Titles Earned in AKC Activities, Organized by Sport and Title Progression the # symbol behind the title abbreviation indicates that title can be earned multiple times, and will carry a numeric designation [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Agility Titles"] Class Abbrev. Title Name Abbrev. Title Name (Preferred Track) Prefix or Suffix ACT ACT1 Agility Course Test 1 Suffix [...]

There’s a reason why the phrase “man’s best friend” exists: It describes how much you and your dog complement each other, the time you spend together and the close relationship you have. That’s the foundation behind Companion events: To demonstrate the deep companionship between you and your dog. In these events, you [...]

We love all dogs, but it's a fact that specific breeds are naturally better at performing certain functions than others. Some purpose-bred dogs have innate skills as hunting companions; others assist in the herding of livestock; and others serve as guardians of people and property. When you and your dog participate in a performance sport [...]

  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) 816-3725 Obedience: obedience@akc [...]

In compliance with PCI regulations, the American Kennel Club (AKC) no longer accepts credit card information on paper forms. Please submit payment by check, money order, or complete your transaction securely online. Click below to see downloadable resources for each sport: Agility CAT Conformation Earthdog Fast CAT Basset Hound Field Trials Beagle Field Trials Dachshunds [...]

Brenda Riemer grew up a California girl surrounded by sunshine, sand, and surf. These days, though, she struggles with another "S" element – snow. All of these, however, have sublimely shaped the dynamics affecting the sport psychologist/mental skills trainer and her approach to teaching dog handling seminars nationwide. “I hate snow," Riemer says. “I hate [...]

Finding an AKC Sport that Fits Your Mixed-Breed DogSince 2010, the AKC has awarded thousands of titles to mixed-breeds. Why shouldn’t your clever, athletic mix join the fun? And why shouldn’t you enjoy the dog-park bragging rights that come with putting an AKC title on your dog? Here’s an overview [...]

Although giant breeds aren't necessarily what people first think of when it comes to canine athletes, these biggest dogs love having a job to do. Most...

We have our third group victor at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This is the second year in a row that a Standard Poodle has won their group. Flame the Poodle takes the Non-Sporting Group and will continue onto tomorrow night’s Best in Show competition. Is the Poodle the [...]

Forget what you think you know about winter dog sports. You don't need to own a team of sled dogs to enjoy dogsledding's simpler offshoot: skijoring.

The AKC wishes to acknowledge those individuals that have excelled at breeding dogs that have proven to be outstanding in AKC sports. The commitment to preserve, protect and improve a breed represents the very essence of the AKC. The AKC Breeder of the Year by Sport Award is given to those who have dedicated themselves [...]

Photo courtesy of JLFurtography All across North America, dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages, are taking part in a team sport designed to encourage burning off energy through running, jumping hurdles, and catching tennis balls, all within a short amount of time. If this sounds like something your super quick, smart, energetic dog might [...]

It’s one of the best ways to deeply bond with your dog. It's great exercise. And it just might be one of the most personally rewarding endeavors of your life. It’s the world of canine sports and events, and many events are open for all dogs to enjoy, including mixed-breed dogs. Something special [...]

For baseball, it’s Little League. For gymnastics, it’s tumbling class. For football, pee-wees. Athletes in all sports don’t just make it to the big leagues right away. They have to start somewhere. The same goes for dog shows, and that’s where Junior Showmanship comes in. Aspiring handlers ages 9 to 18 compete in [...]

If you have a "challenging" dog, it can be easy to feel discouraged, especially if you dream of training and competing in dog sports.

You might be fooled by Chick's short and stocky frame, but Chick the Bulldog excels in many sports, including Fast CAT, Diving Dogs, and Rally.

Give these summer dog sports a go during the hotter months, as they're perfect for bonding and working with your dog outside.

Not interested in watching the Big Game this Sunday? Want a break from football? Switch the channel to ESPN to enjoy highlights from the AKC National Championship at 8 p.m. ET and highlights from the AKC K9 Detection Dog Challenge at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 13. Check your local provider for your channel. If [...]

Deaf dogs can participate in a number of AKC events and dog sports. Learn more about some amazing canine athletes who are deaf and how their trainers work with them.

Long-time educator Crystal Dennis loves teaching, whether it is in her classroom or in the dog show ring. And teaching two sisters from Alaska to do agility is just one way she's giving back.

Traditional Dog Sports Conformation Obedience Tracking Herding Earthdog Coursing   The Middle Ages Canine Good Citizen Agility S.T.A.R. Puppy Rally   Expanding AKC's Reach Coursing Ability Test (CAT) AKC Therapy Dog 4-6 Month Puppy Class Search and Rescue NOHS FSS Open Shows Barn Hunt Dock Diving Fast CAT Farm Dog Certified Agility [...]

Below are some frequently asked questions about finding information on the new AKC.org website. If you have a moment, we encourage you to read the step-by-step instructions or watch the video to familiarize yourself with the structure of the new site to help you during future visits. Select your device: Desktop Instructions Mobile Instructions [...]

Below are some frequently asked questions about finding information on the new AKC.org website. If you have a moment, we encourage you to read the step-by-step instructions or watch the video to familiarize yourself with the structure of the new site to help you during future visits. Select your device: Desktop Instructions Mobile Instructions [...]

In November of last year, AKC received an inquiry from HBO Real Sports. They told us they wanted to do a story about the dog sports in America, how it has evolved and the role that health plays in competition and breed standards. After months of conversation, deliberation, negotiation and preparation, AKC made the decision [...]

  -- Board Approved Parent Clubs Request for New Competition -- The American Kennel Club® Board of Directors has granted the request of four Parent Clubs to approve the Working Dog Sport (WDS), effective January 1, 2007 with regulations to be approved by the AKC Board. The breeds approved to compete in AKC®'s newest [...]

Third Home is the Charm, owned by Laurie Liversidge of Irving, TX  Goose, a former stray from Dallas, had several injuries when she was picked up, including an embedded collar that had to be surgically removed. She had been adopted once but was returned to the shelter a couple of months later. “Since she had [...]

If you have ever seen the fast sport of Flyball, you probably spotted many Border Collies and Australian Shepherds streaking down the lanes. But all dogs can play in this team relay race. Just ask Olive, a French Bulldog mix, who recently earned the prestigious ONYX award from the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) for [...]