(updated 5/16/24) 5/09/24 From the May Board Meeting - One new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Blue Picardy Spaniel. 4/18/24 From the April Board Meeting - One new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Bouvier des Ardennes. 2/12/24 The Presa Canario Club of America will serve […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="News"] AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations Precautions Regarding Canine Upper Respiratory Illness Danish-Swedish Farm Dog to the Working Group January 1, 2025 [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rules, Policies & Procedures"] Judging Approval Process - effective January 1, 2018, amended effective January 17, 2024  FAQ's on the Judging Approval Process (PDF) Rules Policies […]

In this section you will find information related to each AKC Delegate Meeting. June 10-11, 2024 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Vote on the proposed amendment to Article VII, Section 1 of the Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club Vote on the proposed amendment to Chapter 14, New Section 36 of the Field […]

June 10-11, 2024 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Vote on the proposed amendment to Article VII, Section 1 of the Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club Vote on the proposed amendment to Chapter 14, New Section 36 of the Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedure for Pointing Breeds Vote on the proposed amendments […]

What is included in the AKC DNA + Health Kit? The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes the original AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification, as well as the new 328+ markers for health & traits, including color markers. Customers will receive 2 pdfs for results: 1) AKC DNA […]

Agility Trial Secretary Blog Agility Trial Secretary Blog Agility Trial Secretary Event Kit Event kits will no longer be mailed for Agility trials. Please download the PDF files and print the number of copies indicated for each form prior to your event weekend so as to have these required items on-hand at your trial. Agility […]

These policies have been adopted by the AKC Board of Directors, although they have not yet been incorporated into an official publication. This reference will be updated as policies are adopted, revised and published. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Administration Policies"] AKC Charter and Bylaws Article XII Complaints (August 2016 Board meeting) AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations (April 2024 Board meeting)"] 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 immediately: AKC Board of Directors, Inspectors, Field Staff across all sports, AKC Registered Handlers, […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="American Field Irish Setters (October 1975 Board meeting)"]  Based upon a request from the Irish Setter Club of America, AKC discontinued the registration of Irish Setters based upon pedigrees from the American Field Dog Stud Book. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Auction Policy (July 2003 Board meeting)"]  The Board reviewed its policy on Auctions, considering the […]

Standard Poodles are among the most instantly recognizable of all dog breeds. Known largely for their stylish looks, the athletic, eager, and intelligent Standard Poodle has so many more talents besides simply looking pretty. Learn more about this iconic Non-Sporting Group breed with these Standard Poodle fun facts. Standard Poodles Originated in Germany Although it […]

On Tuesday, May 14, a New York Senate Committee will consider a bill that will allow responsible dog owners more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and socialization with their well-behaved pets, while still protecting and respecting the ability of all New Yorkers to enjoy state parks. New York residents, and those who enjoy traveling and/or […]

In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, now in Season Four, 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 brings dog […]

Here you can access a list of AKC Government Relations resources available to help you be effective advocates for responsible dog ownership and breeding! Be sure to check back often, as we are continuously adding new items.  If you have any questions about these materials, or are dealing with a canine legislation issue, please contact […]

2024 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL December 14 & 15, 2024 All Sporting, Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting Breeds and Junior Showmanship Competition  will be Judged on Saturday All Working, Terrier, Herding Breeds, Miscellaneous and Best in Show will be Judged on Sunday The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes […]

The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin   Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL Friday, December 13, 2024   The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is a competition created especially for purebred dogs aged 6-18 months (Puppies 6-12 months/ […]

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 […]

Common Resources: Find a Club/Trainer Find an Event Agility Regulations Online Entry System Downloadable Forms Titles and Abbreviations Versatile Companion Dog (VCD) Title News & Updates Agility FAQ [accordion] [accordion_panel title="General"] Agility Field Representatives Participants with Disabilities [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Getting Started in Agility"] A Beginners Guide to Companion Events (PDF) Agility FAQs What is Agility?  […]

Junior Showcase events are to promote junior participation in the sports of Agility, Obedience, Rally and Junior Showmanship. Participation in these events is limited to junior handlers. For more information see rules and regulations for agility, obedience, rally,and junior showmanship.  The event may be held in conjunction with a club's regular event or as a stand-alone event. Introducing […]

The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC Member Clubs for nominees in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance Events. The American Kennel Club […]

[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. Webinar Topic Recording Link PYO: The Fear Inducing Three Letter Word Tuesday, January 9, 2024 […]

Pulling on the leash is a common yet frustrating dog behavior. These 10 tips will help you teach your dog leash manners so you can both enjoy your walks.

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="All-Breed/Specialty Conflicts (September 2013 Board meeting; amended January 2016)"] If an All-Breed/Limited Breed Conformation, Performance, or Companion Event club refuses to grant permission to accommodate a Parent Club's National Specialty or a Performance or Companion event (which is limited to the Parent Club breed) when held with the National Specialty, a Parent Club regional specialty […]

One of the most common parasites in dogs, whipworms are treatable parasites that can be prevented. Here is what you need to know about whipworms in dogs.

The American Kennel Club - National Core Professional Dog Grooming Educational Standards aims to establish clear expectations that ensure all professional dog groomers have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the dog grooming industry. The American Kennel Club -CoreNational Professional Dog Grooming Educational Standard allows flexibility in the design and method of instruction and recognizes that the standards reflect an […]

Twenty-eight state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors.  It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]

In this section you will find information related to Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes. March 2024 — Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes All-Breed Clubs Committee Bylaws Committee Canine Health Committee Companion Events Committee Coordinating Committee Delegate Advocacy and Advancement Committee Dog Show Rules Committee Herding, Earthdog, Coursing and Scent Work Events Committee Parent Clubs Committee December 2023 […]

Many dog owners can benefit from professional help, but is board and train the solution? Here's why board and train and why it might not be best.

The AKC Archives is arranged into four major groups: Clubs, including AKC Member Clubs and Parent Clubs People AKC Administrative Visual Materials In addition to the library book and periodical collection, there is also an assortment of photographs, pamphlets, clippings, pedigrees, and more in the Library & Archives vertical files. Contact the Archivist for further information on undescribed […]

The AKC is committed to preserving valuable rare collections. To that end, several collections have been digitized for preservation and remote access. Constitution Dog Show Rules Meeting Minutes Show, Obedience, and Field Trial Statistics Dog Registration Statistics Photographs Constitution: 1884-Present Amendments to the AKC Constitution are captured in each of the following links. Amendments are […]

When should you give your dog a reward? Every time they perform a behavior or just once in a while? Learn how to schedule rewards effectively.