Our canine friends certainly come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Did you know that there are over 187 dog breeds now recognized by the AKC? That number includes three adorable new breeds. In this article, a local vet introduces these three new breeds.

Berger Picard

Just added to the AKC’s Herding Group, the Berger Picard is an amiable, playful farm dog that originated in France. The Berger Picard is very rare, so rare, in fact, that it almost became extinct after World War I and World War II. This loyal pup is medium-sized, and has a slightly scruffy appearance that makes him super cute! Friendly and playful, this lovable pooch is a great family pet and does well with children. These guys do need lots of exercise, however, as they’re quite active! Proper socialization is very important for these pups, so if you’re considering getting one, you’ll want to be prepared to do lots of training during Fido’s first year or two.

Miniature American Shepherd

Like the Berger Picard, the Miniature American Shepherd has been added to the AKC’s Herding Group, joining the ranks of distinguished breeds like the German Shepard and Border Collie. Developed in California in the 1960s, the Miniature American Shepard quickly became popular at equestrian events, as they make great travel buddies for horses. This cute pup is small enough for apartment living, but is very active, and needs lots of exercise. This pooch loves to go on long walks or hikes, but is also a cuddly lap dog that is very eager to please. For those looking for creative ways to keep their active dogs engaged, consider exploring “Spotlight on Canine Freestyle Dance,” a sport that combines training, teamwork, and music in a fun and artistic way.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Last but not least, we have this adorable, curly-haired pooch. The Lagotto Romangolo is unique among his canine friends in that he is the only dog bred for sniffing out truffles! Energetic and intelligent, this pup originated in Italy, and was originally used for retrieving game. The Lagotto Romangolo is the newest addition to the AKC’s Sporting Group. That cute, curly coat of his has a woolly appearance, but actually doesn’t shed, which makes grooming quite easy! These pups have a happy demeanor and can make great companions, but do they need lots of stimulation and training.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health, care, or behavior? Please feel free to contact us, your local animal clinic in St. Lucie County, FL any time! We are happy to serve all of your canine pal’s veterinary care needs. To ensure your new puppy or adult dog receives the best possible care, consider enrolling them in our “Vet Preventive Care” services. These services are designed to maintain your dog’s health through regular check-ups, vaccinations, and early detection of potential health issues, setting the stage for a long, healthy, and happy life.