It is that time of year again: the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. And this year, the event is going to be even more of a dog-eat-dog competition, as seven breeds will be making their debut.
With these additional pups, a total of 2,706 dogs representing 187 breeds have entered the 2016 Westminster show from all 50 states and 12 foreign countries. New York has the most entries at 270, followed by California (219), Pennsylvania (203) and New Jersey (190).
Labrador retrievers have the most entries at 51, with golden retrievers (50) and French bulldogs (48) rounding out the top three.
For those wanting to get to know the seven breeds a bit better, here is some insight on their origins, looks and personality.
Related: The Beauty Secrets of the Westminster Dogs
1. Miniature American Sheepdog (Herding group)
Image via Wikipedia
Origin: U.S.
Appearance: The dog has a double coat of medium length and is seen in a solid colors or merled (shown in image), with or without tan or white markings. To show this dog, the coat should be in its natural state, meaning no sculpted grooming. The dog’s maximum weight is 35 pounds.
Personality: Curious, smart, humorous, good natured, devoted
2. Boerboel (Working group)
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Origin: South Africa
Appearance: These are big guys, weighing anywhere between 110 and 220 pounds. They have a short, smooth and shiny coat, which comes in a variety of colors including fawn, red, brown and brindle.
Personality: Devoted, reliable, smart, brave and obedient, with a protective instinct.
3. Bergamasco Sheepdog (Herding group)
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Origin: Italy
Appearance: The Bergamasco sheepdog resembles a shaggy pooch, with its ungroomed appearance. The dog’s coat is made up of three different types of hair, making it quite unique. While the dog can weight anywhere between 55 and 70 pounds, his thick coat makes him appear bigger. These types of dogs are considered hypoallergenic and do not shed.
Personality: Loyal, intelligent, eager to please and great family dog.
Related: Downtown Doghouse: Where Westminster Dogs Go to Get Groomed
4. Lagotto Romagnolo (Sporting group)
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Origin: Italy
Appearance: The dog’s curly coat once protected him from freezing water but now acts as a barrier against thorns and sticks for his current job: truffle hunter. His nose is large, which helps him track scents. The average weight for these dogs is 25 to 35 pounds.
Personality: Smart, loyal, happy, athletic and sensitive.
5. Berger Picard (Herding group)
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Origin: France
Appearance: With its double-layered coat, the breed resembles a scruffy mutt. They weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, have erect ears, bush eyebrows and known for their smiles. Coat colors are fawn or brindle, with a wide range of variations.
Personality: Loyal, sincere, humorous
6. Spanish Water Dog (Herding group)
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Origin: Spain
Appearance: This breed has a distinctive coat that is curly, becoming cord-like and is non-shedding. When showing this breed, the coat should always be in its natural state, meaning don’t think about getting the dog sculpted or putting a brush to him. The ideal weight is between 30 and 50 pounds.
Personality: Protective, smart, trainable and eager to please
7. Cirneco Dell’Etna (Hound group)
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Origin: Italy
Appearance: The dog looks similar to the pharaoh hound, with its lean body, big ears and short coat. It weighs between 18 and 26 pounds and comes in colors light sand, Isabella and light to dark tan.
Personality: Smart, affectionate, friendly and good with families.
Related: The American Kennel Club Recognizes Two New Breeds
