Westminster Welcomes 3 New Breeds in 2014

The Westminster Kennel Club is welcoming three new breeds into their 138th Annual Dog Show this year!

The breeds that are eligible to compete are determined by the American Kennel Club based on population and geographic distribution, as well as growing interest by the breed’s parent club.

The 3 new breeds added to the Westminster Dog Show competition for 2014 are:

RAT TERRIER (Terrier Group)
Beyond being a farm dog, Rat Terriers have proven themselves to be a versatile, multipurpose breed with a playful, happy-go-lucky attitude. They are an all-in-one dog-able to do virtually anything they are trained to do-and they are easily trainable and exceptionally intelligent. They excel in conformation, agility, obedience, rally obedience, terrier racing, earthdog, barn hunt and lure coursing. They are capable of hunting rodents and vermin above and below ground. They make fine therapy and service dogs. And they are loyal friends and companions-especially for families.

PORTUGUESE PODENGO PEQUENO (Hound Group)
The smallest of the Podengo family, this active rabbit hunter has a history that goes back to antiquity. He is still used today by avid huntsmen in his native Portugal. To manage the terrain in different parts of Portugal, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno come in two coat varieties, smooth and wire. The word Pequeno means small or miniature. He is the smallest of three sizes… Grand, Medio and Pequeno. The Pequeno is the only of the three that should be longer than tall. With proper socialization this intelligent breed is a delightful companion and willing participant in agility, obedience, hunting and lure coursing, as well as conformation.

CHINOOK (Working Group)
Developed in New Hampshire in the 1920s, the Chinook is a true American breed. In 2009, the Chinook was named New Hampshire’s State Dog. Chinooks are highly trainable, intelligent, athletic, working dogs that excel in obedience, agility, therapy work, tracking, and lure coursing, as well as dog powered sports such as sledding, bikejoring, scootering, and carting. Above all, the Chinook is cherished as a loving companion, happily going wherever the family ventures. Chinooks require only an occasional bath, brushing, and toenail trimming. Chinooks are a healthy, robust breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

The show begins on Monday, February 10th at both Piers 92 & 94 and at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Monday night’s event will be broadcast live on CNBC from 8-11 PM. Tuesday night’s event will be live on USA from 8-11 PM.