In addition to registration the FDSB maintains the results of DNA testing of dogs to promote genetic health.
This stud book is affiliated with the field trial magazine The American Field which is the oldest continuously published sporting dog journal in the U.S.[1] The FDSB registers dogs of all breeds, but is primarily for pointing, flushing, and retrieving breeds of gun dog.
[4] Hunters and field trial enthusiasts prefer the FDSB to the AKC but several breeds have dual registrations.
[3] Irish Setters used to be cross-registered with the American Kennel Club, but reciprocal registration was ended in 1975 when FDSB dogs were winning over AKC dogs in AKC's own field trial competitions.
The breeds have further diverged and FDSB dogs are smaller and calmer than their AKC cousins with more colors accepted.