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

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 […]

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

What are the best dogs for running or jogging partners? We run down dogs with endurance, build, athleticism, and temperament for running.

Click below to see titles and abbreviations for: Prefix Titles Suffix Titles Parent Club Titles Working Dog Titles Other Recognized Titles Other Title Lists: Titles Sorted by Sport Titles Sorted in Alphabetic Order   Prefix Titles Title Title Name AFC An Amateur Field Trial Champion title can be earned in either Beagle Field Trials, Pointing […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. 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 […]

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

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  7/16/26, last updated 7/17/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

What makes a dog smart? Discover how canine intelligence is defined and which dog breeds consistently rank highest.

The AKC Archives preserves and provides access to historically significant records documenting the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The Archives are organized into four major collecting areas: Clubs (AKC Parent Clubs and select Member Clubs) People (influential individuals in the sport) AKC Administrative Records Visual Materials (photographs and other graphic formats) In […]

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 […]

For the complete requirements for eligibility, download the Special Registry Services booklet on the Rules and Regulations page. You may also find helpful information by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions. Foreign Dogs may be eligible for registration in the AKC Stud Book, provided: The dog is of a breed eligible for individual registration in the […]

Good breeders breed good dogs, and the best breeders know that education is paramount to their success. In 2023, the AKC launched the AKC Eddy Award program to recognize Parent Clubs who go above and beyond in their breeder education efforts. Despite working towards the same goal, each club took their own approach and produced […]

Saturday’s Judging Panels View Saturday’s judging panels for the all-breed show and specialty judging by breed. All-Breed Panel Specialty PanelsAfghan HoundChihuahuaDoberman PinscherLabrador RetrieverXoloitzcuintli

Season 12 - Winter Season 2026 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 3 Teams Champion – WestRover’s Speed Squad – Alabama Reserve Champion – Let’s Play TAG – North Carolina Third – Rock City Jumpers – Arkansas Individual Dog Placements 8-Inch Regular 1st – Driver, Papillon, WestRover’s Speed Squad 2nd – Gigi, Poodle, Free For All 3rd – Mabel, […]

What do dogs dream about? While we don’t have all of the answers, scientists are taking steps to learn more about why dogs dream.

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, […]

Why do dogs suck on blankets? Here's why your dog may enjoy sucking or kneading a blanket or soft toy.

New tools allow veterinarians to detect, diagnose and treat various types of heart disease in dogs. Learn more about heart disease.

Haley Berman gave 'Tully' the All-American Dog a second chance, and together, they learned to excel at agility.

Many dog foods contain certain peas in small amounts. But can dogs eat peas? Especially with recent studies on DCM, it's important to be careful.

Dachshund Learn about Dachshunds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Dachshund Club of America Constance “Connie” Fisher, fshltd@wildblue.net Denver Dachshunds Rescue and Transport Denver, Colorado, 720-635-0723, Denverdachshunds@yahoo.com Tennessee Dachshund Rescue Leslie Crickenberger 931-881-7338, tndachshundrescue@gmail.com [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Dalmatian Learn about Dalmatians [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Dalmatian Club of America Rescue Chairman, Cindy Bowman, 317 850-7878 [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Dandie Dinmont Terrier Learn […]

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, […]

Can dogs be albino? Yes, and certain breeds are more prone to the gene than others. Read about albino dog history, and what to do to keep them healthy.

Thyroid disease in dogs can come in a lot of different forms. Learn about some of the main types of canine thyroid disease.

The FDA is investigating potential links between canine heart disease and diet — specifically grain-free dog food diets. We've compiled the information you need to know to understand this ongoing investigation. Why Is the FDA Investigating Grain-Free Dog Food? It is easy to panic anytime we see an FDA headline about pet food. After all, keeping our dogs healthy […]