#头条创作挑战赛 #
An important aspect of Westminster's 146th Annual Dog Show at the Purina Pro Plan is breed education. Gail Miller Bisher, communications director at Westminster Kennel Club, said the club likes to highlight what she calls "hidden gem breeds" to help dog lovers and casual fans appreciate the history behind the animal — especially as their numbers dwindle. American Foxhound, Bergamasco Shepherd, Sussex Hound and Skye Terrier are the hidden gems of this year.
1. American Foxhound
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 60-70 lbs
Temperament: sweet, athletic
Activity level: High
Shedding coefficient: medium
Life expectancy: 11-13 years
AKC ranking: 186 out of 205
The American Foxhound is bred in A's good ol' US and is a hunting dog. Miller Bischer said there are fewer than 200 American foxhounds registered today, according to the American Kennel Club. These dogs have been around since the 1800s and are known for being incredibly sweet and healthy puppies.
2. Bergamasco Shepherd
Height: 22-24 inches
Weight: 57-84 lbs
Personality: independent and gentle
Activity level: Low
Shedding factor: no shedding
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
AKC ranking: 187 out of 205
The Bergamasco Shepherd is a fluffy collie with a gentle personality. Their long, roped coats — like Moody's — are very self-sufficient. Once the rope is formed, there is no need to brush your teeth and does not fall off. Bergamasco Shepherds are friendly canines but can have separate stripes, so training and giving them work is essential.
3. Sussex Hound
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 35-45 lbs
Personality: playful and affectionate
Activity level: Medium to high
Shedding coefficient: medium
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
AKC ranking: 205 out of 180
Don't be fooled by their diminutive stature! Sussex Hounds are strong dogs with enough stamina. Their long ears and flowing golden coats add a touch of elegance to their trot on stage. Raising birds in the tall, thorny foliage of the Sussex region, they learned to signal hunters with their strategic bark, which is why they are more vocal than many other sparings. (Fun fact: At the 2019 Westminster show, a Sussex retriever named Bean was a fan favorite, and it ended up losing to a Wire Fox Terrier.) Will this be the year the Sussex Hound makes a comeback? ）
4. Skye Terrier
Height: 9-10 inches
Weight: 30-45 lbs
Personality: stubborn, peaceful
Activity level: Moderate
Shedding coefficient: medium
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
AKC ranking: 178 out of 205
Like many terriers, the Skye Terrier can be stubborn when it comes to learning commands. This may be because they were bred in Scotland in the 1600s for digging badgers and rodents – which requires toughness. However, when with their families, these are affectionate dogs who love to play regularly.