From cheeky Chow Chows to loveable Labradors, the UK is already home to hundreds of different dog breeds.
Now, two new pooches have been added to the list.
The Royal Kennel Club has officially granted recognition to the Braque du Bourbonnais and Epagneul Français – two gundog breeds from France.
This makes them the 229th and 230th breeds in the UK.
The Braque du Bourbonnais is an ancient pointing breed dating back to the 16th century.
Meanwhile, the Epagneul Français is an ancient gundog whose records go back to the 14th century.
‘Two distinctive gundog breeds from France will join the UK’s recognised pedigree dog community this autumn, as the Braque du Bourbonnais and Epagneul Français are officially recognised by the Royal Kennel Club from 1 October 2026,’ the Royal Kennel Club explained.
‘Both ancient breeds have a long history as versatile hunting companions and, after facing periods of decline, have been successfully revived and are now gaining popularity internationally as both working dogs and companions.’
The Royal Kennel Club has officially granted recognition to the Braque du Bourbonnais (pictured) and Epagneul Français – two gundog breeds from France
As the name suggests, the Braque du Bourbonnais originates from the Bourbonnais region of France.
While it was once highly regarded as a hunting companion, the breed declined after the First World War.
However, it was successfully revived in the late 20th century, and is now gaining popularity around the world.
The Royal Kennel Club explained: ‘Today, it is known for its versatility as a Gundog, as well as its friendly and adaptable nature.’
The second new breed is the Epagneul Français, which is also known as the French Spaniel.
Traditionally valued for its intelligence, versatility and gentle temperament, this breed was used for hunting and retrieving game across varied terrain.
Just like the Braque du Bourbonnais, it experienced a period of decline in the early 20th century, before being successfully revived.
The term ‘pedigree dog’ is used to refer to a dog within a breed that is recognised by The Royal Kennel Club, and that has traceable ancestry going back several generations on both sides.
The second new breed is the Epagneul Français, which is also known as the French Spaniel
Pedigree dogs are predictable in terms of their temperament and physical appearance and their exercise, grooming and general care needs.
Because their ancestry is known, it is also possible to predict any health problems that might arise and to develop DNA tests for those conditions, which breeders can use before selecting their breeding dogs.
From 1 October, both breeds will be classified in the Gundog Group, and recognised on the Royal Kennel Club’s Imported Breed Register.
‘They will not be eligible to compete at Royal Kennel Club licensed breed shows until an interim breed standard has been published for each breed,’ the Royal Kennel Club said.
However, they aren’t the only new breeds to be recognised in Britain in recent months.
In July, the Royal Kennel Club granted recognition to the Yakutian Laika and Miniature American Shepherd, alongside the Silken Windhound.
