The American Kennel Club (AKC) has been registering the six Coonhound breeds for years, initially under Foundation Stock Service (FSS). An AKC/FSS Coonhound is eligible to compete in any AKC Coonhound Event; Water Race, Field Trial, Bench Show and Nite Hunt. For a breed to move from FSS to “Miscellaneous Class” there must be a breed (parent) club established, with officers, board of directors, bylaws, etc. Once the Miscellaneous Class requirements are met, moving into Full AKC Registration is just a matter of time and taking the proper steps. More info on the three stages:
http://www.akc.org/press_center/facts_stats.cfm?page=8
Currently the Black & Tan breed is in Full AKC Registration status, the Plott and Redbone breeds are in Miscellaneous Class and the Bluetick, English and Treeing Walker are in FSS status. Breed (parent) clubs have been established or in the process and Full AKC Registration of all six Coonhound breeds will be accomplished over the next year or two. For example; the Southeastern Treeing Walker Association is the breed (parent) club for the AKC Treeing Walker.
Once Full AKC Registration has been achieved all six Coonhound breeds can be shown at the Eukanuba National and Westminster if someone is interested in doing so. In the meantime the FSS Coonhounds are eligible to compete in any AKC Coonhound Event. Changes of the breed for better or worse is largely dependent on the breed club’s decisions.
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