One of the most famous dogs in movie history is little Toto, following Dorothy along the yellow brick road to see the wizard of Oz. Toto was played by a Cairn Terrier named "Terry." You might think every little wire-haired terrier you see is a Cairn, but in fact there is a similar breed called [...]

Did you know the canine actor who played Toto in "The Wizard of Oz" was a Cairn Terrier? Learn more the breed with these Cairn Terrier fun facts.

Many often think of microchips as a way of tracking down a pet owner when a dog or cat is found lost or as a stray. But they can also be used as evidence in pet-theft cases, which continue to be on the rise. That was the case for Robert Lucier, whose Cairn Terrier, Waffles [...]

You may know of the West Highland White Terrier, but they're more than meets the eye. Learn more about the breed with these Westie fun facts.

When a pup’s age is still counted in weeks, they'd be lucky to get much farther than the front door. But in 1954, a 6-week-old black-and-tan puppy from the sub­urbs of Sydney made a 7,500-mile journey on Qantas Empire Airways to his new home in La Crescenta, California. His name was "Sir Boomerang," and [...]

The Skye Terrier was used as a working dog in Scotland as early as the 1600s. Learn more about this breed's surprising history.

There is, carved into a Scottish Highlands farm wall, the image of a short-legged, longheaded, prick-eared, cobbily built dog barking on a wheelbarrow. The image appears to date from around A.D. 200, and is about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, small enough that the viewer cannot make out if the dog is double-coated or [...]

One of the AKC’s more popular dog breeds year after year, Yorkshire Terriers offer a big personality in a tiny package. If you aren't familiar with the breed, some of these fun facts could help.

Does your terrier or Dachshund love to dig in the dirt? Maybe he squirms his way into animal tunnels and comes out with a surprise in his mouth. What is he thinking? Well, there's a reason Dachshunds and small terriers are classified as earthdogs. Rather than trying to stop this “bad” behavior, channel the go-to-ground [...]

Among the marvels of human ingenuity is the way various breeds of dog were developed, mentally and physically, to tackle specific jobs. Consider the farmer’s eternal war against rodents and other burrowing mammals that devastate grain stores, raid henhouses, tear up fields, dig away riverbanks, and carry disease. As their number-one weapon in subterranean [...]

These Norfolk Terrier facts provide insight into the history and personality of this tiny and determined member of the Terrier Group.

Norwich Terriers are confident, affectionate, stubborn, and energetic. They are natural explorers and companions, willing to follow their person to the edge of the world or simply the edge of the couch.They may be the smallest of the Terriers, but they pack an oversized personality. If you have one of these characters at home [...]

You're constantly forcing a smile when someone says, “Wow, she must be ferocious!” while out on a walk.   Forget to wipe his eye boogers off for a day or two? Be prepared for Stinky Face. That high-pitched yap that pierces through into your ear drum, through your brain, and into your soul.   Bath [...]

Step aside Dorothy and Toto! A new girl in ruby red slippers and a Cairn Terrier is here. Her yellow brick road? The conformation ring.

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, 205 breeds will be counted [...]

The American Kennel Club has released registration statistics for 2025. Who will be crowned the most popular breed?

The highest prize in the world of conformation dog shows is Best in Show at the AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin. Out of the 5,500 dogs that competed in the competition's 25th year, only one was crowed Best in Show. After an intense weekend of breed, group, and Best in Show competition on December [...]

According to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity (APOP), a whopping 59% of US dogs are overweight or obese.

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

The biggest Conformation event of the year is here, and the results are out! See the group winners of the 2024 AKC National Championship.

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

Cairn Terriers are happy, busy little earthdogs originally bred to fearlessly root out foxes and other small, furred prey in the rocky Scottish countryside. Curious and alert, Cairns like having a place where they can explore and dig.

Hannah Naiburg of Milford, CT, was just 10 years old when she helped her family select Molly from a shelter. The little terrier mix and Hannah started doing agility in their backyard. Nine years later, MACH Hannah’s Molly MXB MJB is an AKC Master Agility Champion, and the team has had many national successes. Hannah [...]

AKD 4.17 1890-2005 12 linear ft (in 15 doc boxes, 3 flat boxes, 4 card boxes, and one oversize box). Processed by Kari Dalane, 2009; Additions, edits, and conversion of legacy finding aid by Brynn White, 2016.   Click here to the view complete inventory and/or to search all AKC archival collections Click here for a printable PDF of the collection [...]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 205 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 3/10/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions. First developed [...]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior [...]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior [...]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also include popular attractions such [...]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The NOHS [...]

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to [...]