Two New Breeds Allowed to Compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The Westminster Kennel Club announced that it is welcoming two new dog breeds into competition at Westminster this years. The new breeds are the Russell Terrier and the Treeing Walker Coonhound. The Russell Terrier has had a name change: it used to be known as the Jack Russell Terrier, which is what most people still call the dogs.

The American Kennel Club determines the eligibility of breeds which will be allowed to compete at dog shows held by AKC member clubs and at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. To be recognized a breed must have sufficient geographic representation, sufficient numbers and enough interest by a parent club. The AP reports on the changes: