Whether you’re breeding your first litter or next Best in Show winner, we offer invaluable resources for dog breeders, including up-to-date information, ongoing educational programs and more: Litter Registration Show you are a responsible breeder and that your puppies meet breed standards! When you register your litters with the AKC, you get a Registration Certificate […]

Thank you for your participation in the recent AKC Inspection of your dogs, records, and facilities. AKC has compiled a quick reference list of links to forms, regulations, and commonly requested programs for you. Register My Dog Forms Ownership Records Form Litter Records Form Emergency Preparedness Form Regulations Regulations for Record Keeping & Identification of […]

While many dog owners and their partners gladly share their sleeping space with their dogs, others may disagree about having a dog in the bed.

AKC Breeders of Merit share tips on how to groom a German Shepherd Dog, from best brushes to dealing with nails.

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"] […]

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 […]

In compliance with PCI regulations, the American Kennel Club (AKC) no longer accepts credit card information on paper forms. Please submit payment by check, money order, or complete your transaction securely online. Most AKC forms and applications can be downloaded from this page. For best results, select a form and save it to your computer, […]

Wondering how to groom a Standard Poodle? Here's everything you need to know about caring for your Poodle's coat, skin, nails, and more.

Though she's barely taller than the tips of her Great Dane's ears, Junior Handler Olivia Betancourt shines in the conformation ring.

Season 11 - Fall Season 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 3 Teams Champion – Living the Agility Dream – Tennessee Reserve Champion – Naughty Spots – Virginia Third – Let’s Play TAG – North Carolina Individual Dog Placements by Jump Height (1st – 4th) 8-inch Regular 1st – Sundae, Papillon, Naughty Spots 2nd – Waldo, All American […]

  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 […]

Dog teeth chattering doesn't only happen when your pet is cold. Veterinarians explain the reasons for teeth chattering in dogs and how to handle them.

Puppy temperament tests can be a helpful tool for breeders placing puppies in homes. But can they predict their behavior into adulthood?

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it is seeking comments from the public regarding appropriate standards for (1) the care of breeding female dogs at dog breeding facilities and (2) exercise and socialization of dogs subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Details: […]

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 […]

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 […]

Interested in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel history? Here's how the breed began, how it's related to the King Charles Spaniel, and more.

(updated 1/26/26 ) 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 […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Improving Detection Dog Development Through Early Evaluation: Key Takeaways from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) - January 2026   The AKC Detection Dog Task Force recently hosted a webinar featuring Megan Toms, DVM, MPH, and Jordan Johnson, PhD, MHS, of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). The […]

Is your dog considered a rare breed? Do you want an informal way to get some event experience under your belt? A Foundation Stock Service (FSS) Open Show is a perfect way for you and your dog to practice before an official event without any pressure, and is a must-do for anyone new to competing. […]

Click the links below to learn about AKC's Foundation Stock Service® Program. Foundation Stock Service® Program Home FSS Checklist - updated September 2025 (PDF) FSS Acceptable Domestic Registries FSS Pamphlet - Updated September 2025 (PDF) FSS FAQs FSS News Parent Club Best Practices First Certificate of Merit Earned for Miscellaneous Breeds How to Count Certificate […]

Meet the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, AKC's Three Newly Recognized Dog Breeds in 2026.

What is a conflict of interest? The Rules, Policies, and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges provides “A conflict of interest exists when a judge is influenced by any relationship or factor other than the merit of the dogs.” Essentially, a conflict of interest exists when the presence of an exhibitor or their dogs gives the impression […]

Puppies are exciting. However, any experienced breeder will tell you they're also a lot of work. A responsible breeder prepares long in advance—to identify the purpose of the breeding; to carefully plan and research the breed, the standard, the health history, and available healthy males of good temperament; to form partnerships with their veterinarians and […]

Never mind the Mouse. In December, Orlando is all about the dog. Actually, make that plural: Dogs–thousands of them, from tiny Chihuahuas to ginormous Great Danes–stream into Florida to compete in the American Kennel Club's annual flagship event, the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. But if you're never attended before, you might just […]

The Belgian Sheepdog history stems from a split of the Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, and the Belgian Malinois into separate breeds.

The world of dog agility is fast-paced and exciting, but the terminology can be intimidating. Learn the language of dog agility so you can jump right in.

Breeder of Merit FAQs [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Prepaid Registrations In Breeder Toolkit"] If you plan to use the prepaid option to register all of the puppies – Do not select the electronic (downloadable) litter kit when you register the litter. That will disable the prepaid option. You are able to send an individual Registration Application for […]

Breeder of Merit Application (PDF) Use this form to apply for Breeder of Merit or for additional breeds Breeder of Merit Advanced Recognition Application (PDF) Use this form if you are currently an enrolled Breeder of Merit and wish to apply for an advanced level of Breeder of Merit Breeder of Merit Titles Report Order […]

You might have a dog you've dreamed of showing in a conformation event, but how do you know when they're ready to compete for the first time? In This Article Try a Beginner Conformation Course Consider Handling Classes Training in Public Spaces Enter a 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition Practice Through Match Shows Assessing Your […]