The American Kennel Club (AKC) has officially recognized another dog breed in its registry of dogs. The AKC is the oldest dog registry in the United States. The organization has now welcomed the bracco Italiano to the group. The ancient Italian bird-hunting dog is the 200th member of the club, the organization announced. That means the powerful but good-natured pointers can now compete at many U.S. dog shows for best in show. That includes the famous Westminster Kennel Club event in New York state. The European breed goes back more than 200 years. The AKC said it was brought to America in the 1990s. It is sometimes called the Italian pointer or Italian pointing dog. The bracco should be “tough and adapted to all types of hunting, reliable, docile and intelligent,” the AKC said. It added that the breed is also friendly and not aggressive. “They’re very easy to live with and be around,” said bracco owner and breeder Lisa Moller of Portage, Wisconsin. But they are also ready, she said, “when it’s time to jump in the back of the truck and go hunting, and they’ve got a job…” She and her husband Dale had depended on Labrador retrievers to help them hunt birds called pheasants. But, about five years ago, they met a bracco. The two noted the dog's methodical way of hunting in the field and sweet nature at home: “They're very Velcro,” Lisa Moller said. Velcro is a material that attaches one thing to another. Moller said bracchi Italiani have a deep bark and readily deploy it on sensing wildlife; so, “they may not be the right dog for everybody.” AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo called the bracco a great dog for active families who can provide “the love and attention it needs.”