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 […]

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 […]

To view other Pee Wee photos click here. If you have a Pee Wee photo you would like to share, please send to: juniors@akc.org [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Procedures and Guidelines"] A Club must submit a Special Attractions Form to conduct the Pee Wee Class Special Attraction. The request must be approved by the Event Operations department. The […]

[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 […]

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 […]

From the Anatolian Shepherd Dog to the Tibetan Mastiff and all the giant breeds in between, these big dogs are some of the kindest and most hardworking dogs out there. From companions lounging on couches to working alongside people, giant dogs excel at a variety of jobs and sports. But not every home, family, or […]

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!

Owner-handler Evelyn Dixon, of New Market, MD, isn't the only one who shows her Saint Bernard, "Enzo," in the conformation ring — her son does, too.

A sweet, calm nature, and a soft expression with distinctive markings on the coat and face, contribute to the majestic Bernese Mountain Dog's popularity. But this breed is also a hardworking farm dog, dating back in carting and drafting thousands of years.

From double to single, long to hairless, and curly to wiry, dogs' coats come in different textures, lengths, and colors. So what's a double coat?

Giant dogs are some of the hardest-working and most recognizable breeds. But because many of them maintain the strong working instincts and drive they were bred for, they can be a lot to handle. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering adding one to your family. Maturation Giant dogs are giant […]

From haunted hounds to laboratory creations, these are the top dogs in horror movies to watch this Halloween.

Choosing dog brushes can be challenging. Here's what you need to know to select the right dog brush for your pet.

Hip dysplasia is a common condition in dogs. Learn what to know about hip dysplasia including symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures.

Great Pyrenees have been serving as guardians for their flocks for thousands of years. Here are some interesting facts about the breed.

The Saint Bernard does not rank very high in AKC registrations, but the genial giant of the Swiss Alps is nonetheless among the world’s most famous and beloved breeds. Saints are famously watchful, patient, and careful with children.

Have you ever noticed that your dog’s mood shifts with the weather? Storms, heat, cold, and the changing seasons affect our dogs, just like they affect us. Most dogs can even sense when the weather is about to change. But how does hot weather affect dogs, and how does cold weather affect dogs? Understanding the […]

From Washington's Foxhounds to Obama's famous Portuguese Water Dogs, presidential dogs are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. Almost all of our presidents have shared the White House with a dog, and often more than one. These presidential dogs became as much a staple of the capitol as the rest of the First Family […]

Dogs can come into contact with internal parasites at any point in their lives, including before they are born. These parasites—which are often different types of worms—can cause problems once they find their way into your dog's gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Depending on the parasite, your dog may experience symptoms, but this isn't always the case. […]

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 […]

Over their lifetime, cancer affects one in three dogs. Understand this high risk and life threatening disease so you know the signs and treatments.

Four Sennenhunds—the Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhund, and Entlebucher Mountain Dog, excelled as all-around...

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 […]

Saint Bernard Learn about Saint Bernards [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] St. Bernard Club of America  Saint Bernard Rescue Group Email: saintsrgreat6@gmail.com [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Saluki Learn about Salukis [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Saluki Club of America Sara Winstead – salukis777@aol.com Saluki Tree of Life Alliance, Inc. [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Samoyed Learn about Samoyeds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Samoyed Club […]

The Group Winners are chosen to decide who will compete for Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship. See the group winners here.

Saint Bernard 'Shayna' may not be the most agile dog, but she is competing in both the AKC Obedience Classic and the AKC Agility Invitational.

80-year-old Judy Aycock has a rare Cirneco dell'Etna, "Nikki," and a Pumi, "Irwin," both running in the AKC National Championship Agility Invitational.

"Tuffie" the Saint Bernard can handle a lot, and she was front-line as a therapy dog when a mass shooting rattled Saint Francis Medical Center, a hospital where she often did therapy sessions.