Did you know that only two to six dog breeds get accepted by the American Kennel Club every year? Yes, the competition is fierce!
Getting into the AKC club is never easy, as it takes some serious scanning process, including the Foundation Stock Service membership, and having at least a three-generation pedigree in a dog.
But, these ten beauties have made it through!
You might’ve already seen them on the street sometime or run by them online, not knowing that they’re out there fighting for their AKC throne. And, finally… they clawed their way in!
#1 Mudi
Year of AKC acceptance: 2022
I know what you’re thinking. And, yes… you’re right! The Mudi gets muddy, a lot! These herding dogs are way too enthusiastic to miss out on a good, digging opportunity. They just enjoy being in the field and doing their thing.
The breed generally stands up to 18.5 inches in height, with 20 to 29 pounds in weight. Given their proportions, Mudis are categorized as a medium dog breed.
These black, white, and gray-brown boys originally come from Hungary, where they have been serving their hoomans for the last three centuries. They are extremely active and playful.
Mudis are quite vocal dogs, known for their frequent and loud barking. Still, that doesn’t stop them from being exquisite in obedience training.
Mudis are known for their intelligence and hard work, which is why these curly-coated pooches are so favorable in their homeland, especially in the country.
#2 Russian Toy
Year of AKC acceptance: 2022
While many mistake them for Chihuahuas due to their Chi-like growth chart, the truth is that Russian Toys and Chis are different in a lot of things. For starters, Russian Toys are bigger by a few inches. They generally grow up to 11 inches and weigh 6.5 pounds.
Another thing that sets them apart from Chihuahuas is their coat. While Chis have a smooth one, these Russian beauties have a short, double coat.
As you may guess from their looks, Toys were initially parented by Russian aristocrats, and the breed itself is aristocratic. These tiny boys and girls are exclusively indoor dogs that don’t do well on their own.
They are too dependent on their owner, but they provide a lot of love and affection. On the other hand, Russian Toys are neither easily intimidated nor hostile towards strangers, although they might be aloof at times.
#3 Bracco Italiano
Year of AKC acceptance: 2022
One thing is for sure – the Bracco Italiano is no ordinary hunting dog. In the U.S., more popular as the “Italian Pointing Dog”, this floppy-eared doggo with a gentle face is fierce in the field, and yet gentle at home.
Braccos are widely bred and owned in Europe as family dogs, especially by sportsmen. With almost 27 inches in height and 55 to 90 pounds in weight, these hounds are perfect companions in high-intensity activities.
There are two main reasons why you should give Braccos some consideration. The first one is their high trainability level. They may not be as popular as German breeds, but Bracco Italianos are almost as perfectly obedient as GSDs or German Shorthaired Pointers.
The second reason that sets these dogs apart is their easy grooming. With their smooth, short coat, Braccos don’t need much maintenance. An occasional brushing every two weeks or so is more than enough.
#4 Biewer Terrier
Year of AKC acceptance: 2021
Now, here’s a fashionable addition to the AKC family! Coming from the terrier family, the Biewer Terrier is quite unusual dog. With their long, silky coat that comes in black, tan, and white color patterns, these 8-pound canines are perfect for family life.
And, if I’m being even more accurate, I would say that Biewers are low-maintenance in comparison to other breeds from this family. Despite their long-haired coat, they rarely shed and leave hair trails in the house, which is a plus if you’re planning to adopt this dog.
There are numerous Biewer haircuts that you can try out, and you won’t regret even one of them. They are irretrievably beautiful!
Temperament-wise, I would grade them at least the same! That’s right. Not only do they look amazing, but they behave amazingly, too.
Biewers enjoy being the center of attention at all times, as well as meeting new people. If you’re planning to adopt more than one dog, the Biewer won’t mind!
Their only downside is their fragility. As much as they love spending time around kids, they can get easily hurt, which is why having them in a family of small kids is not exactly the smartest idea!
#5 Belgian Laekenois
Year of AKC acceptance: 2020
I bet you’ve heard of and even seen a Belgian Malinois countless times. But, at the same time, you have never heard of the Belgian Laekenois. Am I right?
The interesting thing about these Belgian shepherds is that many dog clubs consider them to be the same breed but of a different variety.
In fact, there are four Belgian shepherds that some clubs claim to be the same – the Malinois, the Laekenois, the Groenendael, and the Tervuren.
While that might be true in terms of their physique, they still differ in their temperament. Here’s more on that in this quite informative video!
Standing at 26 inches at the shoulders, and weighing up to 65 pounds, Laekenois make perfect field workers. Their primary job is protecting the flock, but they excel in other field duties, too.
With high trainability and an exquisite energy level, Laekenois are watchdogs by default. They require early socialization and obedience training right from the start, as they might get aggressive towards other people and strangers.
#6 Dogo Argentino
Year of AKC acceptance: 2020
I must say I was a little bit surprised to see the Dogo Argentino among the newcomers. The breed dates back to the early 20th century and was developed to create the ideal fighting dog.
Many years later, the Dogo Argentino is still misperceived by many dog enthusiasts, and I blame the blood sports.
The truth is, these exclusively white-coated athletes are affectionate with family, and they make wonderful family dogs. When they’re not in the field hunting big game in packs, they enjoy spending time with their humans curled up next to their legs.
The average Dogo Argentino is energetic, powerful, athletic, and eager to play. With almost 100 pounds in weight and 26 inches in height, these dogs make perfect protectors. Their intimidating look adds to the overall picture.
#7 Barbet
Year of AKC acceptance: 2020
If there’s only one group that I can put these French beauties in, it would be the group of dogs that love water! After all, the second name for Barbet is a French water dog. And, its alias is Dirt Dog.
If you’re wondering why, and you have already prepared an answer in your head – you’re probably right. Barbets just love to splash in water and get dirty. They will get into the mud for some good fun, too.
Unfortunately, their curly, medium-to-long coat doesn’t do them any favor in that regard. It’s waterproof, but you still need to spare a significant amount of time to make it neat.
Other than that, I can say with certainty that Barbets are decent pets. Housing-wise, they don’t require much space despite their 65-pound body, but they do require some serious exercise during the day.
That’s why the breed is perfect for active individuals and families who love spending their time on nature getaways. However, they won’t say no to a nice, cozy Sunday cuddling.
#8 Azawakh
Year of AKC acceptance: 2019
‘Boy, this is one deer-looking dog’ is the first thing that comes to my mind when I see an Azawakh.
But, then again, I’m not that far from the truth, as Azawakhs are as fast as deer. And, the irony is that they were originally designed for antelope and wild boar hunting in West Africa.
Nothing says Azawakhs are great at what they do better than their price. These dogs are probably one of the most expensive on the market, as their price can go up to $10,000.
They’re loyal and affectionate, but the problem with Azawakhs is that they’re independent and stubborn, too. They have zero tolerance for strangers, and their relationship with children is, in the least, questionable.
I can’t neglect their perfect physique and great stamina, which makes these dogs the kings of hunting. Weighing only up to 55 pounds, Azawakhs are evidently easy on their feet.
#9 Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Year of AKC acceptance: 2018
Let me stop you right here before you get confused pronouncing their name. Translated to English, Nederlandse Kooikerhondje means “a Duck dog”. And, in the U.S., this floppy-eared doggo is known as a Dutch Spaniel.
Just like all spaniel dogs, the Nederlandse has a reputation for being a great family dog. Not exceeding 30 pounds in weight, and being only 16 inches tall, Dutch Spaniels easily adapt to an indoor life.
They’re friendly by nature and open to strangers, which is especially emphasized at social gatherings and casual hangouts. What can I say – they just know how to win the hearts of many!
My sincerest advice is to not get carried away with their natural politeness. As much as they love spending time indoors, never forget that they are spaniels. That said, I would recommend at least a one-hour training session a day to keep them positive.
#10 Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Year of AKC acceptance: 2018
While they might be called Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens, the truth is these French scent hounds are not that big. At least not physically! They have a gigantic heart, though!
An Average Grand Basset stands between 15 and 18 inches in height and 40 to 45 pounds in weight. They have a wiry, double coat of medium length, which makes them prone to endless grooming.
But, at the end of the day – it is worth it, as these French beauties adapt to family life perfectly! They have a great way with all family members, as well as with kids. They don’t mind changing their site frequently, as a high level of adaptability is their second name.
And, if you really try hard enough, you might as well train them to be excellent show dogs! Even though that’s not their primary job, some Grand Bassets just love competing in conformation.
Other than their common AKC history, I really can’t say that one is better than the other. And, that’s the only point at the end of the day. We, as dog owners, are different in many ways, and we all look for different things. Luckily, our doggos are the same way!