New Breeds at Westminster

By Amy Fernandez

In recent years, newly recognized breeds have become an annual addition at Westminster.

The traditional glacial pace of AKC’s recognition process has become a distant memory, as have the stops and stalls that long characterized its FSS program.  Like many things, it took longer than expected but an efficient process finally kicked into high gear. AKC is finally catching up with the rest of the dog world, admitting breeds that long ago earned their stripes as purebreds. As a result, two interesting additions will spice up Westminster 2015. Their diverse histories highlight the longstanding, worldwide interest in purebred dogs.

The Wirehaired Vizsla was admitted to AKC Miscellaneous in 2011. The breed originated in Hungary during the 1930s as an offshoot of the Viszla, a member of the AKC Sporting Group since 1960. Developed primarily from a blend of the Viszla and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, the breed’s founders envisioned a hardier, more versatile version of the original smooth-coated package. Their successful efforts were almost derailed during World War II, but the breed made a comeback, earning FCI recognition in 1966. From that perspective, its AKC status has been a long time coming. Westminster 2015 will welcome four representatives of the breed.

Although the Coton de Tulear traces its roots to a different corner of the globe, the Royal Dog of Madagascar endured an equally arduous journey to purebred status and its eventual debut in the AKC Non-Sporting Group last July.

Both natural and selective pressures guided 400 generations of Coton development in Madagascar- and many breeds contributed to its genetic foundation. Its incarnation as a purebred commenced around 1890 when Madagascar became a French protectorate. It first gained purebred recognition in France in 1970. FCI concurred two years later. And finally, decades later, 14 Cotons will take the stage on Westminster’s green carpet this year.

Breed judging for both can be accessed via Westminster’s live streaming video. Cotons, along with all other hound, toy, non-sporting and herding groups will be judged Monday. Sporting, working and terrier breeds take the stage Tuesday.  Of course, every Westminster entry will be benched and on display at Piers 92/94, throughout the day next Monday and Tuesday. See you there!

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