Westminster Dog Show debuts 7 new breeds
Seven new dog breeds will compete at the 140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City for the first time in 2016. They are among a total of 187 different breeds eligible for the show. Over 3,000 dogs will compete for the coveted "Best in Show" award February 15-16.
Take a look at the new arrivals.
Sources include: American Kennel Club and Westminster Kennel Club
Bergamasco
Uragano, a Bergamasco looks on after being introduced to the media during the 140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show press conference on January 21, 2016, in New York.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is an ancient breed from the Alps. Westminster describes the dog has having a "rustic ungroomed appearance."
Bergamasco
Uragano, a Bergamasco, is walked on stage for introductions.
The breed is solidly compact and strong as well as fast and agile. Personality-wise, Bergamascos are known to be intelligent, loyal and independent.
Bergamasco
A close-up of the hair of Uragano. His thick coat is formed by long flocks (felted strands made of a triple coat"). One big advantage - the coat is considered hypoallergenic and non-shedding.
More info about Bergamascousa Sheepdogs
Berger Picard
Chester, a Berger Picard, rests after being introduced to the media at a press conference on January 21, 2016, in New York City.
The breed is one of the oldest French herding breeds. World War I and II nearly made the Berger Picard extinct because of fighting on their home turf in northern France. The dogs are known as very people-oriented and social.
Berger Picard
Chester, a Berger Picard (also called a Picardy Shepherd), leaps over an obstacle during an agility demonstration at a news conference at Madison Square Garden in New York, January 21, 2016.
Berger Picard
Chester, a Berger Picard, stands on stage at a news conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City, January 21, 2016.
More info about Berger Picards
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
(L-R) Jeter, a Cirneco dell'Etna, Niko, a Lagotto Romangnolo and Pico, a Miniature American Sheperd stand on stage with handlers at a news conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City, January 21, 2016.
Boerboel
Bilo, a Boerboel, rests after being introduced to the media at a press conference on January 21, 2016.
Boerboel's are big, strong athletic dogs from South Africa. They are known as very devoted, smart and obedient. The breed has a strong watchdog instinct.
Boerboel
Obilo looks on after being introduced at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show press conference on January 21, 2016, in New York City.
According to the American Kennel Club, many an old farmer told tales of the strength, courage and agility of these dogs.
More info about Boerboels
Cirneco dell'Etna
Jeter, a Cirneco dell'Etns, is introduced at a press conference on January 21, 2016 in New York City.
The Cirneco dell'Etna evolved from the Eyptian "Anubis" on Sicily, introduced there by the Phoenicians more than 2,500 years ago. The hardy breed survives hunting small mammals and fowl and is known for excelling at hunting and tracking. While intelligent, the breed has inherited health problems.
Cirneco dell'Etna
Jeter, a Cirneco dell'Etna, stands on stage at Madison Square Garden in New York City, January 21, 2016.
The breed's personality is described as affectionate, friendly and independent by the American Kennel Club.
The best part thing for some is that the dogs require minimal grooming.
More info about Cirneco dell'Etna
Lagotto Romangnolo
Niko, (R) a Lagotto Romangnolo, stands with a puppy of the same breed at a news conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City, January 21, 2016.
The Lagotta Romangnolo's rustic, curly coat was initially an asset against the chill of winter, but now helps protect the breed from thorns and brambles as a truffle hunting dog.
Lagotto Romangnolo
A closeup of Niko at Madison Square Garden in New York City, January 21, 2016.
In the mid-19th century, concerned breeders began an effort to breed dogs that would ignore game and develop the large nose and nasal passages that make for an expert scent follower.
The dogs have the stamina to to work all day in difficult terrain and weather.
More info about Lagotto Romangnolo
Miniature American Sheperd
Mischief, a Miniature American Shepherd, looks into the camera at Madison Square Garden in New York City, January 21, 2016.
Developed in the American West in the late 1960s, the highly active Miniature American Shepherd is a small herding dog with great versatility.
Miniature American Shepard
A Miniature American Shepard performs agility drills at Madison Square Garden on January 21, 2016 in New York City.
The small to medium-sizes breed's agility is considered an asset when working stock.
Miniature American Shepherd
Formerly known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd, they are up to 18 inches tall and up to 35 pounds as adults.
The breed comes in a variety of colors.
More info onMiniature American Shepherds
Spanish Water Dog
Rudy, a Spanish Water Dog, stands on stage with his owner Nancy Valley at a news conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City, January 21, 2016.
Naturally, the Spanish Water Dog traces its origins to Spain. The sturdy athletic dogs mainly work as farm dogs, herding sheep and goats, but also make very good hunting companions and assistants for fishermen.
They are known as loyal, affectionate with family as well as hardworking.
Spanish Water Dog
Rudy shows his wooly, curly coat at Madison Square Garden in New York City, January 21, 2016.
The medium-sized breed is non-shedding, which produces less dander, and therefore considered hypoallergenic.
More info on Spanish Water Dogs
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
(L-R) Bergamasco, Berger Picard, Boerboel, Cirneco dellEtna, Lagotto Romagnolo, Miniature American Shepherd and Spanish Water Dog pose during the 140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show press conference on January 21, 2016, in New York City.