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 […]

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  4/1/25, last updated 4/15/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

Winter Season 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 2 Teams Champion – Naughty Spots - Virginia Reserve Champion – Kit and Kaboodle – New Mexico Individual Dog Placements (1st – 4th) 8-Regular 1-Sundae, Papillon, Naughty Spots 16-Regular 1-Whiskey, Shetland Sheepdog, Let’s Play TAG 2-Missoula, Border Collie, New Mexico Heat 20-Regular 1-Keeper, Border Collie, Naughty Spots 2-Suri, […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

Phenobarbital is a typically used in dogs with seizures. Learn more about when it's used, when your vet will prescribe it, how it's administered, and more.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for 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 AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]

(updated 2/14/25 ) 2/7/2025 The Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America is the official parent club for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and to accept the Basset Fauve de Bretagne into the AKC Stud Book on December 31, 2025. The breed will be eligible to compete in the Hound Group beginning December 31, 2025. […]

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!

We know and love probiotics for people, but what about probiotics for dogs? Probiotics have many benefits, from better skin to a stronger immune system.

Xolos are over 3,000 years old, having been revered by ancient Aztecs in Mexico. Learn more fun facts about the Xoloitzcuintli.

Regularly bathing your dog, brushing their coat, and feeding them a balanced diet is all part of a balanced skincare routine.

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2025"] 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. Webinar Topic Recording Link Review & FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

The 18th annual AKC Agility Invitational, Presented by YuMOVE saw some of the most agile dogs in the country. The competition aired on ESPN2 on Sunday,...

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, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can find out […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 202 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 1/01/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

The biggest Conformation event of the year is here, and the results are out! See the group winners of the 2024 AKC National Championship.

GCHG CH Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB, a Giant Schnauzer known as “Monty” triumphed over more than 5,600 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize when they were awarded Best in Show at the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 14-15, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, […]

The AKC currently registers 201 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  (last updated 11/20/24) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  […]

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 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 all dogs need a winter coat? If so, what are the best winter coats for dogs? We break down our favorites for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

From "ugly" holiday sweaters to hoodies there are a variety of dog sweaters available on the. market, but does your dog need one? For many dogs, the...

Hairless dogs may not have fur, but their skin still needs washing and moisturizing to prevent infection, fungal growth, and irritation.

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...

The sight of fur on your clothes and furniture is inevitable when you have a dog. Shedding is part of your dog's normal cycle of hair growth.

A national symbol of Mexico, the Chihuahua has a lineage going back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times. Learn more about the breed's history.

How long can you keep your dog outside? Here we explore just how to determine when it's time to call your dog back inside after a day of outdoor fun.

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 […]

Just like people, dogs are prone to sunburn and other diseases associated with UV exposure. Here's what you should know about dog sunscreen and dog sunburn.

LGBTQIA+ dog owners have always been part of AKC dog sports. For some, the dog world has been a supportive haven, while for others, it has been more challenging.