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for easy pick-up makes dinnertime easier for this breed.
If you're interested in learning more about meeting the unique dietary needs of your canine companion, Royal Canin, a global pet food leader, has developed breed-specific diets designed to provide individual breeds with the most precise nutrition. Explore more at www.royalcanin.com.
Which breed is right for you?
When choosing a dog that's the right fit for your family, it's important to look beyond its physique and appearance. Do some research and consider personality traits, trainability and energy levels.
"It's important for your dog to be just as happy in your home as you are," says Gina DiNardo, Vice President of the American Kennel Club. "Finding the right dog for your family's lifestyle can ensure that you and your dog have a long, loving and healthy relationship."
A Border Collie is one of the smartest dogs around, but do you have the time and open space to provide the exercise and stimulation he needs? On the other hand, you'll want a dog that can give you the right amount of companionship you're looking for. Afghan Hounds prefer to decide whether they want you to give them affection, and that may not be a great fit for someone looking for an unconditional best friend.
the AKC created a process for breeds to become formally recognized. Part of this process includes establishing a Breed Club, which is responsible for organizing the members, tracking family trees (pedigrees) to ensure that the dog's lineage is recorded accurately, and holding breed events. Once all of the requirements are met, the AKC can officially recognize the breed in the United States.
In 2016, three new breeds were recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Sloughi, the American Hairless Terrier and the Pumi. The Sloughi is a hunting hound originating in North Africa, and is especially adept at speed and stamina over long distances. The American Hairless Terrier is only the fourth hairless breed to be recognized by the AKC, and its ancestors were developed to hunt vermin. The Pumi is a Hungarian herding dog with a long and treasured history of working side by side with farmers.
Currently, there are more than 50 breeds in the process of achieving full AKC recognition. Over time, we'll see more of these breeds at dog shows, in television commercials and even as family pets.
Dietary needs
With these different traits and tendencies, it's easy to see how different dog breeds will have different dietary needs. For example, a small active dog such as a Parson Russell Terrier, would benefit from a different nutritional profile than the more sedentary English Bulldog.
Also, these foods are designed to fit the physical traits of different breeds. For example, with the Boxer's jaw alignment and short muzzle, kibble that's designed
Meet the Magnificent
To learn more about dogs and see the very best of the breeds, tune in to the AKC National Championship Dog Show presented by Royal Canin from 6-9 p.m. ET/PT on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017 on Hallmark Channel. With celebrity guest actor and dog-lover Jerry O'Connell, the dog show will feature winners from each of the competition categories, highlights from agility and dock diving competitions and culminates in the crowning of Best in Show. For more information, visit www.royalcanin.com/akcdogshow.