There are plenty of things you can try at home to prepare your dog for agility obstacles and gauge your interest and their enthusiasm for the activity.

The Curly-Coated Retriever (Curly) is a large-sized, sturdy, and elegant member of the Sporting Group. Learn more about the breed with these Curly-Coated Retriever fun facts. Curly-Coated Retrievers Are an Old Retriever Breed The Curly may look like a Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle, but he is a breed in his own right. In […]

The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through September 30, 2024.  These and other victories have been won in cooperation with AKC federations, clubs, and responsible dog owners and breeders around the country who continue to work tirelessly to promote positive canine legislation in their state and community. […]

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 […]

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 American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 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 […]

Do you enjoy teaching your dog obedience skills? Then, the sport of AKC Rally might be for you! Here's how to train for the sport at home.

The following are the group designations that the current FSS breeds have been assigned. There are currently 86 breeds in the FSS program.  (Revised 6/6/24) Sporting Group - 16 breeds Blue Picard Spaniel Braque du Bourbonnais Braque Francais Pyrenean Braque St. Germain Deutscher Wachtelhund Drentsche Patrijshond French Spaniel German Longhaired Pointer Large Munsterlander Pont-Audemer Spaniel […]

Much of the Clumber’s early history is lost in a tangled web of folklore and conflicting information. Here's what we know about this amiable breed.

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 […]

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 […]

During its informal session on Thursday, September 12, the Massachusetts House of Representatives agreed to an amended version of “Ollie’s Law” that had previously been adopted by the Senate on July 31, 2024.  The bill now awaits Governor Maura Healy’s signature or veto. HISTORY As originally worded, Ollie’s Law would have undermined Massachusetts purebred dog […]

The American Kennel Club met for the first time on September 17th 1884 in Philadelphia. 140 years later, we've become the trusted experts on all things dog.

Your dog's name reflects their personality and helps you effectively communicate with them. But how do you choose the perfect name? Here are some tips.

Consider your dog's activity level, overall health, and personality, then check out this list of fun backyard games to play with your dog.

The adorable Bichon Frise is among the canine kingdom’s great survivors, relying on charm and intelligence to weather history’s ups and downs.

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 […]

The outdoor temperature where you live affects your dog's comfort level. If you live in a warm or tropical climate, what are the best breeds for hot...

They are two of the most well-known and beloved breeds – the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. In fact, the active Labrador is the most popular breed based on AKC registration statistics, an honor they've held since 1991. And devoted Goldens aren't far behind, ranking number four in 2020. You might be familiar with […]

An elegant, intelligent, and energetic breed, the Standard Poodle is one of three Poodle sizes. Is this the right breed for your lifestyle?

Even young puppies can benefit from age-appropriate agility training and preparation. Read on for how you can get your pup ready to jump into dog agility.

Header photo courtesy of Christina Phillips, AKC Breeder of Merit The Irish Red and White Setter is not as well known as his dazzling cousin, the Irish Setter, with only about 500 dogs in North America. Even in Ireland, the breed nearly went extinct during World War I. It took the dedication of a handful […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024"] AKC Detection Dog Task Force Hosts National Conference to Address Shortage of U.S. Bred and Raised Detection Dogs August 2024 Explosives detection dogs play a crucial role in U.S. safety and security at home and abroad, but unlike other vital national security tools, the United States is importing approximately 85-90% of its […]

It's difficult to choose the right pet for your family. Why not consider the Golden Retriever, one of America's most popular breeds?

If you're looking to bring a dog into your home, consider one of America's most popular dog breeds: the French Bulldog.

Is a German Shepherd Dog right for you? Experts who know the breed will tell you that it all depends. Perhaps a better answer to the question "Which dog is right for you?" lies in a few bigger questions. What do you want in a dog? Where do you plan to take your dog? Gow […]

Finding a dog for your family is a hard decision. Why not consider the Labrador Retriever, one of the most popular breeds in the US?

(updated 8/16/24) 8/12/24 The Large Munsterlander Association of America will serve as the AKC Parent Club to represent the Large Munsterlander. 5/09/24 From the May Board Meeting - One new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Blue Picardy Spaniel. 4/18/24 From the April Board Meeting - One new breed was added […]

This article was originally published on Foxnews.com  While the zika virus poses worrisome human health concerns, another potential health problem is brewing that threatens both humans and domesticated animals --the importing of foreign dogs for adoption. Many people are unaware that the U.S. has become something of a favored nation for countries looking to export their […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) will honor Forrest and Charlotte Lucas with the inaugural AKC Award for Outstanding Leadership in Canine Policy. The award will be presented at the 2016 AKC National Championship Dog Show presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, Florida, December 17-18, 2016. The new AKC award is designed to honor those who […]