Meet the 3 New Breeds Competing at This Year's National Dog Show: Names and Details Inside

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Three new breeds are joining the pack at this year’s National Dog Show, and their names are just as memorable as their personalities.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier will make their National Dog Show competition debuts November 14 through 15 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. The annual event will feature as many as 2,000 dogs competing across 205 eligible breeds and varieties, according to the show’s official website.

The three breeds received full American Kennel Club recognition on January 1, 2026, bringing the organization’s total number of recognized breeds to 205. While they’re new to the AKC competition roster, none is actually a newcomer to the dog world. Each has a history that stretches back well beyond its official recognition in the United States.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a short-legged French hunting hound with a rough, fawn-colored coat. Originally bred to hunt rabbits, the breed is known for its outgoing personality, intelligence and determination.

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, whose name translates to “Russian Colored Lapdog,” is a small companion breed with a thick, wavy or curly coat. The affectionate dogs typically weigh between 7 and 9 pounds and are part of the Bichon family.

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an American breed named in honor of the 26th president. Despite the name, Theodore Roosevelt did not create the breed. A short-legged variety of the Rat Terrier, the energetic dogs were originally bred to help control rats and other vermin.

The National Dog Show Presented by Purina will be taped during the Nov. 14 competition and air nationally on NBC on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, immediately following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The two-hour broadcast is hosted by John O’Hurley and Mary Carillo, with commentary from David Frei.

For viewers who want to meet the new contenders in person, the show takes place Nov. 14–15 and tickets are available through the National Dog Show’s official website.

This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Source: Nature