How often do dogs go into heat? What does a dog's heat cycle look like? Learn more about the signs of a dog in heat, and how to care for dogs in heat.

Our Beginnings On September 17, 1884, a group of twelve dedicated sportsmen, responding to a "meeting call" from Messrs. J. M. Taylor and Elliot Smith, met in the rooms of the Philadelphia Kennel Club in that city. Each member of the group was a representative or "delegate" from a dog club that had, in the […]

Here’s everything you’ll need prior to joining the Breeder of Merit program:  Have a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events  Can demonstrate a commitment to individually registering 100 percent of the puppies you’ve bred Have earned either AKC Conformation, Performance, or Companion event titles on at least four dogs from AKC […]

Click below to see titles and abbreviations for: Prefix Titles Suffix Titles Parent Club Titles Working Dog Titles Other Recognized Titles Other Title Lists: Titles Sorted by Sport Titles Sorted in Alphabetic Order   Prefix Titles Title Title Name AFC An Amateur Field Trial Champion title can be earned in either Beagle Field Trials, Pointing […]

If I purchase/acquire a dog that is from an FSS®-recorded litter, is the dog automatically considered FSS®-recorded? In order to have the dog recorded, you need to forward your FSS® application to the AKC for review with the appropriate fees. You should receive the FSS® application form from the person from whom you bought/acquired the […]

  The American Kennel Club created the Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®) to answer the needs of today's rare breed fanciers. The Foundation Stock Service® is an optional record-keeping service for all purebred breeds not currently registrable with the American Kennel Club. Originally the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program was used to bring in breeds such […]

Click the links below to learn about AKC's Foundation Stock Service® Program. Foundation Stock Service® Program Home FSS Checklist - Updated May 2026 (PDF) FSS Acceptable Domestic Registries FSS Pamphlet - Updated May 2026(PDF) FSS FAQs FSS News Parent Club Best Practices First Certificate of Merit Earned for Miscellaneous Breeds How to Count Certificate of […]

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  7/16/26, last updated 7/17/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations (April 2024 Board meeting; amended May 2025)"] As an additional step in creating a safe and respectful sport environment for all, the AKC Board of Directors approved the following educational requirements policy and recommendations. Effective April 10, 2024: AKC Board of Directors, Inspectors, Field Staff across […]

Sophia Norman and her American Eskimo Dog 'Sailor' are competing at the AKC Rally National Championship. But Sailor is more than just a Rally partner.