‘These are two very different dogs – a duck hunter and a scent hound.’
The American Kennel Club announced that the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen have received full recognition, bringing the total number of AKC-recognized breeds to 192.
“We’re excited to welcome these two breeds into the AKC family,” said Gina DiNardo, AKC executive secretary. “These are two very different dogs – a duck hunter and a scent hound – and they make wonderful companions for a variety of people.”
Joining the Sporting Group, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a spaniel-type dog that originated hundreds of years ago in Europe as a duck hunter, according to AKC. The breed was also a favorite of Dutch nobility.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
“These are energetic, friendly and alert dogs that are ready for work,” AKC explains. “They have a moderate activity level, needing regular mental and physical activity to be happy. Their medium-length coat requires weekly brushing to keep it free of tangles.”
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen joins the Hound Group. Bred as a rabbit and hare hunter in France, the GBGV has a great deal of stamina and speed, according to AKC.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
“The GBGV is a laidback, intelligent, friendly pack hound that gets along well with other dogs,” the group notes. “These dogs are courageous and passionate workers with a high activity level. They need daily vigorous exercise. The GBGV’s coat is rough and straight, and looks tousled and natural. It does need weekly brushing to prevent it from matting.”
Both breeds became eligible to compete in their respective groups on Jan. 1.
To become an AKC-recognized breed there must be a minimum number of dogs geographically distributed throughout the U.S., as well as an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders.