Why do Breeds Exist? Originally, dogs were bred for a specific purpose or function. The most basic example is that farm dogs were bred based on qualities farmers liked and needed from a dog, such as strong physical ability and great work ethic. In Europe, hunters needed dogs that could retrieve birds and have a thick enough coat to be comfortable in an outdoor environment. Thus, the English setter, for example, was born. The Doberman pinscher came about thanks to an accountant in Germany who needed a dog for protection. And sometimes, breeds were created to serve a different need: strictly companionship. Pekingese were bred as lap dogs that, for a time, could only be owned by Chinese royalty. Eventually, a formal system was established to preserve the breeds for future generations. Today, a purebred dog that has had its family tree verified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) can become an AKC registered dog.
New breeds are still being recognized in the U.S. Globally, there are more than 400 breeds in existence today. As interest in new breeds grows in the U.S., the AKC created a process for breeds to become formally recognized. Part of this process includes establishing a Breed Club, which is responsible for organizing the members, tracking family trees (pedigrees) to ensure that the dog’s lineage is recorded accurately, and holding breed events. Once all of the requirements are met, the AKC can officially recognize the breed in the U.S. In 2016, three new breeds were recognized by the American Kennel Club: the Sloughi, the American hairless terrier and the Pumi. The Sloughi is a hunting hound originating in North Africa, and is especially adept at speed and stamina over long distances. The American hairless terrier is only the fourth hairless breed to be recognized by the AKC, and its ancestors were developed to hunt vermin. The Pumi is a Hungarian herding dog with a long and
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