The American Kennel Club Breed Groups

The American Kennel Club, also known as the AKC, is one of several purebred dog pedigree registries in the United States of America. The AKC also promotes and sanctions all events for purebred dogs in the United States. Some of those events include the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the National Dog Show, and the AKC/ Eukanuba National Championship. With several hundred lists of breeds in the American Kennel Club, let's take a closer look at the AKC and the recognized breed groups in the American Kennel Club.

Registry Procedures

Although the American Kennel Club is not the only registry of purebred dogs, it is the one most Americans are familiar with. The dog, and the dog's parent, must be registered with the AKC in order for it to be a legally registered dog. The litter the dog was born into must also be registered with the AKC. Once the specific criterion has been met, the dog can then be registered in the list of breeds with the AKC.

Registry Option for Ineligible Dogs

The AKC offers a program for purebred dogs that may not be eligible for AKC registration called the Indefinite Listing Privilege Program. This program gives other purebred dogs a chance to register "indefinitely." Are you wondering why a purebred dog wouldn't be eligible for registration? There are several reasons, among them:
• The dog may be a product of an unregistered litter.
• The dog may have unregistered parents.
• The dog may have been adopted from a shelter or a rescue group.
Dogs that are enrolled in the Indefinite Listing Privilege Program may participate in the AKC companion and performance activities but not conformation.

Recognized AKC Breed Groups

There are 157 recognized breeds in the American Kennel Club with four additional breeds that have been granted partial status in the Miscellaneous category. Another 58 rare breeds can be registered in its Foundation Stock Service.

The AKC divides the breeds into seven different groups:

• Sporting Group: This group is made up of 26 breeds that have been developed as bird dogs. This group includes Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels.

• The Hound Group: This group includes 23 breeds developed to hunt using their sight and scent. This includes the Greyhounds and Beagles.

• The Working Group: This group has 25 breeds, some of which have been developed to hunt vermin and dig burrows. This includes the Cairn, Terrier and Airedale Terrier.

• Toy Group: This group is made up of 21 companion breeds including the toy poodle and Pekingese.

• Non-Sporting Group: This group has 17 breeds, generally larger than toy dogs, including the Bichon Frise and Miniature poodles.

• Herding Group: This group contains 20 breeds developed to herd livestock. This includes Rough Collies and Belgian Shepherds.

• Best in Show: This group includes all 157 breeds.

• Miscellaneous Class: This group has 5 breeds that can advance from the FSS but are not yet fully recognized. After time has proven good breeding in the gene pool, they are then allowed to move into one of the seven groups.

• FSS Program: This group contains 57 breeds.

As there are a few hundred different recognized breeds in the American Kennel Club, it would be impossible to list them in one article. They can be found on the AKC website along with a wealth of additional information on each dog breed.

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