Thursday, November 19, 2009

THREE NEW AKC BREEDS

The following is a reprint of an AKC press release:

AKC WELCOMES BLUETICK COONHOUND, BOYKIN SPANIEL AND REDBONE COONHOUND

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® is pleased to welcome the Bluetick Coonhound, Boykin Spaniel and Redbone Coonhound as the 162nd, 163rd, and the 164th AKC® registered breeds. The Boykin Spaniel will join the Sporting Group while both the Bluetick Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound will join the Hound Group. The new breeds will be eligible for full AKC registration and competition in their respective groups at conformation shows held on and after December 30, 2009.

“We are happy that Boykin Spaniel, Bluetick Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound will be joining the ranks of fully-recognized AKC breeds,” said Mari-Beth O’Neill, AVP of Customer Service. “Although these breeds have been classified in two different groups, all three possess energetic natures and are still very actively used by hunters as working dogs today. After their long histories of development within the United States, we look forward to finally seeing these three breeds eligible to compete for AKC Conformation championships, as they have already been actively competing in AKC Companion Events and Performance Events.”

Bluetick Coonhound

Like many coonhounds, the Bluetick Coonhound gets its name from a coat pattern, which is dark blue in color and covered in a ticking or mottled pattern. Working ability is very important to owners who prize the sturdy and athletic Bluetick for its skill in trailing and treeing raccoons and other small animals. The breed has origins in the English Coonhound, which was a fast working dog that excelled at following fresh game trails. In 1945, Bluetick breeders broke away to form their own slower-working dog that could pick up older scent trails. Blueticks are known for having the typical coonhound “bawling” bark. This steady and determined breed can stay on the most intricate of tracks, making it a prized companion for active sporting families.

Boykin Spaniel

The official State Dog of South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized, all-around hunting dog with a cheerful, energetic personality. The breed was developed in South Carolina in the early 1900s by Mr. L. Whitaker Boykin. Originally used to hunt wild turkeys, Boykins now typically work with ducks and other waterfowl. With a rich, chocolate-brown coat and charm to spare, the breed thrives on human companionship and enjoys children and other dogs. The Boykin has the stamina to stay by its owner’s side during a full day of work, so it fits in best with an active family.

Redbone Coonhound

Known for its flashy red coat, the Redbone Coonhound is a versatile worker and possesses the ability to hunt and swim over a variety of terrain while still maintaining its speed and agility. The breed is even-tempered and trainable in the home, and wants to please its owner. The Redbone dates back to red foxhounds brought over by Scottish immigrants in the late 1700s and red foxhounds imported from Ireland before the Civil War. Redbones possess a natural treeing instinct and will track game ranging from raccoons to cougars.

The next breeds in line for full recognition by AKC are the Icelandic Sheepdog, Cane Corso and Leonberger. The three will be eligible for AKC registration on June 1, 2010 and for competition in the Herding and Working Groups on June 30, 2010.

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