AKC Miscellaneous Class

The AKC, American Kennel Club, is the benchmark for breed standards in the United States. The AKC dates back to 1884 when a group of dedicated dog club breeders met to form a new “Club of Clubs.” Over its storied history, the Kennel Club has set the standard for breeds, bench and field trials and even addressed modern issues of DNA and technology that the original founders never could have imagined.

Within the Club, there are seven traditional groups and two up-and-coming classes, so to speak. The traditional groups include the more familiar Herding Group, Sporting Group and Toy Group. And then there are two more classes of dogs within the AKC system that may not be quite as familiar, the Foundation Stock Service® Breeds and the Miscellaneous Class.

The American Kennel Club recognizes that dog breeds are always evolving. Around the world, there are many breeds that are not officially recognized by the Club. However, the organization saw a need for these breeds to be not just acknowledged, but given a chance to be admitted to the Stud Book as well as the chance to compete in the regular classes.

The Foundation Stock Service® Breeds and the Miscellaneous Class serve this purpose. First, a breed can be recommended to the FSS® for enrollment. After passing several criteria, they can then be moved up to the Misc. Class.

Dogs in the Misc. Class have and must continue to demonstrate that there is a nationwide interest in the breed. There must be active parent club involvement as well as an intentional and dynamic breeding program across the nation. It’s not enough for just a few clubs to care about a new breed. They must demonstrate that interest in the breed is growing.

Misc. Class dog breeds are still included in the FSS® program, but they also enjoy an elevated status. They are eligible to compete and earn titles in Companion Events as well as some Performance Events. They are also recognized and allowed to compete in Junior Showmanship. Although they can compete in conformation shows, they are not eligible for championship points.

The Miscellaneous Class

Unlike the regular groups, this class does not have a breed standard for the group itself, although they do have a designation group for each individual dog within the class. Thus, each dog will have its own standards. Then, if they are recommended, they will be placed in the appropriate recognized group. So, while the class does have standards, they are not all common to the dogs within the group.

Currently, there are 17 dogs in the class with a wide variety of traits. Some are quite popular such as the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, or the GBGV. And others may not be quite as well known like the Azawakh.

One breed to watch is the Belgian Laekenois. The rise in popularity of the Belgian Malinois, Shepherd and Tervuren have no doubt brought this breed to the forefront as well. It is similar to the other Belgian breeds in strength and temperament, however, its coat and region of origin differs.

Another up and comer is the Boerboel. This breed has benefitted from the rise in popularity to the gentle giant, the Mastiff. Boerboels are similar to Mastiffs in size, type and temperament. They can be calm confident protectors of their people, but they are not a dog for first-time owners.

There are a couple of sight hounds within this class as well as a couple of hairless breeds. The herders and workers are also represented. And two breeds with impressive, if not intimidating, coats are also listed: the Spanish Water Dog and the Bergamasco.

The Miscellaneous Class always represents exciting new breeds. And because it is an evolving category, it’s fun to see new breeds become recognized and move up to the regular groups as well as dogs moved into it from the FSS®.

AKC Miscellaneous Class Breeds

Boerboel Guard Dogs

Boerboel

Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino