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 […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="News"] AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations Precautions Regarding Canine Upper Respiratory Illness Danish-Swedish Farm Dog to the Working Group January 1, 2025 [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rules, Policies & Procedures"] Judging Approval Process - effective January 1, 2018, amended effective January 17, 2024  FAQ's on the Judging Approval Process (PDF) Rules Policies […]

What are the common causes of dog limping, and when should you take your limping dog to the vet? Learn what to look for and what to do.

The temptation to reach into our medicine cabinets to treat our pets can be dangerous. Humans and dogs react very differently to medications, which is why veterinarians caution dog owners against making independent decisions about how to medicate their animals. However, some human medications are safe for use with dogs, as long as they are […]

  Conformation Dog Shows General Conformation issues: eventplans@akc.org Conformation Judges: judgingops@akc.org 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy: eventnews@akc.org; (919) 816-3579 (AKC Events Department) Junior Showmanship: juniors@akc.org Owner Handler Series: eventnews@akc.org; (919) 816-3579 (AKC Events Department) Companion Events General Companion Events: (919) 816-3575 Agility: agility@akc.org; (919) 816-3575 Obedience: obedience@akc.org; (919) 816-3575 AKC Rally: rally@akc.org; (919) 816-3575 Tracking: tracking@akc.org; (919) 816-3575 Performance Events General Performance Events: (919) 816-3908; performanceevents@akc.org […]

Want to download some of these applications? Please go to our Downloadable Forms page. Application fees are generally not refundable. Any potential refunds to be paid are subject to a processing fee. INDIVIDUAL DOG REGISTRATION - PAPER BASIC REGISTRATION ONLY (INCLUDES PAPER APPLICATION FEE) $39.99 BASIC REGISTRATION + PEDIGREE $64.99 BASIC REGISTRATION + EXPORT PEDIGREE […]

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 […]

Like a case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the leash-aggressive dog is calm, cool, and downright polite when walking among people or around dogs off-leash. But hook on a leash, and he lunges, barks, and snaps at the sight of another dog. Has this scenario reduced you to mapping out walks where you know […]

You've got your passport ready, hotel booked, and bags ready. Now, there's just one thing left to do: find a kennel where your dog can have a vacation of their own while you're away. Choosing a trustworthy kennel is a multi-faceted process. It's more than typing "dog boarding near me" and seeing what comes up. […]

Puppies have a critical socialization period that starts around three weeks and goes up to between 12 and 14 weeks. Studies show that a lack of positive interactions during this time can lead to problem behaviors and fearfulness in adult dogs. Allowing your puppy to play with other dogs is a crucial element of proper […]

We've all fallen for the sad gaze from our dog. But, if your dog's eyes are tearing or you see traces of fluid, something else could be going on.

Getting a puppy is a big decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. Have this list of questions handy to get to know your breeder and your potential puppy.

The Icelandic Sheepdog is as old as Iceland itself. The ancestors of these Nordic spitz dogs arrived on the island with its first human inhabitants in the late 800s, and were used to herd and guard sheep, horses, and cattle. Today, these small-to-mid-sized working dogs make loyal, loving family pets.

Traveling on the subway with your pup? Here's how to prepare your dog for a safe ride and where to look for public transit rules and regulations.

If you're the owner of an energetic or hyper dog, here are some tips to help calm them down and get to the root of the hyperactive behavior.

AKC Education consists of AKC Canine College, AKC Public Education, AKC Education Webinars, and Library and Archives. Each area plays an important role in achieving the mission and vision of AKC Education and in supporting the mission of American Kennel Club.   AKC Canine College is dedicated to creating quality online courses for judges, groomers, […]

Here you can access a list of AKC Government Relations resources available to help you be effective advocates for responsible dog ownership and breeding! Be sure to check back often, as we are continuously adding new items.  If you have any questions about these materials, or are dealing with a canine legislation issue, please contact […]

Which breeds make the best family dogs? What are the best dog breeds for kids? We've compiled some of the best dog breeds for families and kids.

Holidays with fireworks cause lots of loud noises, which can cause dog anxiety. Learn how to keep your dog calm during fireworks.

2024 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL December 14 & 15, 2024 All Sporting, Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting Breeds and Junior Showmanship Competition  will be Judged on Saturday All Working, Terrier, Herding Breeds, Miscellaneous and Best in Show will be Judged on Sunday The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes […]

The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin   Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL Friday, December 13, 2024   The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is a competition created especially for purebred dogs aged 6-18 months (Puppies 6-12 months/ […]

Watch the 2022 Puppy & Junior Stakes 2022 Results Watch the 2021 Puppy & Junior Stakes 2021 Results Watch the 2020 Puppy & Junior Stakes 2020 Results Watch the 2019 Puppy & Junior Stakes 2019 Results Watch the 2018 Puppy & Junior Stakes 2018 Results Watch the 2017 Puppy & Junior Stakes 2017 Results National All […]

Does your puppy refuse to go on walks? Here's how to leash-train your puppy and get them interested in walking.

Librela is a new pain management drug for canine osteoarthritis. Learn more about its advantages, limitations and when it is a suitable treatment option.

Moving to a new home is exciting yet stressful, and that stress is particularly strong for dogs. All their familiar sights and smells are upended, and moving day is busy and hectic – not to mention the loss of routine as you stage and show your old home. All that change can be downright traumatic […]

With white-coated breeds such as Bichons Frises, many at some point in their life will develop those very distracting, red-brownish tear stains underneath their eyes, around their muzzles, and in between their toes. The cause can be related to health issues, shape of the eye, blocked tear-ducts, puppy teething, ear infection, allergies (either food or […]

As part of the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, there are 10 essential skills that every dog should master. Here are the test items.

4-H Dog Project Manual AKC Family Dog is a comprehensive good manners program for all dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed. While participating in enjoyable activities that are fun for both dogs and people, dogs become well-socialized and develop a lifelong bond with their owners. Within the AKC Family Dog organizational umbrella are programs that […]

Scheduling Conformation Events General Questions Points Schedule Formulation Specialties Held With All-Breed and Group Shows Classes and Entries Submitting Results Awards and Titles Judges and Judging Junior Showmanship Sweepstakes Trophies, Prizes, and Ribbons Club Membership Upload Tool Scheduling Conformation Events AKC recommended Best Practices to hire and assign judges, leading to an efficient schedule. General […]

Pythiosis is a rare, but emerging infectious disease sparking concern for dogs and their owners. Learn about the symptoms, treatment, and preventions.