As if this selection of breeds isn't enough to choose from, the American Kennel Club also designates others in a couple of other categories: the Miscellaneous Class and the Foundation Stock Service (FSS). This is because the AKC will not officially “recognize” a breed and place it into a Group until there is a large enough demonstrated interest in and veritable sustainability of a particular breed. Recognition is achieved when the AKC Board of Directors concludes, in working with the parent club for the breed, that all the necessary criteria have been met.

Until they are recognized — at which time individual dogs and litters may be registered with the AKC and the breed may compete in all AKC-sanctioned events — the breeds are accepted for recording in the FSS, and if they reach a particular benchmark, are considered part of the Miscellaneous Class. MC breeds may compete in select AKC events until they achieve full recognition. Visit www.akc.org to learn the status of a breed you might be interested in. The FSS breeds (which include some MC breeds) are:

American English Coonhound

Appenzeller Sennenhunde

Argentine Dogo

Azawakh

Belgian Laekenois

Bergamasco

Berger Picard

Black and Tan Coonhound

Bluetick Coonhound

Bolognese

Boykin Spaniel

Bracco Italiano

Cane Corso

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Caucasian Mountain Dog

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Cesky Terrier

Chinook

Cimeco dell'Etna

Coton de Tulear

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

Dogue de Bordeaux

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Estrela Mountain Dog

Finnish Lapphund

German Spitz

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

Icelandic Sheepdog

Irish Red and White Setter

Kai Ken

Karelian Bear Dog

Kishu Ken

Kooikerhondje

Lagotto Romagnolo

Lancashire Heeler

Leonberger

Mudi

Norwegian Buhund

Norwegian Lundehund

Perro de Presa Canario

Peruvian Inca Orchid

Portuguese Podengo

Portuguese Pointer

Pumi

Pyrenean Shepherd

Rafeiro de Alentejo

Rat Terrier

Redbone Coonhound

Russell Terrier

Schapendoes

Sloughi

Small Munsterlander Pointer

South African Boerboel

Spanish Water Dog

Stabyhoun

Swedish Lapphund

Thai Ridgeback

Tosa

Treeing Tennessee Brindle

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Xoloitzcuintli