Here at the AKC, we believe in honoring responsible breeders who have gone above and beyond on health issues, temperament, and genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in responsible homes. That’s why we started the AKC Breeder of Merit Program: To give breeders a way to prove [...]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce that Tara Martin Rowell has been hired as an Executive Field Representative. She will start June 3rd, 2024. “Tara brings a broad background as a successful Maltese AKC Breeder of Merit, expertise as an All-Breed Professional Handler with many Best In Show titles and top winning dogs […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed, not everything available. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. Although the AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, not all genetic variants have been validated […]

Update: Season 4 is coming soon! In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, 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 […]

When Kevin Holmes went looking for a service dog that would double as a competition teammate two years ago, he had specific idea in mind. His answer? "Natalie" the German Wirehaired Pointer.

Have you ever wondered what it means to be AKC-recognized? How does a dog become AKC-recognized? Learn about the entire breed recognition process.

Genetic health and traits testing combined with AKC DNA identification for a powerful breeder tool Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Offers AKC DNA Profile + over 328 markers for health and traits Helps to meets AKC registration and Breeder of Merit/Bred with H.E.A.R.T. certification requirements. Some exclusions apply. For breed-specific DNA test recommendations, click […]

Scheduling Conformation Events General Questions Points Schedule Formulation Specialties Held With All-Breed and Group Shows Classes and Entries Submitting Results Awards and Titles Judges and Judging Junior Showmanship Sweepstakes Trophies, Prizes, and Ribbons Club Membership Upload Tool Scheduling Conformation Events AKC recommended Best Practices to hire and assign judges, leading to an efficient schedule. General […]

Lacey and Luisma Benítez, of LBK American Staffordshire Terriers, are the first and only Platinum Breeders of Merit of the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are a married couple, navigating life between Spain and St. Augustine, Florida, and have been deeply involved in this breed for 20 years. Luisma, who is from Spain, is a software […]

Order AKC DNA Kit Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center The AKC offers a comprehensive set of voluntary and mandatory programs to ensure the integrity of the AKC registry, and now includes genetic health and traits testing (including coat colors)! AKC DNA + Health, a new, powerful breeder […]