Dog lovers, rejoice! The American Kennel Club just welcomed three new members to its roster of fully recognized breeds. On the first day of 2026 (the cutest way to kick off the New Year, in our opinion!), the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier officially joined the nonprofit organization’s registry of purebred dogs, which upped the total of AKC-recognized breeds to 205. This amazing milestone gives these three types of pooches the ability to compete in AKC dog shows, such as conformation shows and competitions in obedience, agility, and more.
While these canines were just added to the AKC’s official list of purebreds, they’ve actually been around in their respective home countries for ages. Why the delay in recognition? Since the AKC has a very extensive list of criteria that dog breeds must meet in order to become official members, the nonprofit’s strict standards lead to a pretty lengthy approval process. To become a recognized breed, the type of dog must have a national breed club, a clear written standard, well-documented pedigrees, and a stable population of at least 300-400 dogs in 20 or more states, among other guidelines.
Now that these rare pups are officially part of the AKC, their presence will become even more prevalent in families across the country. “New AKC breeds draw attention as they’re often related to older established breeds but may differ in looks, personality, and purpose,” the AKC said in a statement. “Once people learn about the newcomers, they find their differences appealing, a perfect match for their lifestyle, and wonder how they ever lived without them.”
If you’re eager to meet the furry new members, read on for a proper introduction!
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
This cuddly canine with a curly, chocolate-colored coat of fur makes the sweetest lap dog. The Bolonka (or Russian Colored Lapdog for short) is a member of the Bichon family and is considered the National Breed of Russia, where it originated in the early 1950s. This type of pup has an easygoing and loving nature, and their sociability makes them a great fit for families with other dogs. With their small size, they’re the perfect pup for city dwellers. Their long life expectancy (up to 20 years!) is another paw-sitively amazing attribute.
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Nicknamed the Fawn Colored Brittany Basset, this small, short-legged hound an be traced back to 14th-century France. Since this type of canine was bred as a hunting dog, they’re known for their intelligence, speed, and audacious spirit. Their rough coat of fur (which has a moderate amount of shedding) comes in gorgeous shades that range from golden wheat to brick red, and they live up to 16 years.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Named after former President Theodore Roosevelt, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a United States native. The latest member of the Terrier family, this small pup has a smooth coat and a short stature that reaches no more than 14 inches tall. Their temperament is cheerful and spirited, and they’re known to be active and athletic. They’re also highly adaptable to any living situation. You can usually find these loyal pups right by their owner’s sides!
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Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
