Through the years, many different breeds have won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, including the 2024 winner, "Sage" the Miniature Poodle.

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 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  1/14/26, last updated 1/15/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

In the words of Robert Frost, "Good fences make good neighbors." But when it comes to dogs, fences make safe outdoor spaces to run, play, sniff, and...

When a new breed is accepted in the American Kennel Club a special type of registration known as Open Registration, is available for a limited time. The American Kennel Club in conjunction with the Parent Club (also known as a national breed club) sets this time frame for the breed. Eligibility for Open Registration In […]

The AKC currently registers 205 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  (last updated 1/1/26) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  […]

American Foxhound "Dooley" is one of the oldest dogs and rarest breeds to compete at the 2025 AKC RACH Invitational.

The Harrier may look like a taller version of a Beagle, but this breed has its own distinctive history and talents. This member of the Hound Group, recognized in by the American Kennel Club in 1885, is known to be friendly and outgoing. Learn more about the breed with these Harrier fun facts. The First […]

Every year, the AKC publishes its list of breed rankings by popularity, based on registration statistics. 2022, the top 10 least popular breeds were: Pyrenean Shepherds (No. 190) Cesky Terriers (No. 191) Sussex Spaniels (No. 192) Harriers (No. 193) Azawakhs (No. 194) Belgian Laekenois (No. 195) American Foxhounds (No. 196) Sloughis (No. 197) Norwegian Lundehunds […]

The Harrier's history is rooted in the English indulgence of pursuing hare and the dog on which the sport and breed were founded.