Saturday’s Judging Panels View Saturday’s judging panels for the all-breed show and specialty judging by breed. All-Breed Panel Specialty PanelsAfghan HoundChihuahuaDoberman PinscherLabrador RetrieverXoloitzcuintli

Season 12 - Winter Season 2026 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 3 Teams Champion – WestRover’s Speed Squad – Alabama Reserve Champion – Let’s Play TAG – North Carolina Third – Rock City Jumpers – Arkansas Individual Dog Placements 8-Inch Regular 1st – Driver, Papillon, WestRover’s Speed Squad 2nd – Gigi, Poodle, Free For All 3rd – Mabel, […]

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 […]

(updated 1/15/26 ) 1/12/26 The Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of the United States is the official parent club for the Peruvian Inca Orchid and to accept the Peruvian Inca Orchid into the AKC Stud Book on December 30, 2026. The breed will be eligible to compete in the Hound Group beginning December 30, 2026. 10/13/25 […]

The American Kennel Club has released registration statistics for 2025. Who will be crowned the most popular breed?

There are a variety of breeds that don’t shed, each with different temperaments and energy levels, so you can find the right breed for your lifestyle. Breeds that Don‘t Shed Bedlington Terrier: The gentle, loveable Bedlington Terrier is known for its curly, wooly coat that resembles a lamb. The breed doesn’t need intense exercise – […]

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. 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 & GuidelinesTuesday, […]

Some dog breeds are easy to say. Others, like the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, are trickier. Learn proper ways to pronounce tough breed names.

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.

So, you want a dog but you seem to have an allergy attack whenever you're around one? You're not alone! It's estimated that 10 and 20% of people are allergic to cats and dogs, causing many prospective puppy owners to wonder which dogs are hypoallergenic. Spoiler alert: none of them are. That's right: no dog […]

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  3/12/26, last updated 3/13/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

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.

Xoloitzcuintli Learn about Xoloitzcuintlis [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] The Xoloitzcuintli Club of America Contact: Shannon Larson/Kay Lawson, xolorescueleague@yahoo.ca, 760-220-7708 [/accordion_panel] [/accordion]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 205 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 3/10/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

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.

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...

Over two days of breed competitions, seven dogs were crowned the winners in their group at the 150th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

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 AKC currently registers 205 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  (last updated 1/1/26) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  […]

I can hardly believe the first day of winter is almost upon us! Where did the warm summer sunshine go? Cold weather is just around the corner, and I must be honest: My dog loves winter and I do not. This means we must meet in the middle. Meeting in the middle will look different […]

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

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.

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.

Dry skin on dogs is frustrating for dogs and owners alike. If dry, itchy, or flaky skin is making your dog uncomfortable, here is what you need to know.

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.

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 […]

Each of the AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. Current as of June 17, 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Herding Group"] HERDING GROUP The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. […]

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.

Adding a puppy to your family is a big decision that comes with lots of preparation. An interview with your prospective pup's breeder is a big part of that.