AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB'S PACK EXPANDS IN 2024

NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club (AKC^®), the world's largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce that the Lancashire Heeler has received full recognition and is the AKC's 201^st breed. The Lancashire Heeler is eligible to compete in the Herding Group.

"We are excited to welcome the Lancashire Heeler to the AKC registry as our 201^st breed," said Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary. "A small, powerful herding dog that thrives on human interaction, this breed would make a great companion for active families that can provide a great deal of love and attention. We strongly encourage prospective dog owners to do their research to find the best breed for their lifestyle."

Joining the Herding Group, the Lancashire Heeler, also known as Heeler, is an affectionate, versatile and intelligent dog. Their history dates back to the 17^th century, but their exact origin is unknown. Heelers are energetic workers, bred to be cattle herders and ratters. They are small, powerful and sturdily built with medium to high energy. These dogs like exercise, human interaction and mental stimulation. They're quick learners, too. They have a short, hard, flat coat that is dense and waterproof, needing very little grooming.

AKC Recognition offers the breed the opportunity to compete at all levels of AKC sports and events, as there are over 26,000 held each year. A breed that is newly recognized does not mean that the breed is newly created. Many breeds that gain full AKC recognition have existed for decades, and some are ancient. To become an AKC-recognized breed, there must be an active following and interest in the breed by owners in the U.S. and an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders. There also must be a sufficient population of dogs in the United States geographically distributed throughout the country. Breeds working towards full recognition are recorded in AKC's Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®). Additional information on the process can be found at www.akc.org.

About the American Kennel Club 
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 26,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.
Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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SOURCE The American Kennel Club, Inc.