine serious hunting ability with easygoing home manners, making them versatile companions. They respond well to positive training methods and form strong family bonds. Their moderate energy suits active households that appreciate both fieldwork and relaxed companionship.
18. 2024 – Lancashire Heeler
This cheerful, small herding dog from England joined the registry in 2024. Known for versatility and personality, it’s both an energetic worker and loving pet.
Lancashire Heelers drove cattle to market and controlled vermin on English farms for generations. Their compact size and low-slung build helped them nip at livestock heels while avoiding kicks. These dogs pack considerable personality into a small package, displaying confidence and intelligence beyond their stature. They adapt well to various living situations when provided adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Their affectionate nature and entertaining antics make them delightful family companions.
19. 2025 – Danish-Swedish Farmdog
The newest addition, recognised in 2025, is the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, a compact, athletic breed from Scandinavia that’s equally skilled at herding, hunting, and companionship. This versatile farm helper represents centuries of rural breeding.
Danish and Swedish farmers developed these dogs to handle multiple tasks, from controlling rats to herding livestock and alerting to visitors. Their friendly, adaptable temperament made them indispensable farm partners. Modern families appreciate their manageable size, trainability, and affectionate nature. These dogs thrive when given purposeful activities and remain devoted companions who enjoy being part of daily life.
