Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a type of heart disease that affects the heart muscle, causing it to become weakened. This weakening of the heart muscle impairs its ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to dilation of the heart chambers. Clinical signs include fatigue, shortness of breath, an increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms, and heart […]

"Jet" the Doberman Pinscher may be a star diving dog only two years into his career, but it wasn't always this way. For three years, he couldn't even swim.

The Doberman Pinscher has the distinction of being one of the only breeds in the AKC's Working Group that was bred specifically to be a companion to humans. The breed was created in the nineteenth century by German tax collector Louis Dobermann to accompany him in his thankless daily work. Drawing upon this breed legacy, […]

You are no doubt familiar with the Doberman Pinscher. After all, they are very popular. Dobermans are distinguished and powerful with a keen intellect, and you might think their size, strength, and markings make them one of a kind. But there is a like-sized, equally powerful, and similarly attractive breed you might mistake for the […]

Seventeen-year-old Ariella Harris was the first person in her family to show dogs. Today she's the number one Junior Handler Doberman Pinscher handler in the country. Although she might be the first dog fancier in the family, Ariella's family members are no strangers to working with animals. As a third-generation horse-woman, Ariella is proud to […]

Cross-pollinating his customs and canine careers, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann created the breed that today bears his name, the Doberman Pinscher.

Make no mistake about it, Joe Pete is a stellar search and rescue dog. But the plucky 9-year-old Doberman Pinscher also gives new meaning to the word rescue. “There is a saying that you get the right dog at the right time,” says owner-handler Cris Bean, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. “I had always been a busy […]

It’s been said that every dog-owner relationship is unique. Well, welcome to Chester and Steve Garcia’s world, which can best be summed up: better late than never. Westminster 2018 will be the pair’s first trip to America’s most iconic dog show, February 10-13, 2018, in New York City. And amazingly, they are the only entry […]

In the early 1950s, a stunning Doberman Pinscher came charging out of California to vanquish the best show dogs the East Coast elites had to offer. In the process, he became an international superstar. Among the treasures of the AKC Library & Archives is the Len and Shirley Carey collection of photos, clippings, scrapbooks, correspondence, […]

Sleek and powerful, possessing both a magnificent physique and keen intelligence, the Doberman Pinscher is one of dogkind's noblemen. This incomparably fearless and vigilant breed stands proudly among the world's finest protection dogs.

The Doberman Pinscher (Doberman) is a powerful and muscular member of the Working Group developed for police and military work and to be a protector and companion in the home. The breed originated in Germany and quickly gained popularity in other countries for its courage, intelligence, and loyalty. The Doberman Pinscher is named for Karl […]

The Doberman Pinscher is described as alert, fearless, and loyal and those who love them would certainly agree. These stately dogs have a tough-looking exterior with a gentle spirit and a heart of gold. These big, brave dogs are total and complete mushes with their families. If you have one of these dogs at home, […]

Doberman Pinscher Club of America National is a time when the Doberman family unites to celebrate our breed. Here are some highlights of our 2014 event. It was a whirlwind week of shows, parties, meetings, seminars, and shopping for everything Doberman. Here are some of the highlights. The event area was ready for the “showdown in the heartland.” Decorating […]

When I was looking for my first Doberman, I went to the local dog shows and saw which dogs appealed to me. At that time there were over 80 Dobermans entered at all the big shows in the Pacific Northwest. I talked to the people there and got the names of breeders. The people were […]

AKC Gazette breed column—Anti-breeding ways of thinking distract people from remembering that it's through the breeding of good dogs that the breed exists and continues. In the 1970s the Doberman Pinscher was among the top five breeds in popularity. At that time, most specialty shows had well over 100 Doberman entries, with some shows having […]

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!

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2024. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Review and FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies and Guidelines Tuesday, January 16, 2024 View […]

Every dog owner thinks their dog is intelligent. In flashes of brilliance, your dog lets you know what time it is because he wants dinner and runs to...

Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]

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 […]

Canine heart disease can be a significant concern for breeders, and multiple tools are available for assessing heart health in breeding stock and puppies. Both phenotypic and genetic tests are important and must be interpreted together. Phenotype refers to a dog’s observable traits, whereas genotype refers to a dog’s genetic constitution. Phenotypic tests are typically […]

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 […]

The AKC FIT DOG program began in 2022 and is designed to encourage dogs and people to be more active with their dogs to support their health and fitness.

Seborrhea in dogs can cause flaking skin, oily skin and coat, and odor. Learn to recognize and treat this skin condition.

Colitis in dogs is an inflammation of the colon, which is the large bowel or large intestine. If you think your dog has colitis, here's what to know.

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 […]

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

The American Kennel Club's 201st recognized breed is the Lancashire Heeler, but where did it come from? Their origins aren't entirely clear.

The American Kennel Club's newly recognized breed, the Lancashire Heeler, is the 201st recognized breed, part of the Herding Group.