The United Kingdom, already home to hundreds of dog breeds, now welcomes two new additions to its official list. The Kennel Club has granted recognition to the Miniature American Shepherd and the Yakutian Laika, making them the 226th and 227th recognised breeds in the country.
Miniature American Shepherd: A Compact Herding Dog from the US
Originating in the United States, the Miniature American Shepherd is celebrated for its intelligence, agility, and loyalty. This breed was first recognised by the American Kennel Club in 2011 and by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 2019. It is a compact and highly versatile herding dog that is becoming increasingly established in the UK.
Yakutian Laika: An Ancient Working Breed from Russia
Hailing from northeastern Russia, the Yakutian Laika is an ancient working breed shaped over millennia by its vital role in transport, hunting, and daily survival. The breed was carefully revived in the 1990s and formally recognised by the Russian Kynological Federation in 2004. Today, it is known for its resilience, instinct, and unwavering devotion, with its popularity steadily rising worldwide.
Official Recognition from 1 July 2026
The Kennel Club announced that these two breeds will be officially recognised from 1 July 2026. The last breed to receive recognition was the Hungarian Mudi in July 2025. Other recent additions include the Icelandic Sheepdog, Polish Hunting Dog, Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog, and Barbet.
What Does Pedigree Dog Mean?
A pedigree dog belongs to a breed recognised by The Kennel Club and has traceable ancestry going back several generations on both sides. These dogs are predictable in temperament, physical appearance, and care needs. Knowing their ancestry also helps predict potential health problems, allowing for DNA tests that breeders can use before selecting breeding dogs.
Common Myths About Dogs
Understanding dog behaviour is crucial. Here are ten myths debunked by animal behaviour experts Dr Melissa Starling and Dr Paul McGreevy from the University of Sydney:
- Dogs do not like to share.
- Not all dogs enjoy being hugged or patted.
- A barking dog is not always aggressive.
- Dogs dislike other dogs entering their territory.
- Dogs need activity and less relaxation time than humans.
- Some dogs are shy and not overly friendly.
- A friendly dog can become aggressive suddenly.
- Dogs need open spaces to explore; a garden may not suffice.
- Sometimes a dog is not misbehaving but simply does not understand.
- Subtle facial signals often precede barking or snapping when a dog is unhappy.
