Meet The Newest Dog Breeds In The AKC, Including One From 2025

Evaluating everything from lineage to physical features, the American Kennel Club has steadily expanded its breed list since 1884. As of 2025, the AKC officially recognizes 202 breeds—with the Danish-Swedish Farmdog as its newest addition. Here are 20 of the most recent entries that made it into the club.

Coton De Tulear (2014)

Fluffy and full of charm, the Coton de Tulear made it to the AKC registry in 2014. Originating from Madagascar, it’s known for its soft, cotton-like coat and people-loving nature. Small in size but full of character, this one is a happy companion, always ready for fun or cuddles.

Cirneco Dell’Etna (2015)

A sleek rabbit hunter from Sicily, the Cirneco dell’Etna is fast and alert. Built for volcanic terrain, it’s a sighthound that is more affectionate than aloof. With sensitive ears and an active personality, this little dog needs both exercise and companionship to truly thrive.

Bergamasco Sheepdog (2015)

The Bergamasco’s coat naturally mats into flat, felted layers—but don’t let the look fool you. It’s surprisingly low-maintenance and doesn’t shed much. Bred in the Italian Alps, this herding breed is observant and deeply intuitive. It forms strong bonds and often acts more like a thoughtful companion than a pet.

Boerboel (2015)

The Boerboel was developed in South Africa to protect remote homesteads from intruders and wildlife. This large, powerful breed is deeply loyal and protective of its people. It’s confident but not reckless, and it thrives in structured environments with experienced handlers who respect its strength and working history.

Miniature American Shepherd (2015)

Ranchers downsized the Australian Shepherd to create the Miniature American Shepherd—a compact herding dog full of agility and drive. It’s quick-thinking and obedient, while known for excelling in dog sports. Despite its size, this breed has big energy and thrives when given jobs and plenty of daily stimulation.

Lagotto Romagnolo (2015)

Italy’s truffle-hunting specialist, the Lagotto Romagnolo has a dense, curly coat and a sharp nose. Centuries of work in marshes and forests shaped this cheerful, focused breed. Both loyal and highly trainable, it’s happiest when sniffing out a task—whether that’s finding truffles or fetching tennis balls.

Pumi (2016)

The Pumi is a Hungarian herder known for its alert posture and tight, corkscrew curls. It’s also expressive and brimming with energy. This medium-sized dog needs mental challenges as much as physical exercise. Although not ideal for laid-back households, it’s a dream for owners who love a fast learner.

American Hairless Terrier (2016)

The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless breed native to the US. Most are bald, with a smooth body and visible freckles, although some have light-colored coats. Being energetic and intelligent makes them great companions—especially for allergy-sensitive owners seeking a small dog with a big personality.

Sloughi (2016)

The Sloughi, a sighthound from North Africa, was bred for speed and endurance in desert hunts. This breed needs space to stretch and quiet companionship. It’s affectionate with family but reserved around strangers, offering the dignified calm of an ancient lineage.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (2018)

With short legs and a big personality, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a determined scent hound from France. It’s built for endurance, not speed, and loves to follow its nose. Outgoing and curious, it benefits from early recall training and plenty of supervised outdoor exploration.

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje (2018)

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje was developed in the Netherlands to lure ducks into traps using its fluttering tail. Energetic but polite, it’s known for strong family bonds and a gentle nature. This small sporting breed is happiest when given tasks and thrives in homes that appreciate its alert, affectionate personality.

Azawakh (2019)

The Azawakh is a West African sighthound bred by nomadic tribes to hunt and guard. Tall, lean, and heat-tolerant, it moves with elegance and startling speed. It’s sensitive to its environment and bonds closely with its people, though it remains cautious around strangers.

Barbet (2020)

A French water retriever with a woolly, curly coat, the Barbet loves swimming and muddy adventures. Bred to fetch birds from wetlands, it’s gentle and social. The coat needs regular grooming, but in return, you get a bright companion with both charm and working ability.

Dogo Argentino (2020)

The Dogo Argentino is a muscular, white-coated hunter developed for tracking wild boar in Argentina. With a steady temperament, this dog is both athletic and well-socialized. Not a breed for first-timers, but under experienced leadership, the Dogo is a loyal and courageous family guardian.

Belgian Laekenois (2020)

The scruffiest of the four Belgian shepherds, the Laekenois was historically used to guard linen drying in fields. It’s affectionate with family and highly responsive to training. With wiry fur and alert watchful eyes, its brains and grit are ideal for those who love a smart dog that stays busy.

Biewer Terrier (2021)

Developed in Germany from Yorkshire Terriers, the Biewer Terrier has a tricolor coat and a sunny, affectionate personality. It’s small, spirited, and often wins over groomers with its floor-length fur. Playful and portable, the Biewer thrives on daily attention and gentle handling.

Russian Toy (2022)

One of the smallest AKC breeds, the Russian Toy has dainty legs, expressive eyes, and comes in two coat types: smooth and long-haired. It’s elegant and feisty—eager to play but quick to cuddle. Originally a companion of the Russian elite, this breed thrives in cozy homes and loving arms.

Mudi (2022)

The Mudi is a Hungarian herding breed prized for its courage and sharp mind. It can manage livestock with precision or tackle agility courses with enthusiasm. Its wavy coat is easy to maintain, and its work ethic makes it ideal for active owners who want both a partner and a protector.

Bracco Italiano (2022)

Italy’s oldest pointer, the Bracco Italiano, brings style to the field with its elegant trot and soulful eyes. Bred for hunting, it’s calm indoors and focused outdoors. Trainable and patient with children, this dog pairs sporting instincts with a sweet, old-world demeanor rarely seen in modern breeds.

Danish-Swedish Farmdog (2025)

Newly recognized in 2025, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a small, square breed that is incredibly versatile. Historically used to guard barns, it’s born to catch rodents and alert farmers—making it a natural multitasker. This cheerful, alert breed bonds quickly and adapts well to modern life, so long as there’s something to do.