Throughout the world, there are several hundred distinct breeds of purebred dogs, not all of which are AKC recognized breeds. Those officially recognized for AKC registration appear in the Stud Book of the American Kennel Club. The AKC provides for a regular path of development for a new breed, which may result in that breed's full recognition and appearance in the official Stud Book as an AKC recognized breed.

The requirement for admission to the AKC Stud Book is clear and categorical proof that a substantial, sustained nationwide interest and activity in the breed exists. This includes an active parent club, with serious and expanding breeding activity over a wide geographic area.

When in the judgment of the Board of Directors such interest and activity exists, a breed is admitted to the Miscellaneous Class.

Foundation Stock Service® Breeds have been accepted for recording in the AKC Foundation Stock Service® and are listed in the Miscellaneous Dog Breed Class. The AKC provides this service to allow these purebred breeds to continue to develop while providing them with the security of a reliable and reputable avenue to maintain their records. FSS® breeds are not eligible for AKC registration. Several of the FSS breeds are approved to compete in AKC Companion Events.

American English Coonhound
Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Argentine Dogo
Azawakh
Barbet
Belgian Laekenois
Bergamasco
Berger Picard
Bluetick Coonhound
Boerboel
Bolognese
Boykin Spaniel
Bracco Italiano
Cane Corso
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Caucasian Ovcharka
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Cesky Terrier
Chinook
Cirneco dell'Etna
Coton de Tulear
Czechoslovakian Vlcak
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Estrela Mountain Dog
Eurasier
Finnish Lapphund
German Spitz
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Icelandic Sheepdog
Irish Red and White Setter
Jindo
Kai Ken
Karelian Bear Dog
Kishu Ken
Kooikerhondje
Lagotto Romagnolo
Lancashire Heeler
Leonberger
Mudi
Norrbottenspets
Norwegian Buhund
Norwegian Lundehund
Perro de Presa Canario
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Portuguese Podengo
Portuguese Pointer
Pumi
Pyrenean Shepherd
Rafeiro do Alentejo
Rat Terrier
Redbone Coonhound
Russell Terrier
Schapendoes
Sloughi
Small Munsterlander Pointer
Spanish Water Dog
Stabyhoun
Swedish Lapphund
Thai Ridgeback
Tosa
Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Wirehaired Vizsla
Xoloitzcuintli