Between 2000 and 2024, the AKC welcomed 56 fascinating dog breeds into its ranks. Each one brings a unique heritage, from ancient hunting companions to modern marvels with traits you’ve likely never encountered.
Think you know dogs? These breeds might challenge everything you thought you knew.
1. 2000 – Spinone Italiano
This big, friendly dog with rough, wiry coat and kind eyes comes from Italy and was originally used for hunting. They’re excellent with families because of their calm and loving nature.
With their strong build and long legs, they can handle long walks and outdoor adventures. They’re also known for being a little goofy and super affectionate.
2. 2001 – Polish Lowland Sheepdog
This breed is as charming as it is unique, with shaggy, long fur that almost covers its eyes. Originating in Poland, these dogs were bred to herd sheep, so they’re smart, energetic, and love staying active.
They’re also loyal and protective of their family, which makes them excellent companions.
3. 2003 – German Pinscher
Known for its smooth, short coat, this dog is smart, energetic, and alert. Originally from Germany, it was bred to guard and work around farms. It has a strong drive to protect its home and loved ones, so it makes a great watchdog.
But don’t let that fool you—this breed is also loyal, playful, and loves to be part of the family. A bit of training and exercise will keep this dog happy and well-behaved.
4. 2003 – Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
If you like retrievers with an extra touch of fun, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is your dog! Bred in Canada, this breed is known for its reddish coat and high energy.
These dogs were bred to retrieve waterfowl, and they excel at it, thanks to their love of water and retrieving skills. They’re playful, intelligent, and affectionate, making them wonderful companions.
5. 2003 – Toy Fox Terrier
This little dog is packed with energy and spunk! Weighing just a few pounds, it’s a tiny dog with a big personality. Originally bred in the U.S. to hunt small game, the Toy Fox Terrier is curious, smart, and full of energy.
It’s a great dog for people who want a lively companion but don’t have a lot of space. Despite their size, these dogs are fearless, alert, and make wonderful little watchdogs.
6. 2004 – Black Russian Terrier
This dog is a blend of power and grace, combining the strength of a working dog with the beauty of a show dog. The Black Russian Terrier was bred as a guard dog and used by the Russian military and police force for years before gaining popularity in the U.S.
The Black Russian Terrier is a large and muscular dog with a thick, wavy black coat and a fearless demeanor.
7. 2004 – Glen of Imaal Terrier
Hailing from the Glen of Imaal region in County Wicklow, Ireland, this hardy terrier was originally bred for hunting and trapping.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a sturdy and resilient dog, with a thick, medium-length coat that can come in various colors, including blue, brindle, and wheaten. This little dog packs a lot of personality into its compact body.
8. 2004 – Neapolitan Mastiff
This large and powerful dog is not for the faint of heart! The Neapolitan Mastiff was once used as a guard dog by the Romans.
Known for its loose skin and massive size, the Neapolitan Mastiff’s thick folds of skin make it look wrinkled and tough, but this gentle giant is actually quite affectionate and loyal.
9. 2006 – Plott
This powerful and sleek dog originated in Germany and was brought to the U.S. by Johannes Plott, a German immigrant who settled in North Carolina in the late 18th century.
The Plott is a descendant of the Hanoverian Scenthound, and it was bred to hunt large game like bear and wild boar. The Plott is a hard-working and loyal companion with a unique brindle coat that can range from a deep red to a light fawn.
10. 2006 – Tibetan Mastiff
This large, strong dog comes from Tibet. Originally used to guard sheep and homes, the Tibetan Mastiff is known for its thick fur and protective nature.
They’re calm but can be independent and need a firm owner. They’re good for families with space and experience with big dogs.
11. 2007 – Beauceron
The Beauceron is a herding dog from France. They are smart, strong, and loyal and were originally used to guard livestock.
This breed loves to work and needs plenty of exercise. They’re great companions for active families or people who want a dog that can help with tasks.
12. 2007 – Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is a small to medium-sized herding dog from Sweden. It looks like a mix of a corgi and a wolf.
This friendly, smart, and energetic breed is great for families and people who enjoy outdoor activities, but it needs lots of mental stimulation.
13. 2008 – Dogue de Bordeaux
Known for its loyalty and protective nature, this large, powerful dog from France is often used as a guard dog.
They are calm but can be serious, so they need an owner who can give them strong guidance. They’re great for people with experience handling big dogs.
14. 2009 – Bluetick Coonhound
This breed comes from the U.S. and is known for its excellent sense of smell. Bluetick Coonhounds were originally used for hunting, particularly for raccoons.
They are friendly, but they need lots of exercise and a job to do. They’re perfect for people who enjoy outdoor activities and can provide plenty of playtime.
15. 2009 – Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is from South Carolina. This medium-sized dog is a great hunting and retrieving dog.
They are friendly, intelligent, and full of energy and great for active families and people who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or hunting.
16. 2009 – Irish Red & White Setter
This dog comes from Ireland and is known for being friendly and energetic, the Irish Red & White Setter is an excellent hunting dog that loves to run.
They’re great for active families or people who enjoy outdoor activities, as long as they get plenty of exercise.
17. 2009 – Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund comes from Norway and is a small to medium-sized herding dog. They’re energetic, friendly, and very smart.
These dogs love to stay busy, so they’re great for active families who enjoy hiking or running. They need regular exercise and enjoy being part of family activities.
18. 2009 – Pyrenean Shepherd
These are small, agile dogs used to guard sheep from the Pyrenees Mountains in France. They are lively, smart, and full of energy.
They are ideal for active owners who can give them lots of exercise and mental stimulation and are perfect for families or people who love outdoor adventures.
19. 2009 – Redbone Coonhound
A hunting dog from the U.S., this breed is recognized for its excellent sense of smell and tracking ability, they are loyal, friendly, and energetic.
They need a lot of exercise and space to run, so they are perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities or live in a larger area.
20. 2010 – Cane Corso
These large, powerful dogs from Italy are protective, loyal, and can be serious. Originally bred to guard property and herd livestock, Cane Corsos are great for families looking for a strong, protective dog.
They need a confident owner who can train them properly, as they can be stubborn.
21. 2010 – Icelandic Sheepdog
These medium-sized Icelandic dogs have a friendly, playful personality. They are great for families and love being around people.
They are energetic and enjoy activities like hiking and playing. They also have a thick coat to keep them warm in cold weather.
22. 2010 – Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant dog from Germany, known for its size and fluffy coat. They are friendly, gentle, and great with families.
Leonbergers are calm but need regular exercise to stay healthy. They’re perfect for families with space and those who want a big, loving dog.
23. 2011 – American English Coonhound
This U.S. bred dog is known for its excellent scenting ability and is often used for hunting. They are friendly, energetic, and love to be outside.
They need a lot of exercise and enjoy activities like running or playing, making them perfect for active families.
24. 2011 – Cesky Terrier
Originating in the Czech Republic in the mid-20th century, the Cesky Terrier was bred by combining the Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, and the Welsh Corgi.
The result was a new breed that excelled at hunting small game like foxes and rabbits. The Cesky Terrier is known for its soft, wavy coat that is usually gray or silver in color and its friendly and playful personality.
25. 2011 – Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, which come from Switzerland, are medium-sized and known for being energetic, smart, and loyal.
Originally bred to work with cattle, they are great for active families or people who enjoy hiking or running. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy and enjoy being involved in family activities.
26. 2011 – Finnish Lapphund
Used to herd reindeer in Finland, they are medium-sized, friendly, and good with families. Finnish Lapphunds are known for their thick, beautiful coats and energetic personalities.
They love to stay active and are great for outdoor activities. They’re also good with children and other pets, making them a great family companion.
27. 2011 – Norwegian Lundehund
This small breed from Norway is unique because it has extra toes on its feet and can bend its neck backward. They were originally used to hunt puffins, so they are very agile and energetic.
Lundehunds are friendly but can be a bit independent. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation, so they’re perfect for active owners who enjoy outdoor adventures.
28. 2011 – Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “show-low-eats-queen-tlee”), also known as the Mexican Hairless, is believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, dating back to ancient Aztec culture.
Originating in Central and South America, the Xoloitzcuintli was revered by the Aztecs and believed to possess healing powers.
29. 2012 – Russell Terrier
Hailing from England in the 1800s, the Russell Terrier was originally bred to hunt foxes and rodents.
They’re named after Parson John Russell, who developed the breed using a mixture of terrier breeds including the Fox Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, and the English White Terrier.
Despite its small size, the Russell Terrier is known for its high energy and fearless attitude.
30. 2012 – Treeing Walker Coonhound
This breed was developed in the late 1700s in Virginia by Captain George Washington, who was looking for a hunting dog that could tree raccoons.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound was created by crossing the English Foxhound with the Walker Foxhound, resulting in a dog that is both fast and agile with an exceptional sense of smell. It gets its name from the distinctive “treeing” behavior it displays when it corners its prey in a tree.
31. 2013 – Chinook
The Chinook is a medium-sized dog from the U.S. that was originally bred to pull sleds. It is friendly and great with families.
Chinooks are loyal, smart, and enjoy being active. They love outdoor activities like running or hiking, so they’re perfect for owners who like to stay active and spend time outdoors.
32. 2013 – Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
These small dog breeds from Portugal are lively, friendly, and energetic. They are clever and alert and were bred to hunt small game,
They make great companions for families or people who love the outdoors and need regular exercise and love to stay busy.
33. 2013 – Rat Terrier
These dogs were bred to hunt, so they are very smart and active. They love to run and explore, making them great for families or people with a lot of space.
They’re friendly, loyal, and good with children, but they need lots of activities to stay happy.
34. 2014 – Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear, which means “Cotton of Tulear” in French, is named after the city of Tulear in Madagascar.
It is believed that the breed originated from the canines brought to Madagascar by European sailors in the 17th century. The Coton de Tulear quickly gained popularity as a companion and lapdog for the wealthy and became the national dog of Madagascar in the 1970s.
35. 2014 – Wirehaired Vizsla
The Wirehaired Vizsla was created by crossing the Vizsla (a Hungarian hunting dog) with the German Wirehaired Pointer and other breeds.
The result was a rugged and versatile hunter with a thick, wire-like coat that protected it from harsh weather conditions. It makes a versatile companion and hunting dog.
36. 2015 – Bergamasco
First bred by shepherds as a herding dog in the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco’s most distinctive feature is its thick, corded coat, which forms naturally as the dog matures.
The Bergamasco’s coat was specifically designed to protect it from the harsh weather conditions of the Italian Alps, and it was also thought to provide some protection from wolves and other predators.
37. 2015 – Berger Picard
The Berger Picard has been around for centuries, though it nearly became extinct during World War I. This breed was originally used by French shepherds to herd sheep, cattle, and other livestock.
The Berger Picard is known for its shaggy coat and distinctive beard, as well as its independent nature and intelligence.
38. 2015 – Boerboel
The Boerboel, which means “farmer’s dog” in Afrikaans, was developed by Dutch settlers who brought their dogs to South Africa and bred them with local breeds. They were initially used to guard homesteads and livestock against predators.
This breed is known for its immense strength, loyalty, and protective nature, making it an ideal guard dog for homes and farms.
39. 2015 – Cirneco dell’Etna
The Cirneco dell’Etna was used by hunters to track game in the volcanic region of Mount Etna in Sicily.
This breed is known for its lean and athletic build, as well as its silky, short coat that comes in shades of red.
40. 2015 – Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo has been around since the 16th century, where it was initially used by hunters to retrieve waterfowl.
With its curly, wooly coat and friendly disposition, this breed eventually became known for its prowess as a truffle-hunting dog, thanks to its exceptional sense of smell.
41. 2015 – Miniature American Shepherd
They originally came from the U.S. in the 1960s when breeders wanted to create a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. They’re smaller than the regular Australian Shepherd but still have the same herding instincts and are very active and need lots of exercise.
If you’re looking for a smart, energetic dog that’s good with families and loves to work, the Miniature American Shepherd might be perfect for you.
42. Spanish Water Dog (2015)
These dogs have curly coats, and they are from Spain, where they’ve been used for hundreds of years to work on farms and assist fishermen.
The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile and hardworking dog that’s great for herding, hunting, or just being a family companion. They’re strong and energetic, so they’ll love running and playing with you.
43. American Hairless Terrier (2016)
This unique breed is hairless, so if you’re allergic to dogs or just want a low-maintenance pet, this might be a good fit. They are friendly, intelligent, and energetic little dogs.
They hail from the U.S. and were bred in the early 20th century, first as a natural mutation of the Rat Terrier, and were then selectively bred to be hairless.
44. Pumi (2016)
The Pumi comes from Hungary, where they’ve been used for centuries to herd livestock. They have curly, textured coats that can be quite fun to groom.
If you love active dogs, the Pumi is full of energy and always ready to work. They’re herders and love being busy, so they’ll need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
45. Sloughi (2016)
This breed is originally from North Africa, where it was bred as a hunting dog. Sloughis are known for their speed and grace, making them great companions for active owners.
The Sloughi is a calm, gentle dog that’s also athletic. They’re great for someone who enjoys a slower pace but also wants a dog that can keep up with a run or a long walk.
46. 2018 – Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Originating in the Vendée region of France, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen was developed by hunters to hunt hares and other small game in dense underbrush.
This breed is known for its shaggy, coarse coat, as well as its friendly and sociable nature. Its large, drooping ears and short legs make it perfect for following a scent trail and navigating through rough terrain.
47. 2018 – Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
This dog was bred by duck hunters in the Netherlands in the 1600s to lure ducks into traps using their tail-wagging and playful nature.
This breed is known for its characteristic white markings on the face and chest, as well as its bushy, plumed tail.
48. 2019 – Azawakh
Renowned for their fierce loyalty and protective instincts, the Azawakh was bred by the nomadic tribes of the Sahara Desert to protect their herds from predators and to hunt gazelles.
This breed is known for its lean and athletic build, as well as its short, fawn-colored coat and almond-shaped eyes.
49. 2020 – Barbet
The Barbet is a rare breed, even in its native France, and has only recently gained recognition outside of Europe.
Known for its thick, curly coat, as well as its friendly and sociable nature, the Barbet was developed in France as a versatile hunting dog, capable of retrieving game on both land and water.
50. 2020 – Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a large, strong dog with a protective nature, making it a great family guardian. They’re loyal and confident but need an experienced owner who can provide firm training.
This breed comes from Argentina, where they were bred for hunting big game like wild boar. They’re active dogs and need a lot of exercise.
51. 2020 – Belgian Laekenois
These dogs are highly trainable and enjoy tasks like herding or agility. They’re also good family dogs if you keep them busy.
Laekenois come from Belgium, where they were originally used for herding sheep. Their wiry coat is part of what makes them so distinctive.
52. 2021 – Biewer Terrier
The breed originated in Germany in the 1980s when two Yorkshire Terriers were bred together to create this unique dog.
These small, cheerful dogs have long, silky fur. These dogs are perfect for people who want a dog that’s easy to care for in terms of size but still has a lot of personality.
53. 2022 – Bracco Italiano
An elegant, strong dog with a calm temperament, they were bred in Italy to be hunting companions, so they’re good at pointing and retrieving game.
If you enjoy a dog that’s active but also happy to relax with you, this breed might be great. Their large, muscular body and short coat make them easy to care for, though they do need exercise to stay happy.
54. 2022 – Mudi
The Mudi is a highly energetic and intelligent dog that loves to work and play. They’re great for active owners who want a dog that can keep up with outdoor activities.
Originating from Hungary, the Mudi is a herding dog, known for its agility and keen instincts. It has a curly, dense coat that helps it endure tough conditions.
55. 2022 – Russian Toy
These dogs are super small, making them easy to care for in apartments, but they’re full of energy and love to play.
They were bred as companion dogs in Russia and are known for their big, expressive eyes and lively personalities, despite their small size.
56. 2024 – Lancashire Heeler
This is a plucky and tenacious breed with a history in Lancashire, England in the 19th century. The Lancashire Heeler was developed as a herding dog to drive cattle to market and to control rats in mines and mills.
AKC’s latest recognized dog breed, this dog is known for its short, smooth coat that comes in blue or black with tan markings, as well as for its intelligent and tenacious nature. (ref)
The AKC’s yearly recognitions show the amazing diversity in dogs, and there’s always more to discover in the world of our furry friends.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.