Editorial: December 9, 2022

It seems that each year brings a new crop of breeds that the American Kennel Club recognizes. In recent years, the names of many if these breeds have been difficult to pronounce, and some in the established recognized breed community joke about them. The American Kennel Club recognizes them for financial gain, but there are dedicated and loyal breeders who care about these breeds no matter how foreign they sound to us. On January 1, 2023, the Miscellaneous Group will add two new breeds to its ranks: the Japanese Akitainu and the Russian Tsvetnaya Bologna. So with respect to these two newcomers, we dedicate this editorial to officially welcome them. Their photographs and descriptions follow.

Japanese Akitainu

Descending from regional hunting dogs, the Japanese Akitainu was initially restored and preserved by dedicated breeders in the Akitainu Hozonkai (Akita Dog Preservation Society, or AKIHO). This is technically not a new breed to American fanciers, as up until recently Japanese Akitainu competed alongside what the rest of the world calls the American Akita in AKC rings. Elsewhere in the world, the Japanese Akitainu has been recognized for more than two decades.

Russian Tsvetnaya Bologna

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, or Bolonka for short, is a member of the Bichon family that was almost extinct until after the Cold War. Originally bred to be the ultimate house pet for apartment living, the breed’s name translates to "Russian Colored Lapdog." The plural is Bolonki.