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 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 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 […]

In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, now in Season Four, host Bud Boccone tells the tales of breeds, dogs, and personalities who’ve shaped America (and Americans) over generations. Using the American Kennel Club's historical records, archival material, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show brings dog […]

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 […]

[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 […]

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!

When it comes to sleeping, dogs are just like humans – they have their preferences. And those wants and needs for comfort aren't static. Much like yours, they change over time. To find the ideal dog bed for your canine companion, you should consider breed, age, size, coat, and habits. These elements all play a […]

GCHP CH Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World, a Shih Tzu known as “Comet” triumphed over more than 5,700 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 16-17, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. […]

    NEW YORK, NY– The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to welcome nine students chosen to participate in the 2006 AKC Internship Program. The program isopen to college students primarily with a background and interest in purebred dogs but  qualified applicants from any background will be considered. The program is designed to further […]

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.

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 currently registers 200 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  1878 – Setter […]

You may have seen the beautiful Lhasa Apso's stunning coat without even realizing what breed it is. Get to know them with these fun facts.

It's easy to panic when you see something on your dog's eye, especially if it's a large pink or reddish bump, which could be cherry eye in dogs.

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 […]

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  1/22/24, last updated 1/24/24) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

Shih Tzu "Comet" has won Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship. Meet handler and co-owner Luke Ehrict, who also won Breeder of the Year with his wife for Hallmark Jolei Dogs.

Although its precise origins are unknown, the Shih Tzu is undoubtedly descended from lion-like Tibetan holy dogs and have existed for centuries.

With their delicate appearance and small size, Shih Tzu now fulfill their ancient role as canine comforters in ways their Imperial breeders never imagined.

As part of the AKC National Championship, Presented by Royal Canin week, the American Kennel Club held the third annual Fast CAT Invitational.

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 […]

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. For the […]

At 15, Samantha Abels of Plainfield, IL is currently ranked as the No. 4 junior handler in the country - but her ambitions don't stop with the rankings.

Puppy strangles (or juvenile cellulitis) is an uncommon idiopathic skin disease. It's believed that a hereditary autoimmune issue, and is not contagious to humans or other dogs.

Dru Shepherd of New Jersey may have started her show career with rabbits, but her Afghan Hounds have led her from the conformation ring to the opera stage.

Marthina Greer First presented Pure Dog Talk Jan 2023 Bladder stones are the quintessential “which came first, the chicken or the egg” question. By this, we mean that a dog can have a bladder symptoms that are caused by a bladder stone, or the bladder infection can cause bladder stones to form. Which then becomes […]

Generally speaking, smaller dog breeds can make good companion dogs for apartments or condominiums. They adapt well in confined spaces, and they don't need a tremendous amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. But there are many dog breeds that make good choices for apartments, some of which you may not expect! Bulldog […]