It's that time of year again! The 140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show is coming on Monday and Tuesday, February 15-16, in New York City.

Most dog lovers are aware of this world-famous dog show with its Best in Show finale at Madison Square Garden televised live on CNBC and USA each evening. More than 2,750 dogs in 197 breeds and varieties will compete in their respective breed competitions at the Piers 92/94 during the day. All Best of Breed winners will then head to the Garden for the group competitions which will culminate in seven group winners heading to the Best-in-Show showdown on Tuesday night.

But the dog show has been around long before television; in fact, the show was first held before the invention of the light bulb. Since 1877, this showcase of the best that dogdom has to offer is also the second-longest continuously held sporting event in this country, behind the Kentucky Derby.

Even with its rich history, there is always something new at Westminster. This year seven newly recognized AKC breeds will be competing at the dog show for the first time. They are - drum roll please - the Bergamasco, Berger Picard, Boerbel, Cirneco dell'Etna, Lagotto Romagnolo, miniature American shepherd, and Spanish water dog. Let's take a quick look at each of these breed's heritage.

Bergamasco:  This breed is an ancient sheepdog from the Alps.

A medium-size dog, well proportioned, with a rustic appearance. His thick coat, one of his typical characteristics and what makes him different from any other dog, is formed of long flocks (felted strands made of a triple coat). The coat is considered hypoallergenic and nonshedding.

Bergamascos are intelligent, loyal, and eager to please, helping to make them wonderful family companions.

Berger Picard: This dog is one of the oldest French herding breeds. With World War I and World War II being fought in the Picard's home territory of northern France, the breed nearly became extinct and is still rare today.

This delightful medium-sized dog is people-oriented, loyal, and can make a good family pet if properly socialized. Their rustic coat does not require hours of grooming.

Boerboel: They are big, strong athletic dogs originating in South Africa. Reliable, intelligent and obedient with a strong watchdog instinct, the Boerboel is self-assured and fearless, incredibly devoted and perceptive of the needs of their family.

They are protective when necessary without being aggressive in normal interactions. Early, frequent and ongoing socialization is a must for these dogs as they are definitely a strong-willed animal.

Cirneco dell'Etna: This breed is considered to be the result of evolution of the Egyptian "Anubis" on the island of Sicily where it was introduced by the Phoenicians more than 2,500 years ago.

The Cirneco is an independent thinker yet easier to train than expected of a sighthound; a good family dog, affectionate and friendly; and requiring minimal grooming.

The breed enjoys mental stimulation and excels at performance events such as hunting, agility, coursing, tracking, rally, and more.

Lagotto Romagnolo: This friendly breed is enjoying a second career as the world's foremost truffle hunting dog.

The rustic curly coat that once protected the dog from freezing water now keeps him safe from thorns and brambles as he searches the forest for truffles, buried deep in the ground.

This breed excels at its job because they can ignore game, and a large nose and nasal passages make them an expert in following scent.

Miniature American shepherd: Developed in the American West in the late 1960s, the highly active breed is a small herding dog of extensive versatility.

They come in a variety of colors and are to be presented in a natural fashion.

Whether working stock, navigating an agility course, visiting a nursing home, or joining the family on the couch, this intensely curious and intelligent dog does it with all due diligence and a wicked sense of humor.

Spanish water dog: A medium-sized, rustic, athletic breed, this breed originated in Spain. Versatile farm dogs, primarily herding sheep and goats, they also served as hunting companions and assistants to the fishermen.

Their distinctive wooly/curly nonshedding coat may form cords when long.

They are loyal, vigilant and naturally protective, and must be well socialized. Because of their intelligence, trainability, athleticism, and eagerness to please, they excel at all dog sports and performance events.

To see photos of each breed visit .westminsterkennelclub.org

Lisa Peterson - lifelong equestrian, show dog breeder and award-winning podcaster, communications professional and journalist - writes about horses, hounds and history at .lisaunleashed.com

Reach her at elvemel@gmail.com.@LisaNPeterson or