AKC Miscellaneous Class

Dog breeds that are admitted to the AKC Miscellaneous Class, more or less go through an evaluation period while they are working toward full AKC recognition.

During this review time it is determined if these "hopefuls" will be granted full registration status and become part of a standard group.

In the meantime, breeds accepted into this class are permitted to compete and earn titles in Companion Events and also some Performance Events, but it is not until they are admitted to the official Stud Book that they can compete in regular conformation events and start earning championship points.

Once a breed achieves official status, they are assigned to a breed group based on factors such as their characteristics, temperament, origins, purpose and history.

Factors that influence official recognition into an established AKC class, relate to evidence that there is progressive development, activity and substantial interest in the breed. Also, that breeding activity and awareness of the breed is expanding through the determined efforts of an established parent club.

The table below indicates the breeds currently in the Miscellaneous class of the AKC. This group represents but a small fraction of the total number of other purebred dogs that exist throughout the world.

The breeds in this class is of course ever changing as breeds are accepted and assigned to a breed group within the AKC.

It is interesting to note that the origins of those presently listed come from far and wide, including the countries of Russia, Hungary, Italy, the United States and Scandinavia, to name a few.


AKC Miscellaneous Class - The Breeds

The miscellaneous dog breeds are quite a diverse group both in physical appearance and in the abilities they bring.


Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka standing in the grass.Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
A charming and affectionate small dog developed in Russia during the 1800s. This gentle little dog enjoys nothing more than being the pampered family companion.
German Spitz dog standing in the grassGerman Spitz
This lovely small dog with a stunning coat makes an excellent family companion. Being both lively and outgoing, but wary of strangers, he also makes a good watchdog. One of several Spitz breeds, he is characteristically entertaining and devoted to his family.
Dutch Shepherd dogDutch Shepherd
Athletic herding dog breed that does well in agility and field trialing. His work related jobs, in addition to being a competent herder, include guarding and search and rescue.
Bolognese white dog standing in the grassBolognese
An attractive small white curly-coated dog related to the Bichon breed. Known for being an easy-going breed that is playful and likes staying close to his human family.
Czechslovakian Vlciak dog standing in the grass against a muted backgroundCzechoslovakian Vlciak
A highly intelligent, breed that resembles a wolf. A large dog noted for being very loyal and devoted to his family. They are strong, have good endurance, do well in dog sports and are best with active families.
Norrbettenspets dog breedNorrbottenspets
A small yet extremely rugged dog of the Spitz type designated to the hound group.
This energetic and playful dog needs plenty of exercise.
Peruvian Inca Orchid dog head and shoulders looking into the cameraPeruvian Inca Orchid
A smart, agile sighthound of ancient origins, aka Moonflower dog and Inca Hairless dog. His likeness has been seen on Inca pottery since 750AD.
Portuguese Podengo dog standing outside on rough groundPortuguese Podengo, aka Podenco Ibicenco
Sadly many Portugese Podengos are waiting to be rescued. This one, as of writing, was here in the Podengo-post Rescue with others.
Agile, playful and loving, the Podengo has been seen in artifacts since 700s BC.
Bassett Fauvre de Bretagne lying in the grass
Bassett Fauvre de Bretagne
A modern day and slightly smaller version of the Grand Fauve de Bretagnes, a very old French hound from the 1500s that became extinct. This friendly, intelligent and agile breed does well in dog sports including agility, tracking, search and rescue.
Akitainu dog in portrait
Japanese Akitainu
The Japanese Akitainu is a large dog breed similar in appearance to the American Akita, but they are separate breeds. Originating from the mountains of northern Japan, they were used by Matagi people for guarding and the hunting of bears. The breed is known for its deep loyalty.
Teddy Roosevelt TerrierTeddy Roosevelt Terrier
A lively, friendly, affectionate terrier of small to medium size. Developed in America from dogs brought by immigrants and used to eradicate vermin. Originally associated with the Rat Terrier.
Pyrenean Mastiff dog breed standing in profile next to green fence railings outside
Pyrenian Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is an ancient breed descended from Molosser type dogs believed to have been brought by the Phoenicians to what is now Spain some 3,000 years ago. It was developed as a livestock guardian breed along with many similar mastiffs.


Share Your Knowledge and Pictures

Are you the proud owner of any of the dog breeds named above?

If you are, your "insider" information would be of great value to others who are interested in one of these breeds!

We invite you to share your dog's pictures and his/her story as well as your knowledge about the breed you are familiar with.

You can put the spotlight on your dog by uploading his/her photos and telling their story here. For inspiration, read some of the stories already submitted by other dog lovers.


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Photo Credits:
  • Norrbottenspets: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spitz_De_Norrbotten.jpg License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0
  • Peruvian Inca Orchid: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taru_metsa.jpg License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5
  • https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Basset_Fauve_de_Bretagne2.jpg pc.david License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0
  • Bolognese Mrtibbs1999, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
  • Czechoslovakian Vlciak UsernameNotInUse, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, and German Spitz, Pixabay