For the complete requirements for eligibility, download the Special Registry Services booklet on the Rules and Regulations page. You may also find helpful information by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions. Foreign Dogs may be eligible for registration in the AKC Stud Book, provided: The dog is of a breed eligible for individual registration in the […]

The AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Program was established in 2006 to provide each AKC Member Club with an embossed AKC medallion to award on a yearly basis as an ongoing effort to celebrate its volunteer club members. This award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition that have made a difference in the Sport of […]

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 […]

Dealing with eye boogers might not be the most pleasant part of pet ownership. However, learning when and how to clean your dog's eyes, especially if they're a breed prone to tear staining or discharge, can help keep them comfortable and prevent problems like eye infections from developing. In This Article When Eye Cleaning Is Needed How […]

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, […]

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

Luxating patella in dogs is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, diagnosed in 7% of puppies. How do you treat it?

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 – […]

Looking to add the Havanese to your family? Learn more about this member of the toy group and if they're a good fit for you.

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.

Owning a dog is a huge commitment, but is arguably one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have in your life. While there are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to choosing the right dog for you, you might find you’ll have to make some compromises. Temperament, exercise requirements, and level […]

From sporting dogs to toy breeds, show dogs must look the part. “Miss America does not just sit on the couch eating potato chips before a pageant,” says Susan Hamil, a veteran of the dog show world. “It’s the same for show dogs.” Hamil, a judge and fancier of Bloodhounds, is one of the four […]

Is dog poop compostable? Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it is a simple, natural, and inexpensive fertilizer for plants.

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 […]

With their habitats and food sources shrinking, coyotes are venturing closer to our neighborhoods, homes, and dogs than we'd like.

After confirming that your dog is healthy, the following tips can help you prevent and clean tear stains from your dog's face.

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"] […]

No one likes picking up poop. But when a veterinarian asks you to bring a sample of your dog's waste for a dog fecal test, you'll want to know how.