Editorial: February 2, 2024

The American Kennel Club has published a list of low-entry breeds effective March 1, 2024. One hundred and three breeds are on that list — that is nearly half the breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. It consists of the newest recognized breeds, like the Mudi, and others that were the war horses of dog shows in the past, like the Wire Fox Terrier. Though low in numbers, there are many representatives of the breeds on this list that have gone onto record-breaking show careers and counted among the top-winning dogs in the country. It is a testament to those breeders who with a limited gene pool were and are able to breed such outstanding representatives of their breeds. It is also encouraging that the judges who may not get to judge these breeds on a regular basis can recognize and reward these dogs. It is encouraging and should encourage breeders of low entry (do we dare say not popular) breeds to continue with their breeding programs so that we don't go from low-entry breeds to extinct breeds. We were surprised to see some breeds included on this list, which you can find here.