| Foundation Stock Service (FSS)® The Foundation Stock Service (FSS)® was created by the American Kennel Club to answer the needs of today's rare breed fanciers. The Foundation Stock Service is an optional record keeping service for all purebred breeds not currently registrable with the American Kennel Club. Goals of the Foundation Stock Service The American Kennel Club (AKC) is committed to taking the necessary action to ensure the continuation of purebred dogs. In response to this objective, the AKC created the FSS® record keeping service to allow rare breed fanciers to continue their commitment to the improvement of their breed. One of the most serious concerns for any breed is the integrity of their pedigree and ownership records. For many fanciers, the ultimate goal is full AKC recognition. There are several criteria which must be met in order to achieve this plateau. Often, the biggest hurdle is creating and maintaining accurate records. With the FSS®, the AKC's staff of experts will maintain the pedigree and ownership records in addition to a stud book. The FSS® allows these purebred breeds to continue to develop while providing them with the security of a reliable and reputable avenue to maintain their records. Eligibility To be eligible for the FSS®, a breed must be recognized by an acceptable foreign or domestic registry. Registries listed in the Special Registries Services pamphlet will be acceptable as well as any domestic registries that are deemed acceptable by our registration department. Acceptable domestic registries: are based on a registry listed in the Special Registries Services pamphlet; or contain many decades of dogs with a minimum of 3-generation pedigrees. Breed must have an official written history, documenting many decades as a distinct breed. Breed must have a written standard. A standard is a written description of the ideal dog. The FSS is not open to 'rare' breeds that are a variation of an AKC registrable breed. This includes and is not limited to differences such as size (over & under), coat type, coat colors, coat colors or coat types that are disqualified from conformation events by AKC breed standards. FSS® Recording & Certificates When a dog is recorded in the Foundation Stock Service®, it is issued a numbered FSS® certificate. In some cases, a breeder will determine that it is inappropriate for a dog to be bred. In a situation such as this, a breeder will indicate "limited" on the FSS® application. A limited FSS® certificate means that the offspring of the dog cannot be recorded in the FSS®. An FSS® certificate indicates that the dog is the product of a purebred sire and dam of the same breed. Dogs with two-generation pedigrees, one -generation pedigrees or names of sire and dam only, are eligible for enrollment in FSS® as the foundation stock of future generations. FSS® certificates will be issued for all dogs enrolled in FSS®. Common Questions & Answers Q: Is recording in the Foundation Stock Service® a requirement for a breed that wants to achieve full AKC recognition? The FSS® is an optional record keeping service. The FSS® provides fanciers with a reputable avenue to maintain their records. Each FSS® application will be evaluated on its own merits. However, part of the criteria for a breed to be eligible to compete in the Foundation Stock Conformation Classes (FS Classes), effective August 1, 2001, is based on the number of dogs enrolled in the FSS®. Q: If I purchase/acquire a dog that is from an FSS® recorded litter is the dog automatically considered FSS® recorded? In order to have the dog recorded, you need to forward your FSS® application to the AKC for review with the appropriate fees. You should receive the FSS® application form from the person from whom you bought/acquired the dog. Q: If I purchase/acquire a dog that is not from a litter produced by an FSS® recorded sire and dam but the dog is from an acceptable registry, can I apply for FSS® recording? Yes, you can apply to the FSS® by forwarding your application and fee to the AKC for review. Every application will be evaluated on its own merit. Applications for the FSS® can be obtained from the AKC at (919) 233-9767, FAX - (919) 233-3627 or by writing to AKC, 5580 Centerview Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606-3390. Q: If I purchase/acquire a dog that was recorded by the previous owner in the Foundation Stock Service, can I transfer the Foundation Stock Certificate into my name? The Foundation Stock Certificate can be transferred into your name by properly completing the reverse side of the certificate and forwarding it to the AKC with the appropriate fee for review. Q: What are the acceptable foreign registries? Acceptable foreign registries are listed in the AKC's Special Registry Services pamphlet. Q: Do I need import papers to record my foreign born rare breed? If your foreign born rare breed is registered with an acceptable foreign registry, the registry papers, your three-generation pedigree and the completed FSS® application should be forwarded to the AKC with the appropriate fee for review. Dogs with two-generation pedigrees, one -generation pedigrees or names of sire and dam only, are eligible for enrollment in FSS® as the foundation stock of future generations. Q: How will I know if my dog has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service®? FSS® certificates will be issued for dogs recorded with the Foundation Stock Service®. In order for your dog to be issued an FSS® certificate you would have to supply the AKC with the minimum of the names of the sire and dam. Q: Do I have to be a member of a club to have my dog recorded in the Foundation Stock Service®? This optional record keeping service is open to individuals as well as members of organizations. AKC Mission Statement Maintain a registry for purebred dogs and preserve its integrity. Sanction dog events that promote interest in, and sustain the process of, breeding for type and function of purebred dogs. Take whatever actions are necessary to protect and assure the continuation of the sport of purebred dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC), is a not-for-profit organization established in 1884 to promote the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs. In October of 1995 the AKC Foundation Stock Service® became operational. The Foundation Stock Service® is an optional record keeping service. Recording of a dog in the Foundation Stock Service® does not constitute AKC recognition. |