The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2024 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2024. The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

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 […]

Like a case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the leash-aggressive dog is calm, cool, and downright polite when walking among people or around dogs off-leash. But hook on a leash, and he lunges, barks, and snaps at the sight of another dog. Has this scenario reduced you to mapping out walks where you know […]

Which breeds make the best family dogs? What are the best dog breeds for kids? We've compiled some of the best dog breeds for families and kids.

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 […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024"] 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. Review and FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies and Guidelines Tuesday, January 16, 2024 View […]

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 […]

Originally bred to kill rats and mice, Affenpinschers eventually charmed their way into German kitchens. Learn about the breed's history.

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!

When it comes to Halloween, dog owners don't mess around — meaning they dress their pets in dog Halloween costumes so they can join in on the fun. But ordering the right costume isn't necessarily easy. Before you make a purchase, you need to measure your pooch to make sure it will actually fit. You […]

In 2013, while walking in New York City, Laura Burkart saw a Brussels Griffon who stole her heart. The toy breed oozed personality with big black eyes and a look that said, "I'm your best friend." The chance encounter and a growing obsession with the breed eventually led Burkart to throw a lavish Kentucky Derby-themed party this […]

It's very important for your dog to have a reliable recall (meaning that when you ask them to come to you, they enthusiastically respond most of the time). Here's how to train a reliable recall or improve your dog's recall.

Like people, dogs may experience health issues that affect their mobility. Alongside traditional medicine, your vet might suggest a chiropractic.

Toy dogs are more than just small. Learn more about each of the Toy Group breeds and find out what exactly these adorable dogs were bred to do.

The AKC currently registers 200 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  1878 – Setter […]

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, […]

Does CBD work for dogs? It depends. Here's how to choose the best and safest CBD oil or CBD products for your dog based on available research.

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 in 2024, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can […]

Candida auris is a fungus. Here's what to know about Candida auris in dogs' ears, including symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

    2023 AKC Fast CAT Invitational Best of Breed Winners Results as of 12/15/23 3:11PM ***All official and final results will be posted following the conclusion of the event*** Breed Call Name Owner Final Time Airedale Terrier Oliver Lauren Combs 7.754 Alaskan Klee Kai Isla Cheryl Simpson 8.746 Alaskan Malamute McKinley Nadaga Poist 8.645 […]

If you've never been to a dog show, get ready for a culture shock. These gatherings of the dog-obsessed started in the 19th century, and much of the terminology from long ago still persists today. Some of the verbiage also evolved from the idiosyncrasies of this close-knit community, where the endless focus is purebred dogs […]

It’s the time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you're going to a small, intimate gathering, or a larger party, there is bound to be a variety of foods, drinks, and, of course, fireworks throughout the day. While this sounds like fun to most people, your dog may have […]

We’ve all had this experience—a summer day, a drive to the lake, and a refreshing dip in the clear cool water. Then there’s the agonizing drive home, as you try to keep your eyes on the road, even as you are about to pass out from the smell of wet dog. Ever wonder what the […]

Small dogs are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Not only do they take up less space, but they also usually have large, fun personalities. Many people like smaller dogs because small-breed supplies are generally less expensive, and small dogs live longer and can be ideal for apartment living. However, not […]

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 1, 2023 [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. […]

For the most updated statistics, check out the latest rankings of America's most popular dog breeds. Is your dog’s breed winning popularity contests this year? Now you can find out! The most popular dog breeds of 2020 were released on March 16, 2021, based on American Kennel Club registration statistics. America continues its love affair […]

The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot

Breed Weight Male Weight Female Affenpinschers 7-10 pounds 7-10 pounds Afghan Hounds 50-60 pounds 50-60 pounds Airedale Terriers 50-70 pounds 50-70 pounds Akitas 100-130 pounds 70-100 pounds Alaskan Malamutes 85 pounds 75 pounds American English Coonhounds 45-65 pounds 45-65 pounds American Eskimo Dogs 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 pounds (miniature), 25-35 pounds (standard) 6-10 pounds (toy), […]

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2022 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2022. The 2022 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]