The Miscellaneous Class: Diversity and Determination

The Miscellaneous Class: Diversity and Determination

In The Uncommon Dog Breeds, published in 1975, author Kathryn Braund introduces “25 beautiful breeds that are vying for recognition and registration by the American Kennel Club.” Fifty years ago, the AKC recognized a mere 120 breeds in six Groups. (The Herding Group split from the Working Group in 1983.) Today, more than 200 breeds have achieved full recognition, including many that are featured in Braund’s book. At the time of publication, these breeds were included in the Miscellaneous Class, and of the 25 breeds profiled, only two remain unrecognized today. For the Australian Kelpie, the Foundation Stock Service (developed in 1995) has become the breed’s home indefinitely. Interestingly, the Mexican Hairless, already well known in the US by 1883, is today recognized as a smaller-sized Xoloitzcuintli.

The Miscellaneous Class has long been a “weigh station” of sorts for breeds advancing towards full AKC recognition. According to Braund, “A Miscellaneous Class was offered at the very first AKC show in 1877… Of the seven entries in the class, one was identified as an imported Maltese Lion Dog, and one as a cross between a St. Bernard and a Russian Setter. The others were not identified by breed at all.” The Miscellaneous Class ultimately became limited to identifiable breeds that enjoyed a broad base of support. As quoted from the AKC charter: “A breed that is well-established and registered in a foreign country, with a registry body on the basis of which pedigrees dogs can generally be registered in our studbook, will very likely have an easier time obtaining AKC registration than other breeds.” Easier but not exactly easy—and not exclusively foreign. In the nearly 50 years since Braund’s book was published, a dozen “American-made” breeds have achieved full AKC recognition by transitioning through the Miscellaneous Class (several of which were once jointly classified as American Treeing Coonhounds).

Today, the Miscellaneous Class remains a vibrant pathway towards achieving not only full recognition for a breed but also establishing a foothold in the hearts of many Americans. Exposure through AKC events, especially dog shows that are live streamed or televised, allows a breed to become better-known by those who might take up the cause of preservation and promotion. Currently, 16 breeds are represented by the Miscellaneous Class and each is supported by a club comprised of dedicated and determined individuals across America. In time, through perseverance and with a bit of luck, these breeds will become more broadly known, supported by both the fancy and the general public.

Through the articles and interviews assembled in this edition, SHOWSIGHT has endeavored to celebrate the diversity that’s represented by the Miscellaneous Class as well as the determination of those who are working to achieve full AKC recognition for these remarkable breeds. We hope you enjoy!