When their perky, 18-pound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, J.B. (James Bond), enters the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show breed ring at 12:30 p.m. Monday, owners Lynnette and Randy Bragg’s focus will be in two directions. Yes, that’s right! Their attention, of course, will be directed on this special young champion, but their [...]

Dog breed clubs provide excellent resources for owning a particular breed. Learn more about why they're important and how you can get involved with your local club.

Did you know that when a puppy buyer searches on AKC Marketplace, Breeders of Merit litter listings are the first ones they see? This is because Breeders of Merit receive special AKC Marketplace benefits. These include: Free litter listings for their qualified breed(s) Priority placement in search results Breed-Specific Breeder of Merit identification Breeder [...]

What dog breed works for you? We're here to guide you along the process of picking the best dog for your individual personality and lifestyle.

Whether you are just entering the world of purebred dogs or have been a breeder, exhibitor and participant for many decades, joining your local and national dog club is hugely beneficial. You will derive different benefits from different organizations but all will contribute to your ongoing education in the sport. Your Local All-Breed Kennel Club [...]

Getting a dog should be a well-planned decision to ensure a lifelong commitment. Dogs are not objects that are returned if you change your mind because they have become too big, too energetic, or too time-consuming to care for properly. For the greatest chance for success, put forth the effort to find the best match [...]

Puppy buying online is more common than ever, so it’s no surprise that you may be on the search for a new dog right now. But unfortunately, as more people look to buy puppies by using the internet to start their search, puppy scams are also on the rise. In today’s digital world [...]

Header photo courtesy of Nancy Bishop, AKC Breeder of Merit The decision to get a puppy is a big one. First, there's deciding what kind of puppy you want, choosing a breed, and then, finding a reputable and professional breeder to ensure you are getting the dog of your dreams. And finding the right breeder [...]

It can be tricky to know how to find a responsible breeder. Here are some considerations to guide you in your search for your next puppy.

Much has been talked about and written of late about a disturbing trend evident at dog shows: poor sportsmanship. We’ve all heard comments such as “Well, handlers always win with that judge,” or “I can’t believe that dog won the breed,” or “Can you believe what [...]

Reputable breeders don’t just breed in the moment: They are thinking years, even decades ahead, thoughtfully breeding dogs that are typey, healthy, and sound enough to continue to benefit the breed long after they are gone. And that philosophy of paying it forward is even more satisfying when a second generation decides to plunk [...]

AKC Breeder Spotlight: Amy Shaffer of Crivitz Standard Schnauzers Each month the American Kennel Club profiles breeders to hear how they got started and learn about their breeding program and their experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with AKC Breeder of Merit Amy Shaffer of Crivitz Standard Schnauzers. Amy originally started with Irish Setters [...]

  AKC Breeder Spotlight: Jennifer Young-Hopkins of Y-Farms Kennels Each month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) profiles breeders to hear about how they got started, their breeding program, and their experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with AKC Breeder of Merit Jennifer Young-Hopkins of Y-Farms Kennels in Zachary, La. Here, she answers questions about [...]

Did you purchase your puppy from a breeder? They should be a valuable resource when you have questions or problems about your new dog.

For first-time breeders, the memories of whelping a litter and caring for puppies lasts a lifetime. Breeding a beloved female and raising healthy pups...

Each breed’s health testing requirements originate with a “parent club,” the AKC-recognized national club devoted to a particular breed. To assist breeders in fulfilling these requirements, AKC has compiled the health testing requirements for each breed, organized by group on the left navigation of this page. AKC Breeder Programs that Require Health Testing: Breeders [...]

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase from a responsible breeder. While the AKC does not endorse or recommend specific breeders, we do offer several resources to locate breeders. The AKC recommends puppy buyers begin the search process by contacting the AKC Parent Club. Please [...]

Thinking of Buying a Puppy? Find a Responsible Breeder. Don't be put off if a breeder isn't immediately responsive. Hobby breeders often have full-time jobs and they don't always have available puppies. Be selective. Find a responsible breeder who is knowledgeable and make sure you're comfortable with them. Visit the breeder's home or kennel and [...]

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club announced today that it is now accepting listings for AKC Online Breeder Classifieds (AKC OBC), a new web-based service designed to bring breeders of AKC-registrable puppies together with potential pet owners. A breeder of an AKC-registered litter in good standing with the AKC may place a listing [...]

New York, NY – This weekend we will have the pleasure of watching the top national and international dogs compete in the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. This spectacular event will feature more than 4000 dogs consisting of 191 breeds and varieties, with one thing in common – a dedicated responsible breeder bred each. These few thousand breeders, whose dogs [...]