AKC Introduces Two New Canine Breeds

By Nan Talleno

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The National Dog Show presented by Purina will introduce two new canine breeds this year with a televised airing on Thanksgiving Day. They are the Russell Terrier and the Treeing Walker Coonhound. The 2012 additions bring the number of new dog breeds to twenty-eight that were added by the American Kennel Club over the past decade, since the first National Dog Show in 2002.

The Russell Terriers are strong and intelligent dogs; full of life. They are extremely expressive with brown and white markings and make wonderful companions for those with an active lifestyle. The Russell Terrier shares many common characteristics of the Parson Terrier but has shorter legs. This breed had been known previously as the Jack Russell Terrier.

The Treeing Walker Coonhounds, originally descendants of the English Foxhounds and the English Coonhounds, are part of the Hound family and are quite adept and skillful at being competitive, quick and enduring hunters. They are intelligent and loving dogs.