New breeds to take their bow - and wow dog lovers

New breeds of dogs including (from left) a Bergamasco, a Berger Picard and a Boerboel are among this year's entrants to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show next month.
New breeds of dogs including (from left) a Bergamasco, a Berger Picard and a Boerboel are among this year's entrants to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show next month. PHOTO: EUROPEAN PRESSPHOTO AGENCY

NEW YORK • Some are miniature, others are water-repellent and one is known to battle large predators.

They are the seven dog breeds that will compete for the first time in the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, the annual New York event that is expected to draw thousands of visitors next month.

The prestigious show, now in its 140th year, has registered 2,752 dogs representing 199 breeds and varieties worldwide competing for the title "Best in Show".

The newly eligible breeds, introduced by show organisers on Thursday, are the Bergamasco, Lagotto Romagnolo, Berger Picard, Miniature American Shepherd, Boerboel, Spanish Water Dog and Cirneco dell'Etna.

The Bergamasco is a sheep dog that naturally forms dreadlocks, stands about 61cm tall and originates in the Italian Alps. Also from Italy is the Lagotto Romagnolo, a large retriever with a curly coat that repels water, and the Cirneco dell'Etna, a small, affectionate canine resembling the Whippet.

The Berger Picard, a French herding dog, became nearly extinct after World War II and is still a rare breed. Miniature American shepherds are linked to Australian shepherds and share their physical characteristics, often having one pale blue eye and one brown eye, but they are smaller.

Hailing from South Africa, the Boerboel is a large mastiff-like working dog. The breed dates back to the 17th century and was "often the first line of defence against predators", according to the American Kennel Club.

Also joining the competition is the Spanish Water Dog, a shaggy and curly-coated breed known for its intelligence, loyalty and strong herding instincts.

The dog show will be held on Feb 15 and 16 in Manhattan. Last year, dogs from 15 countries competed. A beagle named Miss P took the top prize.

REUTERS

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 23, 2016, with the headline New breeds to take their bow - and wow dog lovers. Subscribe