New Dogs in Town

11/10/2009

Show Ring Spotlight

At the National Dog Show near Philadelphia later this week, three dog breeds will make their major competition debut. Earlier this year, the three were recognized by the American Kennel Club, which means the AKC now recognizes 163 breeds! Proving there really is a dog, or two, for almost everyone.

The newbies, if you could really call them that, each have long histories leading to the show ring.

The Irish Red and White setter dates back to the 17th century, and was bred primarily for work in the field, with a powerful, athletic build and keen intelligence. A distinct and separate breed from the better-known Irish setter, with its solid coppery coat, the Irish Red and White is mostly white with red patches. He is thought to be the older of the two setter types. This dog was nearly extinct by the end of the 19th century, but during the 1920s, loyalists worked to revive the breed. By the 1940s, Irish Red and White setters began a comeback in, where else, Ireland.

Cherished by Vikings, the Norwegian Buhund began life as a farm dog, herding livestock, guarding property and hunting game. Its name actually translates from the Norwegian as "farm dog"---"Bu" means homestead or farm, "hund" equals dog. With a his thick double coat, squarish build, tail curled neatly onto his back and alert prick ears--the stand-up kind, like a German Shepherd's--the Norwegian Buhund is a medium sized bundle of energy and stamina.

The Pyrenean Shepherd is also known as Berger des Pyrenees or the "pyr shep." You may be familiar with the Great Pyrenees, the massive white dog known for herding sheep in the Pyrenees mountains. The "pry shep," is the compact companion to that breed, expert at herding or guarding sheep or other livestock. Unlike his giant colleague, this dog is small, with a long, lean body and high energy level.

Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and Norwegian Buhund will compete in the AKC's Herding group, while the Irish Red and White setter is part of the Sporting group. Which one will inspire a fan page all his own?