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 […]

Ever wonder what goes on at a dog agility competition? We've made a beginner's guide — including a breakdown of the obstacles!

One of the many decisions you'll need to make as a dog owner is whether to spay or neuter your dog. Here are things to note if you want to keep your dog intact.

[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 […]

Have you ever noticed that your dog's mood shifts with the weather? Understanding this behavior can help you prepare for the forecast ahead.

RESULTS 2025 AKC Trick Dog National Competition Overall Winner “Cricket” (Breed: Russell Terrier) handled by Elizabeth Berthold-Davis from East Patchogue, NY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hxz-0J3Be4   Semi-finalists “Cheza” (Breed: All American) handled by Heidi Armstrong from Austin, TX https://youtu.be/oiLmkAUlXVs?si=pbBl0gyZJkE41PLa   “Hashbrown” (Breed: Brussels Griffon) handled by Melissa Quintana-Mitchell from Stanton, CA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ6rfLpVWgw   2025 Outstanding Performances In addition […]

While skin bumps and strange lumps should always be taken seriously, certain types of bumps are more common than you might think.

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 sooner diabetes in dogs is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better chance your pet has of a normal life. Here's what to look for.

Your dog's hazy pupil could be a sign of a cataract, a clouding of the eye's lens. Cataracts in dogs can affect vision, but surgery can restore their sight.

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

In its 149th year, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has crowned its winner: Giant Schnauzer "Monty," handled by Katherine Bernadin.

Finding the right dog match for you from 202 breeds can be daunting. That's one of the best reasons to attend AKC Meet the Breeds!

The Gift of Time: Introducing a Ground-Breaking New Test For Canine Bladder Cancer We live in amazing times. It seems like just yesterday that we awoke to the rising threat of bladder cancer [also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)/urothelial carcinoma (UC)] in our dogs, with new cases being diagnosed far too frequently. As some […]

Season 10 - Spring/Summer Season 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 3 Teams Champion – Smoothie and the All Sized Aussies - Kentucky Reserve Champion – Paws on the Palouse – Washington Third Place – Border Patrol - Michigan Individual Dog Placements (1st – 4th) 8-Regular 1-Hazel, Miniature American Shepherd, Smoothie and the All Sized Aussies 2-Suzie-Q, […]

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 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 […]

Barbet Learn about Barbets [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Barbet Club of America Ellen Rich, (248) 978-2715, eredavi@aol.com [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Basenji Learn about Basenjis [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Basenji Club of America Joe Carlson, 954-815-2143, ernursero@aol.com Basenji Rescue & Transport, Inc. [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Basset Hound Learn about Basset Hounds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Basset Hound Club of America, […]

The American Kennel Club is opposed to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukrainian people, judges from the Russian Federation will not be approved to judge at AKC sanctioned events. *UPDATE: Dogs born in Russia that have been exported to other countries, with registries recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and registered in […]

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  8/22/25, last updated 8/25/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

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, […]

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. […]

You’ve made the decision to welcome a new dog into your family. Now comes the fun part – finding the perfect dog. There’s a lot to consider. Before you commit, ask yourself these five questions. What’s Your Schedule? Think about your lifestyle. Do you work long hours? Struggle to get out the door in the […]

Curious, playful, and peppy, the Bichon Frise is a small dog with a big personality. They're surprisingly athletic and thrive in a variety of settings.

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

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 […]

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!

Through the years, many different breeds have won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, including the 2024 winner, "Sage" the Miniature Poodle.

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?

There is more to the Bichon Frise than meets the eye. Here are some facts you might not know.