When shipwrecks have fantastical endings, they’re usually works of fiction. Think of Gilligan and friends, or the Swiss Family Robinson. But in our canine world, a centuries-old shipwreck is believed to have helped create a real-life dog breed – and one of the most eye-catching of the terriers, to boot. Now, full disclosure: This creation […]

Among the largest of AKC terriers, the Kerry Blue Terrier is famous for his show-stopping blue coat. Named for the Irish county of his birth, this onetime farm dog is today an alert, adaptable, and animated watchdog and family companion.

If a leprechaun decided to disguise himself as a dog, chances are he would choose the Kerry Blue Terrier. Like the leprechaun, these joyful, full-of-life, and mischievous dogs are from Ireland, and it’s often said their hearts are sprinkled with Irish humor. The Kerry Blue Terrier is known as the Irish Blue Terrier in its […]

AKV 1.7 1948-1965 4 linear ft in 4 boxes Processed by Brynn White, 2017 Click here to the view complete inventory and/or to search all AKC archival collections Click here for a printable PDF of the collection guide Biographical Note Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lewis Wiel were well-reknowned exhibitors, judges, and breeders upon whom numerous […]

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is full of energy, loves people, and makes a great family pet. Here are some interesting facts about this lovable breed. 1. They are native to Ireland. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of four terrier breeds that are native to Ireland. According to legend, when the Spanish Armada […]

Let’s just admit it: Getting started in showing purebred dogs can be intimidating. For newbies, it can seem like the other exhibitors have been given the steps to a choreographed dance that they execute with fluidity and flair, while you are left to lurch around the ring with two left feet. And if you happen […]

In 2004, the multifunctional, even-tempered, and powerfully built Glen of Imaal Terrier became part of the AKC registry's stellar ranks. In doing so, this native Irish breed joined its cousins, the Kerry Blue, Soft Coated Wheaten, and Irish terriers, in the registry. A Tough Terrain, An Even Tougher Terrier The Glen of Imaal Terrier is […]

Partially shrouded by the mists of time, the history of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sometimes reflects the Irish people's gift as storytellers rather than historians. Folklore persists that following the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a dog swam to the shore of Ireland from a sinking ship. Supposedly, he then bred to […]

Barbara Miller of Glen Head, New York, is synonymous with Norfolk Terriers. And not just those from her top-winning Max-Well Kennel. The 2007 AKC Breeder of the Year (and 2002 AKC Terrier Breeder of the Year), Miller was the president of the parent club when her breed amicably split in 1979, creating the drop-eared Norfolk Terrier and the prick-eared Norwich Terrier. However, her earliest years in […]

Leaping over a broad jump, hopping through a hoop, and digging furiously underground to find rats. Add in a sniff-out session, some snappy switchbacks around poles, and a 100-yard dash in tizzy time and it looks like a dog in supersonic shenanigans. If this sounds like a flashy, popular breed who always stands in the […]

Among the marvels of human ingenuity is the way various breeds of dog were developed, mentally and physically, to tackle specific jobs. Consider the farmer’s eternal war against rodents and other burrowing mammals that devastate grain stores, raid henhouses, tear up fields, dig away riverbanks, and carry disease. As their number-one weapon in subterranean warfare, […]

Special to the AKC Gazette Over the past several years, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has sometimes fallen prey to the dangerous idea that bigger is better. The standard calls for a dog who is “approximately 35 lbs,” with “bitches somewhat less,” but we are seeing dogs in the ring who are easily 20 to […]

Got a minute? If so, you can learn the essentials of any breed. Not enough to call yourself an expert, of course. But in the time it takes to watch a TV commercial, you can pick up just enough breed knowledge to bluff your way through a conversation at the dog park. The average adult […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

At 17-years-old, Junior Handler Bebe Mathews is already ranked high in dog sports, even though she only got started in 2021.

2023 AKC Fast CAT Invitational – Speed of the Breed Division FINAL ROUND – Fri. December 15, 2023 as of 5:03 PM ***All official and final results will be posted following the conclusion of the event*** RANK BREED CALL NAME OWNER MPH % ABOVE SOB 1 Lhasa Apso Max Debbie English 17.229 53.97% 2 Pomeranian […]

    2023 AKC Fast CAT Invitational Best of Breed Winners Results as of 12/15/23 3:11PM ***All official and final results will be posted following the conclusion of the event*** Breed Call Name Owner Final Time Airedale Terrier Oliver Lauren Combs 7.754 Alaskan Klee Kai Isla Cheryl Simpson 8.746 Alaskan Malamute McKinley Nadaga Poist 8.645 […]

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot

While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds are better than others for allergy sufferers. By taking an allergy test, you can better determine the best dog for you. There are multiple ways to reduce dog allergens, including grooming and keeping a clean home. Sharing your life with a dog is a special experience. After all, […]

These champion show dogs took the top prize in conformation at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin.

Have you found a little lump on your dog while cuddling with them on the couch? The first thing is, don't panic. It's not unusual for masses to develop on a dog's body throughout their lifetime; more often than not, they aren't malignant. However, that doesn't mean it's something to ignore. Having your veterinarian evaluate […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2022 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and 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 NOHS Finals will be held […]

Keeshond Learn about Keeshonden [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Keeshond Club of America Tawn Sinclair, (310) 457-3569, California Bay Area Rescue Keeshonden, Inc. (BARK) Heart of America Keeshond Club Joy Crisler, 7512 N Lenox Ave. Kansas City, MO 64151, 816-812-7355, showmedawgs@gmail.com Keeshond Rescue of the Central States Dina Zinnes, (217) 278-7245, IL d-zinnes@uiuc.edu Keeshond Affiliated Rescuers Of The Mid […]

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the second-longest continuously held sports event in the nation, predating the invention of the zipper and the light bulb. In fact, only the Kentucky Derby is older. The latest winner of this world-famous canine competition was CH Soletrader Buddy Holly "Buddy Holly" the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, 2023's Westminster Best […]