At AKC shows, dogs are organized into 7 groups: Hound, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Learn about what makes each group unique.

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 [...]

If you seek an energetic, loving companion, look no further than the English Springer Spaniel, a member of the Sporting Group.

For purposes of imposing a consistent format at dog shows, the AKC family of breeds is divided into seven groups. The hounds, terriers, and toy dogs each have their own group. The herding dogs that move livestock are grouped together, and so are the big working dogs that pull, protect, patrol, and [...]

There's a reason why the AKC divides its breeds into seven groups. That reason is a mixture of tradition and breed function. But why?

Spanning five days, the Rose City Classic in Portland, Oregon, is one of the largest and most popular dog shows in the United States. More than 185 individual breeds will be represented from January 16 -20, starting with specialty shows on Wednesday and followed by four days of all-breed shows. On top of conformation, performance and companion [...]

It's been an exciting weekend so far at the AKC National Championship. The competition is only heating up as the big prize, Best in Show will be decided Sunday, Dec. 17. Check out the results from Saturday's group winners, who will compete for the coveted title. Group Winners from Saturday, Dec. 16 After winning Best of Breed [...]

The Irish Water Spaniel was one of the nine original breeds recognized by the AKC. Learn more about this versatile, water-loving breed's history.

It's been an exciting weekend so far at the AKC National Championship. The competition is only heating up as the big prize, Best in Show, will be decided Sunday Dec. 18. Check out the results from Saturday's group winners, who will compete tonight for the coveted title. Best of Breed Group Winners from Saturday [...]

The 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Center and Madison Square Garden on February 8, 10-11. Here's how to watch.

Every year in December (or January for a few years) since 2001, dog owners from around the world come together for the American Kennel Club National Championship presented by Royal Canin. This year, the event takes place in Orlando, Fla., with a nearly week-long series of events culminating in the Best in Show finale. Starting December [...]

Loyal, intelligent, and courageous, Rottweilers gives off an air of nobility and self-confidence.  In fact, they've attracted people for millennia.

The annual AKC Breeder of the Year award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs. This year, Helyne E. Medeiros was presented with the 2017 AKC Breeder of the Year award for her Seasyde Pointers at the AKC [...]

In each of the seven groups, one dog from one breed is chosen to represent their group going into Best in Show at the 147th Westminster Kennel Club Show.

After two long days of breed judging at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the best dogs came out to compete in their respective groups. A grand audience at Madison Square Garden watched closely as these beautiful dogs made their way around the ring. Here are the winners for 2018.   Hound Group Winner GCHG CH [...]

Thousands of dogs compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show. Check out some statistics on the breeds and groups who've taken the trophy.

Terriers are feisty and spirited. Sporting dogs are active and happy-go-lucky. Hound dogs have great instincts and their noses won't lead them wrong. Non-Sporting dogs are a unique bunch with a wide range of personalities. Working dogs are hardworking and reliable. Herding dogs love to please. And Toy dogs have famously big personalities in small [...]

Over two days of breed competitions, seven dogs were crowned the winners in their group at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

How did modern dogs shows get to where they are today? Learn about the histroy of Conformation shows, that began over 150 years ago.

  Find more information on all the different breeds of puppies. Not sure which puppy is right for you? Take a short quiz to Find a Match. A | B | C | D | E |  F | G | H | I | J [...]

Upbeat, lively, inquisitive, and friendly, the jaunty Russell Terrier was developed by England's "Sporting Parson" for use in foxhunts. The adorable Russell Terrier looks like a plush toy come to life but is an eager, tireless working terrier.

The Portuguese Sheepdog is exceptionally intelligent and lively. Very devoted to the shepherd and his herd, he can be somewhat wary of strangers and vigilant at night. Today, he is also an excellent companion, sporting and guard dog. He is known for his skillful ability to keep livestock in pastures and also for searching out [...]

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is lively, agile, self-confident, good-natured and alert. The breed is faithful, easy-going and friendly in the home. Outdoors he is a true sporting dog being keen, swift, tough, attentive and energetic. With sufficient perseverance and stamina, he enjoys working and does so with a cheerful character.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2018 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16, 2018. The 2018 event will showcase the top national and international canine athletes and will also include popular [...]

  Award Presented at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship  Debbie Butt of Toms Brook, Virginia was honored with the 2010 AKC Breeder of the Year Award for her Sporting Fields Whippets at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Sunday, December 5, 2010.  The annual award honors those breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health [...]

New York, NY — The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) has recognized seven breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2015 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “The individuals that make up these breeding programs have dedicated their lives to the advancement of the purebred dog [...]

  New York, NY – The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Linda Hurlebaus has been hired as an Executive Field Representative. Linda will join the staff on June 4, 2007 and will be assigned the Southeast region. "Linda brings a broad, hands-on experience with many breeds, valuable judging experience and extensive experience in AKC [...]

NOHS Best in Show Bred By:   Toy Working Terrier Hounds Sporting Herding Non-Sporting Best Bred by Exhibitor in Show Group Judging Miscellaneous Veterans   Terrier Sporting Non-Sporting Hound Toy Working