Animals

New Dog Breed Officially Recognised in UK From Next Year

Good News Post

Apr 17, 2026 — 2 min read

Miniature American Shepherd. Photo by Franzisca Albisser - supplied The Kennel Club

By Animals Correspondent

The Miniature American Shepherd is set to be officially recognised by the The Kennel Club from 1 July 2026, marking a new addition to the UK’s list of pedigree dog breeds.

From that date, the breed will be placed in the Pastoral Group on the Imported Breed Register.

However, it will not be eligible to compete at Kennel Club licensed breed shows until an interim breed standard has been published.

The Miniature American Shepherd was originally developed in the United States as a smaller herding dog, valued for its intelligence, agility and loyal nature.

It has been recognised in the US by the American Kennel Club since 2011 and by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 2019, and has steadily gained popularity internationally.

The Kennel Club will recognise a total of 227 pedigree dog breeds from July 2026, following the addition of the Yakutian Laika at the same time.

The most recent breed to be recognised prior to this was the Hungarian Mudi in July 2025.

The update reflects the continued growth and diversification of recognised pedigree breeds in the UK, as interest in newer and less common breeds continues to rise.

With a mission to promote responsible ownership and celebrate every dog, the Royal Kennel Club continues to evolve, combining heritage with innovation to create a healthier, happier future for dogs and the people who love them.

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