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Foundation Stock Service (FSS)

Preserving Rare and Emerging Breeds

The Foundation Stock Service (FSS) is a registry created by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to support the development of new and rare breeds. These breeds are often in the early stages of recognition and play a crucial role in preserving canine diversity. FSS breeds have unique characteristics, often shaped by their specific roles and environments. Although not yet fully recognized by the AKC, FSS breeds are gaining popularity for their distinct qualities, including working abilities, companionship, and specific talents.

Breed Activity + Play Recommendations

How They Stay Active

Foundation Stock Service breeds come from a variety of backgrounds, from herding and hunting to companionship. As a result, their activity levels can vary significantly. Many FSS breeds retain their working-dog roots, requiring regular physical and mental stimulation to thrive. Activities like herding, agility courses, and scent work are great ways to engage these dogs. Owners should tailor their dogs' exercise routines based on the breed's history and natural tendencies, ensuring a balance between physical activity and mental engagement.


Breed-Suggested Toys + Pet Play Types

  • Herding balls and activities for herding breeds
  • Agility tunnels and jumps to enhance coordination
  • Scent-tracking games for hunting or working breeds
  • Puzzle toys to keep their minds sharp
  • Interactive toys like tug ropes for mental stimulation
  • Structured fetch games for high-energy dogs

Social Traits + Interaction Patterns

Family Bonds + Socialization Tips

FSS breeds vary widely in temperament based on their breeding history. Some breeds are highly social and form strong bonds with their families, while others are more independent or reserved. Socialization is key for FSS breeds, as it helps them adapt to new environments and other pets. Early and consistent socialization will help prevent territorial behavior or anxiety around unfamiliar people and animals.


Some breeds in the FSS program may have strong protective instincts, making them excellent watchdogs.

Adaptable with Socialization

Independent Streak Prone

Widely-Varied Social Skills

Breed-Type General Temperament

FSS breeds vary from highly energetic and alert to calm and laid-back. Many have working backgrounds, requiring clear tasks to prevent boredom and anxiety. Without proper mental and physical stimulation, they may show stress through chewing, digging, or barking. Understanding and providing structured activities suited to their natural tendencies is essential.

Common Stress Indicators:

  • Restlessness or pacing
  • Excessive barking or whining
  • Destructive behaviors
  • Anxiety when left alone for long periods

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

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Common Breed Health Goals

Many FSS breeds are relatively healthy due to responsible breeding practices aimed at preserving their lineage. However, common health concerns can include joint health, immune system support, and weight management, especially for working breeds prone to high energy output. FSS breeds can benefit from preventive care strategies, including regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and targeted supplementation to maintain their long-term health and vitality.

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Suggested Preventive Care

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor for breed-specific health issues, especially as many FSS breeds are still being studied for common ailments. Joint and bone health is a priority, particularly for breeds with high activity levels or working backgrounds. Dental care, immune system support, and weight management should also be a focus for many of these breeds to ensure they remain healthy as they age.

Maximizing Your Pet's Health Potential

These scales provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s overall well-being by assessing 11 critical health and lifestyle factors. Each factor is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, offering clear insights into your pet's strengths and areas that may need additional care or attention. This in-depth assessment allows pet owners to create a more tailored care plan, including appropriate supplementation, to support optimal health. By addressing each aspect of their pet's well-being, owners can ensure their furry companions maintain peak vitality, promote longevity, and enhance their quality of life, no matter the breed.

3: Hydration + Electrolyte Balance

Average hydration needs, but certain breeds may require more attention after strenuous activity.

Average hydration needs, but certain breeds may require more attention after strenuous activity.

3: Innate Immune Function

Average immune function, with some breeds benefiting from regular immune support.

Average immune function, with some breeds benefiting from regular immune support.

4: Skeletal Strength + Mobility

High mobility demands for many working breeds, requiring consistent joint and bone support.

High mobility demands for many working breeds, requiring consistent joint and bone support.

3: Digestion + Nutrient Absorption

Average digestive health, but benefits from a balanced diet with proper supplementation.

Average digestive health, but benefits from a balanced diet with proper supplementation.

4: Energy Utilization + Metabolism

High energy demands, particularly for working and hunting breeds, requiring regular exercise and energy support.

High energy demands, particularly for working and hunting breeds, requiring regular exercise and energy support.

3: Cognitive Awareness + Clarity

Average cognitive health, but many breeds benefit from mental stimulation through structured activities.

Average cognitive health, but many breeds benefit from mental stimulation through structured activities.

2: Respiratory + Lung Health

Generally healthy, though some breeds may need respiratory support during heavy activity.

Generally healthy, though some breeds may need respiratory support during heavy activity.

3: Skin Health + Wound Healing

Average skin health, but breeds with longer coats may need additional skin and coat care.

Average skin health, but breeds with longer coats may need additional skin and coat care.

3: Heart Health + Circulation

Regular cardiovascular support is beneficial, especially for active breeds.

Regular cardiovascular support is beneficial, especially for active breeds.

3: Infection + Resistance

Average resistance to infections, but immune system support is recommended.

Average resistance to infections, but immune system support is recommended.

3: Longevity + Aging Gracefully

Many FSS breeds live long lives with proper care, benefiting from support for joint health and aging-related issues.

Many FSS breeds live long lives with proper care, benefiting from support for joint health and aging-related issues.

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

Suggested Diet Supplementation

FSS breeds, with their diverse backgrounds and needs, can greatly benefit from targeted nutritional supplementation to support overall health:

  • PicoMyte: Helps maintain joint and bone health, especially in working or active breeds that require strong mobility.
  • ReMag®: Supports smooth muscle function, reducing tension and promoting relaxation, which is beneficial for active breeds prone to muscle strain.
  • Pico Silver®: Boosts immune function and helps reduce inflammation, keeping your FSS dog resilient and healthy.
  • Pico Selenite®: Provides powerful antioxidant support, promoting cellular health and longevity, which is crucial for long-term wellness in diverse FSS breeds.