• Dog Juice
  • Posts
  • ️‍🔥 There's officially a new dog breed?!

️‍🔥 There's officially a new dog breed?!

How does this even happen??

Author

Bryan Reisberg
August 15, 2024

Say Hello To The New Breed on The Block

There’s officially a new, recognized breed on the block!  Say hello to the Lancashire Heeler!

Lancashire Heelers may be pint-sized pups, but they've got the heart of a herding superhero. Officially joining the American Kennel Club’s Herding Group earlier this year, effective January 1, 2024, these little dynamos are ready to strut their stuff like they're the big dogs on the block.

According to the American Kennel Club, Sheryl Bradbury, the fearless leader of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club (USLHC), has been working tirelessly to get this breed the recognition it deserves. Since 2017, she’s been jumping through hoops—both literally and figuratively—to get these dogs out of the Miscellaneous Class and into the big leagues of the Herding Group. It’s no small feat; imagine trying to prove that your dog isn’t just cute, but also comes with a three-generation pedigree and a work ethic that could put most people to shame.

The Road to Officially Recognizing The Lancashire Heeler

The journey to full recognition involved more paperwork and pedigree proof than a royal family reunion, but finally, in April 2023, it was announced that these little dogs would be officially herding their way into AKC competitions. Despite their small size, Lancashire Heelers are anything but lap dogs. Sure, they might look like they’re ready to snuggle, but don’t be fooled—these dogs are more likely to nip at your heels or chew your favorite shoes once they’re off your lap.

The breed’s journey to recognition started in the UK, where they were acknowledged back in 1981, and continued across the pond with the formation of the USLHC in 2007. Along the way, breeders like Bradbury have faced one perplexed look after another, with people mistaking their beloved Heelers for everything from mini Dobermans to Corgi mix-ups. It’s safe to say that these dogs are masters of disguise, even if unintentionally.

As these clever canines get more time in the spotlight, Bradbury and her fellow breeders know there’s a long road of educating the public ahead. After all, not everyone realizes that these dogs are more than just cute faces—they’re herding powerhouses with the speed of a cheetah and the loyalty of a knight's squire. Just ask Jeff Kestner, who recalls the time someone insisted his Heeler was a mixed breed. Spoiler: she was wrong.

So How Does A New Breed Get AKC Recognition?

So we read up on how a new breed gets recognized and BOY is it complicated. And a lot more political than one might think.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has gone from recognizing just nine dog breeds to over 200, making it feel like a very exclusive canine country club. But even with this impressive roster, they’ve only covered about half of the dog breeds recognized worldwide. And that doesn’t even include the countless other breeds lurking in the shadows, like the nearly extinct Rampur Hound of India or the bamboo-tailed Chongqing Dog of China.

Why the snobbery? It turns out, getting into the AKC isn’t just about looking cute. A breed needs to have a solid fan base in the U.S., a national “parent club” to vouch for it, and enough dogs to form a small army. Take the Galgo Español, a dog that’s been chasing hares in Spain for centuries—it’s not AKC material because there aren’t enough of them stateside to start a club. Sorry, Galgo, maybe next century.

To give some underdogs a chance, the AKC created the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) in 1995. It’s like the minor leagues for dog breeds, where hopefuls can keep a studbook and compete in AKC events. But don’t get too comfortable—FSS is just the first step on a long journey to AKC stardom. Breeds have to jump through a lot of hoops (sometimes literally) to move up to the Miscellaneous class, the AKC’s version of purgatory for breeds that aren’t quite there yet.

And then there are the politics. If your breed can’t get along with others, or if your club is more of a soap opera than a dog show, good luck getting AKC approval. Even if you make it to Miscellaneous, there’s no telling how long you’ll stay there. Some breeds, like the Peruvian Inca Orchid, have been waiting around for years, while others, like the Biewer Terrier, zip through in no time.

Creating a breed standard is another challenge. It’s like writing a constitution, but for dogs—and it’s not easy to agree on what makes the perfect pup. Some breeds come with standards that read like an ancient scroll, full of confusing terms and impossible measurements. The AKC wants these standards to be crystal clear, with disqualifications that are as black and white as a Dalmatian’s spots.

In the end, getting a breed recognized by the AKC is more about pleasing the humans than the dogs. But once they make it, these breeds bring new energy and fresh faces into the world of dog shows. So, if you’re thinking about starting a club for your rare breed, be prepared to sit, stay, and maybe even play nice with the other humans in the room.

So…hats off to Sheryl Bradbury and the entire Lancashire Heeler community. These little dogs might be the best-kept secret in the canine world, but that’s about to change. So, if you see one of these Heelers in the wild (or at an AKC event), don’t be surprised if you’re charmed by their magnetic eyes and mischievous expressions. Just remember, beneath that adorable exterior lies the heart of a herding champion—so don’t let them fool you into thinking they’re just there to cuddle.

Today’s Last Laugh:

Well…that’s one way to do it…