Northern Breed Group
Encyclopedia
Northern Breed Group is the name of a breed Group of dog
s, used by kennel club
s to classify a defined collection of dog breed
s. Dogs listed in the Northern Breed Group may not all be of the same type
of dog.
, Chow Chow
, Alaskan Malamute
, Siberian Husky
and Samoyed
are being shown by genetic research to be descendents of the oldest dog types known. The Spitz or Northern-type dogs of today developed from antiquity along with humans, and in modern times have been selectively bred
and documented as a wide variety of purebred modern breeds, including those listed here.
(US).
In this Group, the Alaskan Klee Kai (a new breed developed from a mixed breed dog in the 1970s in Alaska, USA) can be still be registered with the American Rare Breed Association as well as with the United Kennel Club.
Dog
The domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...
s, used by kennel club
Kennel club
A kennel club is an organization for canine affairs that concerns itself with the breeding, showing and promotion of more than one breed of dog...
s to classify a defined collection of dog breed
Dog breed
Dog breeds are groups of closely related and visibly similar domestic dogs, which are all of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris, having characteristic traits that are selected and maintained by humans, bred from a known foundation stock....
s. Dogs listed in the Northern Breed Group may not all be of the same type
Dog type
Dog types are broad categories of dogs based on function, with dogs identified primarily by specific function or style of work rather than by lineage or appearance....
of dog.
Northern dogs
Spitz-type dogs are the primary dog type of the Arctic and northern parts of the world, and the Shiba InuShiba Inu
The is the smallest of the six original and distinct breeds of dog from Japan.A small, agile dog that copes very well with mountainous terrain, the Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting. It is similar in appearance to the Akita, though much smaller in stature...
, Chow Chow
Chow Chow
Chow chow is a breed of dog that was developed in China, where it is referred to as Songshi Quan , which literally means "puffy-lion dog".- Appearance :...
, Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a generally large breed of domestic dog originally bred for use as a utilitarian dog and later an Alaskan sled dog. They are sometimes mistaken for a Siberian Husky, but in fact are quite different in many ways...
, Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a medium-size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in north-eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family...
and Samoyed
Samoyed (dog)
The Samoyed dog takes its name from the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia. An alternate name for the breed, especially in Europe, is Bjelkier...
are being shown by genetic research to be descendents of the oldest dog types known. The Spitz or Northern-type dogs of today developed from antiquity along with humans, and in modern times have been selectively bred
Selective breeding
Selective breeding is the process of breeding plants and animals for particular genetic traits. Typically, strains that are selectively bred are domesticated, and the breeding is sometimes done by a professional breeder. Bred animals are known as breeds, while bred plants are known as varieties,...
and documented as a wide variety of purebred modern breeds, including those listed here.
Major registries
The Northern Breed Group is the Group category used by the United Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club
The United Kennel Club is the second oldest all-breed registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States and the second largest in the world. According to the website, the club records 250,000 registrations annually. The UKC is not part of the International Canine Organisation, Fédération...
(US).
| Breed | Fédération Cynologique Internationale Fédération Cynologique Internationale Fédération Cynologique Internationale is an international federation of kennel clubs based in Thuin, Belgium. The English language translation, World Canine Organisation, is not often used.Its goals are described in Article 2 of their regulations:... |
The Kennel Club (UK) The Kennel Club The Kennel Club is a kennel club based in London and Aylesbury, United Kingdom.The Kennel Club registration system divides dogs into seven breed groups. The Kennel Club Groups are: Hound, Working, Terrier, Gundog, Pastoral, Utility and Toy... |
Canadian Kennel Club Canadian Kennel Club The Canadian Kennel Club is the primary registry body for purebred dog pedigrees in Canada. Beyond maintaining the pedigree registry, the C.K.C... |
American Kennel Club American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club is a registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. Beyond maintaining its pedigree registry, this kennel club also promotes and sanctions events for purebred dogs, including the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, an annual event which predates the official... |
Australian National Kennel Council Australian National Kennel Council The Australian National Kennel Council is the peak body in Australia responsible for promoting breeding, showing, trialling, obedience, and other canine-related activities and the ownership of temperamentally and physically sound purebred dogs by individuals across Australia. It was formed in... |
New Zealand Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club The New Zealand Kennel Club is the primary kennel club responsible for dog pedigree registration services in New Zealand. They also provide training services, judging for dog shows and many other services relating to dog showing. The organisation was introduced in 1886, it is also a full member of... |
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| Akita | Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds (two breeds, Akita and American Akita) | Group 3 Working Dogs Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
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| Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Klee Kai The Alaskan Klee Kai is a northern breed of dog of spitz type. The term "Klee Kai" was derived from Alaskan Athabaskan words meaning "small dog"... |
not recognised | |||||
| Alaskan Malamute Alaskan Malamute The Alaskan Malamute is a generally large breed of domestic dog originally bred for use as a utilitarian dog and later an Alaskan sled dog. They are sometimes mistaken for a Siberian Husky, but in fact are quite different in many ways... |
Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 1 : Nordic Sledge Dogs | Group 3 Working Dogs Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
Working Group Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
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| American Eskimo American Eskimo Dog The American Eskimo Dog is a breed of companion dog originating in Germany. The American Eskimo is a member of the Spitz family. Despite its name and appearance, the American Eskimo dog is not from Alaska; the dog's heritage is traced back to Northern Europe... |
May be registered as a German Spitz | not recognised | Non-Sporting Group | |||
| Canadian Eskimo Dog Canadian Eskimo Dog The Canadian Eskimo Dog is an Arctic breed of dog , which is often considered to be North America’s oldest and rarest remaining purebred indigenous domestic canine. Other names include Qimmiq... |
not recognised | Working Group Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
Group 3 Working Dogs Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
not recognised | Group 6 Utility Utility Group Utility Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. How Utility Group is defined varies among kennel clubs, and different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Utility Group. Some kennel clubs do not use the... |
Utility Group Utility Group Utility Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. How Utility Group is defined varies among kennel clubs, and different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Utility Group. Some kennel clubs do not use the... |
| Shar Pei Shar Pei The Shar Pei, or Chinese Shar-Pei, is a breed of dog known for its distinctive features of deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue. The breed comes from China. The name translates to "sand skin" and refers to the texture of its short, rough coat... |
Group 6 Non-Sporting | |||||
| Chinook Chinook (dog) The Chinook is a rare dog breed of sleddog type, developed in the New England region of the United States in the early 20th century. They are recognized as the "New Hampshire State Dog."-Appearance:... |
not recognised | not recognised | not recognised | Foundation Stock Service | not recognised | not recognised |
| Chow Chow Chow Chow Chow chow is a breed of dog that was developed in China, where it is referred to as Songshi Quan , which literally means "puffy-lion dog".- Appearance :... |
Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds | Group 6 Non-Sporting | Non-Sporting Group | |||
| East Siberian Laika East Siberian Laika The East Siberian Laika is a Russian breed of dog of spitz type, a hunting dog originating in parts of Siberia east of the Yenisei River.- Appearance :Males are , while females are on the smaller side at .... |
(Vostotchno-Sibirskaïa Laïka) Spitz and Primitive types/Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs | |||||
| Eurasian Eurasier The Eurasier, sometimes referred to as Eurasian, is a breed of dog of spitz type that originated in Germany. It is widely known as a wonderful companion that maintains its own personality, has a dignified reserve to strangers, a strong bond to its family and that is relatively easy to... |
(Eurasier) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds | Group 3 Working Dogs Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
Foundation Stock Service | |||
| Finnish Lapphund Finnish Lapphund The Finnish Lapphund is a hardy, easy going, medium-size breed of Spitz type. Traditionally it has been used for herding reindeer. Although it is one of the most popular dog breeds in its native country, Finland, it is not very numerous outside of the Nordic countries.-Appearance:-Type:The Finnish... |
(Suomenlapinkoira) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 3: Nordic Watchdogs and Herders | Pastoral Group Pastoral Group Pastoral Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds and does not refer to one particular type of dog... |
(listed breed) Group 7 Herding Herding Group Herding Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. It does not refer to one particular type of dog. How the Herding Group is defined varies among kennel clubs, and different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their... |
Foundation Stock Service | Group 5 Working Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
Working Group Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
| Finnish Spitz Finnish Spitz A Finnish Spitz is a breed of dog originating in Finland. The breed was originally bred to hunt all types of game from squirrels and other rodents to bears. It is a "bark pointer", indicating the position of game by barking to attract the hunter's attention... |
(Suomenpystykorva) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs | Hound Group Hound Group Hound Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds, and does not necessarily include all hound-type dogs... |
Group 2 Hounds Hound Group Hound Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds, and does not necessarily include all hound-type dogs... |
Non-Sporting Group | Group 4 Hounds Hound Group Hound Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds, and does not necessarily include all hound-type dogs... |
Hound Group Hound Group Hound Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds, and does not necessarily include all hound-type dogs... |
| German Spitz German Spitz German Spitz is used to refer to both a breed of dog and category or type of dog. Several modern breeds have been developed from the German Spitz, and are either registered as separate breeds or as varieties of German Spitz. All the German Spitz type dogs are dogs of the Spitz type of German origin... |
(Deutscher Spitz) (one breed, five variants) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/European Spitz | Utility Group Utility Group Utility Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. How Utility Group is defined varies among kennel clubs, and different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Utility Group. Some kennel clubs do not use the... |
not recognized | Foundation Stock Service | (Mittelspitz and Kleinspitz only; two sizes of one breed) Group 7 Non Sporting | (Mittelspitz and Kleinspitz, two breeds) Non-Sporting Group |
| Greenland Dog Greenland Dog The Greenland Dog is a large breed of husky-type dog kept as a sled dog and for hunting polar bear and seal. This is an ancient breed, thought to be directly descended from dogs brought to Greenland by the first Inuit settlers.-Appearance:The Greenland Dog is a powerful, heavy-built dog... |
(Grønlandshund) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 1 : Nordic Sledge Dogs | Group 3 Working Dogs Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
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| Hokkaido Hokkaido (dog) The is a breed of dog. Other names for the breed include Ainu-ken and Seta. In Japan, its name is sometimes shortened to Dō-ken. The Hokkaido is native to the prefecture of the same name in Japan.-Appearance:... |
Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds | |||||
| Japanese Spitz Japanese Spitz The is a small to medium breed of dog of the Spitz type. The Japanese Spitz is a companion dog and pet. There are varying standards around the world as to the ideal size of the breed, but they are always larger than their smaller cousins, the Pomeranian. They were developed in Japan in the 1920s... |
(Nihon Supittsu) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds | Group 6 Non-Sporting | not recognized | |||
| Jindo | ( Korea Jindo Dog) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds | Foundation Stock Service | ||||
| Kai Ken Kai Ken The is a breed of dog that hails from Japan where it is a natural monument and has been bred for centuries. It is an extremely rare dog even in its native land and is related to the Japanese Spitz dog type.-Appearance:... |
Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds | Foundation Stock Service | ||||
| Karelian Bear Dog Karelian Bear Dog The Karelian Bear Dog is a Finnish or Karelian breed of dog. In its home country, it is regarded as a national treasure. KBD will hunt any kind of animal. Its quick reflexes and fearless nature have made it very popular for hunting aggressive game, including bear, moose, and wild boar... |
(Karjalankarhukoira) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs | Group 3 Working Dogs Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
Foundation Stock Service | |||
| Keeshond Keeshond The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a plush two-layer coat of silver and black fur with a 'ruff' and a curled tail. It originated in Germany, and its closest relatives are the other German spitzes such as the Pomeranian... |
(Wolfsspitz/German Spitz variant; not recognised as a separate breed) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/European Spitz | Group 6 Non-Sporting | Non-Sporting Group | |||
| Kishu Kishu The , sometimes called Kishu Ken or Kishu Inu, is a Japanese breed of dog, developed there for thousands of years. It is descended from ancient medium-sized breeds and named after the Kishu region, now Wakayama Prefecture. This breed is similar to the Akita Inu and the Shiba Inu but predates both... |
Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds | Foundation Stock Service | ||||
| Lundehund Norwegian Lundehund The Norwegian Lundehund is a small dog breed of the Spitz type that originates from Norway. Its name is composed of the prefix Lunde, from the Norwegian lundefugl , and the suffix hund, meaning dog... |
(Norsk Lundehund, Norwegian Lundehund) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs | (Norwegian Lundehund) Group 2 Hound Hound Group Hound Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds, and does not necessarily include all hound-type dogs... |
Miscellaneous Class Miscellaneous Class The Miscellaneous Class is an American Kennel Club designation for certain dog breeds that are currently in the AKC Foundation Stock Service Program. The breeds have not been fully recognized and have not yet been assigned to a breed group. They do not appear in the official Stud Book as an AKC... |
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| Norrbottenspets Norrbottenspets The Norbottenspets is a breed of dog of the spitz type. It is an ancient breed whose original purpose was a farm and hunting dog but has recently became more popular as a companion dog. The Norrbottenspets is used to hunt wood grouse, black grouse, capercaillie and hazel grouse, but also fox,... |
(Norrbottenspitz) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs | Foundation Stock Service | ||||
| Norwegian Buhund Norwegian Buhund The Norwegian Buhund is a breed of dog of the spitz type. It is closely related to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jämthund. The name Buhund is derived from the Norwegian word "bu" which means farm, homestead or mountain hut, where the shepherd lived while looking after his herd in the summer... |
(Norsk Buhund) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 3: Nordic Watchdogs and Herders | Group 2 Hound Hound Group Hound Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds, and does not necessarily include all hound-type dogs... |
Herding Group Herding Group Herding Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. It does not refer to one particular type of dog. How the Herding Group is defined varies among kennel clubs, and different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their... |
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| Norwegian Elkhound Norwegian Elkhound The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the ancient Northern Spitz-type breed of dog and is the National Dog of Norway. The Elkhound has served as a hunter, guardian, herder, and defender. In a land of subzero temperatures, deep snow, thick forests, and rugged mountains, only the hardiest of the breeds... |
(Norsk Elghund) (two breeds) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs | Hound Group Hound Group Hound Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds, and does not necessarily include all hound-type dogs... |
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| Russo-European Laika Russo-European Laika Russo-European Laika is the name of a breed of hunting dog that originated in the forested region of northern Europe and Russia, one of several breeds developed from landrace Laika dogs of very ancient Spitz type. The Russo-European Laika itself dates to a breeding program begun in 1944 by E. I... |
(Russko-Evropeïskaïa Laïka) Spitz and Primitive types/Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs | |||||
| Samoyed Samoyed (dog) The Samoyed dog takes its name from the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia. An alternate name for the breed, especially in Europe, is Bjelkier... |
(Samoiedskaïa Sabaka) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/ Section 1: Nordic Sledge Dogs | Group 3 Working Dogs Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
Working Group Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
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| Shiba Shiba Shiba could refer to:* Shiba Inu, a breed of dog* Shiba, Tokyo, a former ward of Tokyo, Japan* Shiba Park in Tokyo* Ryotaro Shiba—author* Kūkaku Shiba, Ganju Shiba and Kaien Shiba—fictional characters in Bleach... |
Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds | (Shiba Inu) Group 6 Non-Sporting | Non-Sporting Group | |||
| Shikoku Shikoku is the smallest and least populous of the four main islands of Japan, located south of Honshū and east of the island of Kyūshū. Its ancient names include Iyo-no-futana-shima , Iyo-shima , and Futana-shima... |
Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds | |||||
| Siberian Husky Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky is a medium-size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in north-eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family... |
Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/ Section 1: Nordic Sledge Dogs | Group 3 Working Dogs Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
Working Group Working Group (dogs) Working Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Working Group, although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Working Group. Working Group does not... |
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| Swedish Elkhound Jämthund The Jämthund, also called the Swedish Elkhound, is a breed of dog of the Spitz type that are found in Northern Europe. The Jämthund is eponymous to Jämtland, a province in the middle of Sweden. The dog is described as having a wolf-like appearance.... |
(Jämthund) Spitz and Primitive types/Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs | |||||
| Swedish Lapphund Swedish Lapphund The Swedish Lapphund is a breed of dog of the Spitz type from Sweden, one of three Lapphund breeds developed from a type of dog used by the Sami people for herding and guarding their reindeer.... |
(Svensk Lapphund) Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/ Section 3 : Nordic Watchdogs and Herders | Foundation Stock Service | ||||
| Volpino Italiano Volpino Italiano A Volpino Italiano is a spitz-type breed of dog originally from Italy.-History:Spitz-type dogs were found throughout the ancient world. Specimens from this group have been found preserved in European peat bogs which anthropologists trace to 4000 BC... |
Group 5 Spitz and Primitive types/European Spitz | Not admitted as it is too similar to the American Eskimo Dog American Eskimo Dog The American Eskimo Dog is a breed of companion dog originating in Germany. The American Eskimo is a member of the Spitz family. Despite its name and appearance, the American Eskimo dog is not from Alaska; the dog's heritage is traced back to Northern Europe... |
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| West Siberian Laika West Siberian Laika The West Siberian Laika, also Zapadno-Sibirskaïa Laïka or WSL, is a breed of hunting dog developed by the indigenous people of Northern Ural and West Siberia... |
Spitz and Primitive types/Section 2: Nordic Hunting Dogs |
Minor registries
Many of the regional breeds recognised by the United Kennel Club are very few in number in the United States. As a US based club they have specialized in the registry of North American breeds, especially hunting and working/utility dogs. Since many of these breeds are few in number (so called rare breeds), they also may be listed with a variety of small breed clubs, dog sport clubs, minor kennel clubs and internet-based dog businesses.In this Group, the Alaskan Klee Kai (a new breed developed from a mixed breed dog in the 1970s in Alaska, USA) can be still be registered with the American Rare Breed Association as well as with the United Kennel Club.