The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the most prestigious U.S. canine competition, has added three new breeds to its annual event, which for the first time will also include a program featuring cats.
The show in New York City runs on Feb. 11, 13 and 14, and it is expected to feature more than 2,800 dogs. Agility, obedience and individual breed competitions will be part of the show’s judging.
The American hairless terrier is a feisty little dog with a smooth coat “good for allergy sufferers,” Gail Miller Bisher, the event’s spokeswoman, said. “It is curious and active; definitely a terrier mentality.”
The sloughi (pronounced SLOO-ghee) is a medium-large athletic hound with short, smooth hair; the breed was developed in North Africa for its hunting skills. The animals can be attached to their owners but aloof with strangers, Bisher said.
The pumi (pronounced POOH-me) is an ancient Hungarian herding breed. “They are a cute and strong herding dog,” Bisher said.
The Westminster Kennel Club introduces new breeds into the show after the American Kennel Club has officially recognized a breed. Betxlarge George Etheredge – New York Times An American hairless terrier at an event where breeds new to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show competition were introduced, in New York, Jan. 30, 2017. Also introduced were the Sloughi, developed in North Africa for their hunting skills; and Pumi, an ancient Hungarian herding breed. (George Etheredge/The New York Times)
The new dogs aren’t the only change at the 140-year-old show. This year’s official program will also feature cats, Bisher said.
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