The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  4/1/25, last updated 4/15/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

Winter Season 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 2 Teams Champion – Naughty Spots - Virginia Reserve Champion – Kit and Kaboodle – New Mexico Individual Dog Placements (1st – 4th) 8-Regular 1-Sundae, Papillon, Naughty Spots 16-Regular 1-Whiskey, Shetland Sheepdog, Let’s Play TAG 2-Missoula, Border Collie, New Mexico Heat 20-Regular 1-Keeper, Border Collie, Naughty Spots 2-Suri, […]

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 […]

The Miniature Pinscher's distinctive high-stepping hackney gait, reminiscent of a hackney horse, communicates, "I'm proud, fearless, and in charge."

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 […]

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 AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Program was established in 2006 to provide each AKC Member Club with an embossed AKC medallion to award on a yearly basis as an ongoing effort to celebrate its volunteer club members. This award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition that have made a difference in the Sport of […]

The Connecticut General Assembly has placed Amended SB 1386, concerning dog breed insurance underwriting and service dogs on the Senate calendar for a vote.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly encourages Connecticut residents to contact your state Senator and request they vote “yes”. HISTORY: Insurance companies have long been reluctant to offer homeowners’ or renters’ […]

Learn about osteosarcoma in dogs, including signs of this bone cancer, how veterinarians diagnose it, and the treatment options and prognosis.

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="2025"] Save the Date: AKC Patriotic Puppy Program Regional Seminar, May 17 – 18, Forsyth, GA The AKC Patriotic Puppy Program (PPP) is coming to Georgia! The next In Person Regional Seminar will take place on Saturday, May 17th & Sunday, May 18th in Forsyth, GA.  This unique dog training event will take […]

Thirteen years ago, Ron Godshall and Heather Eckenrode entered agility class as newbies to the sport. Things have changed, but he's still active at 78.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gina M. DiNardo as AKC President and CEO, effective April 1, 2025. DiNardo will step into this leadership role following Dennis Sprung, ensuring a seamless transition as the organization continues its mission to advocate for purebred dogs and responsible dog […]

An Tu's Doberman Pinscher 'Noah,' was her heart dog. He got her started in an incredible Conformation career.

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 […]

There is a lot to love about Miniature Pinschers, aka the "King of Toys." Here are a few fun facts about this active and fearless breed.

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2025"] 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. Webinar Topic Recording Link Review & FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

Each AKC-recognized breed is assigned to one of seven groups. We're taking a closer look at the Working Group to see what these 32 breeds were bred to do.

The many causes of nosebleeds in dogs vary from benign to life-threatening. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dog nose bleeds.

'Samara' the Pyrenean Mastiff Outshines as a Guardian and Therapy Dog

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to recognize its affiliated dog clubs which have been holding AKC events for over 100 years and are an essential part of the sport of dogs. Airedale Terrier Club of America Japanese Chin Club of America Airedale Terrier Club of New England Kennel Club of Buffalo American Chesapeake […]

As flames ricocheted throughout the Altadena, California community, Irish Water Spaniel breeder Florence Blecher knew she needed to act.

The American Kennel Club is opposed to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukrainian people, effective immediately, judges from the Russian Federation will not be approved to judge at AKC sanctioned events. Additionally, requests for imported dog registrations (AKC Foreign Registration) for dogs born in Russia, will be denied effective immediately. (February 2022) […]

The 18th annual AKC Agility Invitational, Presented by YuMOVE saw some of the most agile dogs in the country. The competition aired on ESPN2 on Sunday,...

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, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can find out […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 202 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 1/01/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

GCHG CH Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB, a Giant Schnauzer known as “Monty” triumphed over more than 5,600 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize when they were awarded Best in Show at the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 14-15, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

The top dogs in the nation were crowned from an overall entry of 139 dogs this past weekend at the first AKC RACH Invitational. Competitions were held December 12-13, 2024, in conjunction with the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The winners: AKC RACH Invitational […]

Chinese Crested "Kiss" and Zelda Casanova are looking forward to showing how smart and driven the breed can be when competing in the AKC Obedience Classic.