The Dalmatian coat color pattern is the most distinctive of all AKC breeds and is found in no other breed of dog. The Dalmatian standard describes the spots, which can be black or liver but never both, as varying in size from a dime to the size of a half-dollar and are usually smaller on […]

Graduating from high school has its perks, including putting on ceremonial caps and gowns and posing for portraits in the school yearbook. But this year, one participant in the senior section of the Liberty High School yearbook in Henderson, Nevada, was not wearing traditional trappings. In fact, she was not even human. Therapy Dog Recognition […]

Distinctively spotted dogs have been documented across cultures and continents. Here are some facts about the history of the Dalmatian.

Each year, the AKC Humane Fund pays tribute to five dedicated, hardworking dogs for making significant contributions to an individual or entire community. One award is given in each of the following categories: Uniformed Service K-9, Service, Therapy, Search and Rescue, and Exemplary Companion Dog. “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” –author Roger Caras […]

Dalmatians have a history as stable guards and carriage dogs dating back to the 1700s. The FDNY began utilizing Dalmatians are fire dogs to accompany carriages as early in the 1870s. Dalmatians remain a fire icon today, as evidenced by ACE Award winner Molly the fire safety dog. Dalmatians are iconic dogs, and not just […]

“If we can save just one life, it’s all been worth it,” remarks 2019 AKC ACE Award-winning dog owner Dayna Hilton. Hilton, executive director of the Arkansas-based Keep Kids Fire Safe ® Foundation, has certainly saved far more lives than one, but she isn’t the star of the road appearances and Skype shows that keep her in […]

Leopards don’t change their spots, and neither do reputable Dalmatian breeders. Nothing can dampen their enthusiasm for the spotted dogs that have captured their hearts, as well as their couches. Patti Strand of Portland, Ore., has bred Dalmatians with her husband Rod under their Merry-Go-Round (MGR) affix for almost half a century. A former American […]

Learning Objectives Students will conduct research and analyze text to determine the reasoning behind an author’s choice and will describe how that choice impacted the novel.   Grade Levels 9-12   Common Core Standards Analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where […]

On Sept. 11, 2001, the Fire Department of New York’s Ladder 20 lost seven of its members who raced to the 35th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center before the building collapsed. Yesterday, they lost the dog who helped the survivors cope. Twenty, a Dalmatian puppy given to the department shortly […]

The dignified Dalmatian, dogdom's citizen of the world, is famed for his spotted coat and unique job description. During their long history, these "coach dogs" have accompanied the horse-drawn rigs of nobles, travelers, and firefighters.

With their flashy spots and athletic bodies, Dalmatians are certainly eye-catching, but there is more to this breed than its signature look -- despite what a certain Disney villainess would have you believe. Dalmatians have a complicated history, which might explain why Dalmatian lovers find this dog breed so unique. But what exactly was the […]

Dalmatians won our hearts when Disney made a whole movie about them. But do you know where Dalmatians came from? Here are six interesting facts you didn't know about this breed. 1. Their Origins Are Mysterious No one knows exactly where the Dalmatian originated. This may be because Dalmatians have often traveled with Romani people, […]

Anna Katherine Nicholas wrote of the Dalmatian, ““He holds the distinction of being the world’s only true coach dog, substantiated by the early engravings and drawings depicting the spotted dogs accompanying Egyptian chariots.” 1. “He holds the distinction of being the world’s only true coach dog, substantiated by the early engravings and drawings depicting the spotted […]

One of a dog owner's worst nightmares is having their dog run away, yet it's an all too common and dangerous scenario. So how do you prevent it?

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 […]

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!

Test for what is recommended for your breed, not everything available. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. Although the AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, not all genetic variants have been validated […]

You may have heard of using the medication Prozac (Fluoxetine) for depression and anxiety in humans. Here are the drug's uses and side effects in dogs.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2024 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2024. The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

AKC Meet the Breeds events are a fun and educational way to spend a day with the whole family, and maybe even figure out which dog breed is right for you! If you are attending an AKC Meet the Breeds event in 2024, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can […]

  New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce the winners of the American Kennel Club Agility League’s fall season. The AKC Agility League™ recently concluded its fifth season of competition and honored its top teams and […]

Can dogs with missing tails, ears, or eyes compete in AKC conformations shows? It depends on the missing part and the breed standard.

The Group Winners are chosen to decide who will compete for Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship. See the group winners here.

The AKC Agility League recently concluded its fifth season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. Team champions were named in each of the eight divisions. The AKC Agility League is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan, YuMove and AKC Pet Insurance. The League offers three 12-week long seasons a year. Teams, composed of […]

Winners of the 2023 AKC Agility Invitational were crowned! The event was broadcast on ESPN2 on December 24. See winners in all divisions here.

Update: Season 4 is coming soon! In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, host Bud Boccone tells the tales of breeds, dogs, and personalities who’ve shaped America (and Americans) over generations. Using the American Kennel Club's historical records, archival footage, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show […]

Life can be challenging for anxious dogs. These 10 tips from the GoodDog Helpline will help you manage and treat your dog's anxiety.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce the winners of the American Kennel Club Agility League’s summer season. The AKC Agility League recently concluded its fourth season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. Team champions were […]

Would you know how to get your dog safely out of the house if there was a fire? Here are some things to prepare your dog in the event of a house fire, including what to pack, how to make sure your dog is trained, and how to evacuate safely.