How Do New Dog Breeds Become Official? The Path From Registration to Recognition

When dog owners meet in day-to-day life, it's only natural to ask a few questions, like what's your dog's name? What breed are they? And while you're bound to hear the same few answers more often than others, you'll also learn about plenty of new and rare dog breeds simply by connecting with other owners.

If it seems like there are hundreds of dog breeds out there--it's because there are! The American Kennel Club, which is the largest kennel club in the world, recognizes just over 200 dog breeds. There are more breeds applying for recognition every year, too, but how does a new dog breed come into existence? It's a lengthy process, but we'll lay it all out here.

How New Dog Breeds Are Created

Developing a new dog breed responsibly doesn't happen accidentally or overnight. It requires the intentional breeding of dogs over many generations, which means that all new dog breeds come from genetic combinations of existing breeds!

Related: New Wolf-Like Dog Breed Called the 'Blue Bay Shepherd' Created in the U.S.

Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Bruce Smith explains it like this: "Dog breeds become breeds by continued breeding of dogs in a line from a limited group of founders." Let's use the infamous Labradoodle, for example. The breed started from several carefully selected pairs of Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. Then, researchers selected the offspring from these litters with the most desirable traits and bred them with one another. Remember, they're from many different litters, so the risk for problematic genetic combinations is low when breeding is truly responsible. This isn't something a backyard breeder can take on!

When is a hybrid or designer dog considered a new breed?

As expected, the first few generations of a new breed will represent a genetic mixture of its parent breeds. Each puppy in the same litter could have very different genes! At this point, they are still considered hybrid or mixed breed dogs, AKA 'designer dogs.'

As these hybrids are selectively bred for desirable traits, explains Dr. Smith, they will begin to 'breed true.' In his words, "They will produce dogs that match characteristics of the parents and the other dogs in the breed." At this stage, dogs can be considered 'purebred.'

In the case of Labradoodles, this will be the stage in which their DNA no longer represents Labs or Poodles. This hybrid breed isn't there yet, which is why Labradoodle dogs aren't officially a breed, but that doesn't stop these dogs from being popular and beloved pets!

The Road to Recognition

After a new dog breed combination has been around for several generations and has a unique genetic sequence, they can begin to seek recognition as an official dog breed. This is the process that each breed has to take in order to compete in American Kennel Club events, including dog shows, though many would argue that recognition itself is a worthy feat. Here's how it's done:

American Kennel Club: The "Club of Clubs"

It's important to note that although the AKC recognizes over 200 dog breeds, there are even more officially recognized breeds recognized globally. That's because not every breed has a National Breed Club or a big enough population in America. That's right--the first step after becoming genetically independent is for owners of this dog breed to establish a National Breed Club!

The AKC, a 'club of clubs,' has a rigorous process that National Breed Clubs must follow to become recognized. But first, that club needs to maintain important documents like breed registries and breed standards. These are necessary to send when applying for a spot in the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service.

AKC Foundation Stock Service

The Foundation Stock Service, or FSS, is "the AKC’s recording service for purebred breeds that are not yet eligible for AKC registration." While not all breeds who join the FSS will eventually become a recognized breed, this is a popular, but not mandatory,  first step for organizing new breeds. Breeds don't have to register with the FSS, but doing so allows them to participate and compete in official AKC events while the rest of the registration process takes place.

Miscellaneous Class to Breed Approval

There are two key steps to becoming approved in the miscellaneous class. First, a new dog breed must meet a list of criteria, such as a recorded 3-generation pedigree and a minimum population. Then, they will submit their breed information to the AKC Board of Directors, who will make the ultimate call.

These are the breeds currently in the miscellaneous class:

- Basset Fauve de Bretagne

- Danish-Swedish Farmdog

- Dutch Shepherd

- Japanese Akitainu

- Kai Ken

- Norrbottenspets

- Peruvian Inca Orchid

- Portuguese Podengo

- Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

- Small Munsterlander

- Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

After a breed joins the Miscellaneous class, it takes about 1 to 3 years before the Board of Directors grants official breed recognition. It's key that the new breed's national club is active in AKC events, but there are several other criteria that breeds also need to meet, such as hosting official events.

Responsible Breeding Is Always Essential

While creating a new dog breed may sound exciting and fun, it's important to remember that responsible breeders do this with decades of research and genetic knowledge under their belt. No average dog owner should even think about breeding a dog, no matter how healthy and friendly your dog may be. Genetics isn't as simple as you may think! You can always become involved in a National Breed Club or AKC event if you haven't had your canine fix, but when it comes to bringing home a new pet, please adopt, don't shop!

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.

Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.