New breeds to bow (wow!) at big dog show here

The nation's most-viewed dog show, held yearly near Valley Forge, will add two breeds to the lineup of canine competitors this year.

The Russell Terrier joins more than 30 other terriers, while the Treeing Walker Coonhound becomes the fifth coonhound to make the official American Kennel Club Registry.

Nearly 2,000 dogs representing 160 breeds will strut their stuff at the National Dog Show, slated for Nov. 17 and 18 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, in Montgomery County.

The event gets national exposure the following week, with a two-hour special from noon to 2 p.m. on NBC on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, after coverage of the Macy's Parade.

The two new breeds bring to 28 the number added by the AKC in the last 10 years.

"Both will bring plenty of energy into the showring, where all the fun happens," said David Frei, expert analyst during the NBC broadcast.

The Russell Terrier is not the same as a Jack Russell Terrier, which is not an official AKC breed name. The new breed is a short-legged cousin to the Parson Russell Terrier, once known as the Jack Russell Terrier.

According to AKC.org: "The Russell Terrier is a strong, hardy, earth-working Terrier. He is full of life and moves with confidence that matches his keen expression. The breed's handy size, small flexible chest, nose, strong voice and fearless nature make it an excellent specimen to work vermin below ground. Its weatherproof coat may be smooth, broken or rough and is predominantly white with tan and/or black markings."

Size: 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound, according to AKC.org: "Called 'the people's choice' of the coonhound breeds, the energetic Treeing Walker is perfectly suited for the task for which it was bred - tracking and treeing wild raccoons. . . . The breed's coat is short and glossy, yet dense enough for protection. The ideal coat should be tri-colored - white, black and tan."

Size: 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.

Its roots go back to the "the English Foxhounds brought to America," which gave rise to the Walker Foxhound. "Originally classified as an English Coonhound, its breeders broke away from the English version in 1945 and bred to retain the qualities they desired. The Treeing Walker is a fast, sensible hunter that locates its quarry quickly and has superb endurance and treeing ability."

The two breeds will also compete Feb. 11 and 12 at New York's Westminster Dog Show, which claims to be "undisputedly, America's Dog Show," according to its website, www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

Its tradition dates to 1877, so if dog shows qualify as sporting events, it's the nation's second longest running, edged out by a year by the Kentucky Derby.