American Kennel Club adds new breeds to roster
NEW YORK — A spirited Dutch duck-luring dog and a friendly French rabbit hound are now running with the American Kennel Club’s pack.
The club announced Wednesday that it’s recognizing the Nederlandse kooikerhondje and the grand basset griffon Vendeen. They’re the first breeds added to the roster since 2016.
They’re eligible for many dog shows this year, but can’t compete at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show until next year.
The Nederlandse kooikerhondje goes back hundreds of years in Holland. The smallish, brown-and-white, spaniel-style dogs can be seen in some Dutch Old Master paintings.
“They’re actually like a toddler that never grows up,” said breeder D. Ann Knoop-Sideriushappy, who added that they are happy and can be naughty, “but they’re very playful dogs. And that’s true their whole life.”
Her husband, Jac Knoop, is the president of the Kooikerhondje Club of the USA.
Kooikerhondjes were trained to help hunters attract ducks into net-covered canals. The elaborate setups waned in the 19th century, and the dogs neared extinction during the Second World War, before a baroness set out to bring them back.
There are now about 7,000 worldwide and about 500 in the U.S., and they’re wellsuited to agility and other canine sports, said Knoop-Siderius, who is based in Ogden, Illinois.
The grand basset griffon Vendeen goes by “GBGV” for short. It’s one of a number of long, low-to-the-ground basset breeds with centuries-long roots in Europe. A smaller cousin, the petit basset griffon Vendeen, and the long-eared basset hound have been recognized by the club for decades.
GBGVs are known for their speed, stamina and cheerful nature, and the traditional pack hunters tend to get along well with other dogs, says club spokeswoman Brandi Hunter.
“They’re also courageous and passionate workers, and they’ve got a high activity level,” she said.
The American Kennel Club is the oldest purebred dog registry in the U.S. It recognizes 192 breeds, from silky Afghan hounds to hairless xoloitzcuintlis.