Every year, the AKC publishes its list of breed rankings by popularity, based on registration statistics. While some breeds stay towards the top of the rankings, like the reigning French Bulldog, there are some rare breeds that maintain their status towards the bottom of the list. But why are some breeds considered "rare" - and […]

You may have heard of a "breed standard" in relation to purebred dogs. But what does it mean? It's not just for conformation dog shows. Learn more!

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 […]

The American Kennel Club has released registration statistics for 2025. Who will be crowned the most popular breed?

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"] […]

Affenpinscher Learn about Affenpinschers [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Affenpinscher Rescue of America Donna Wolfe; www.affenpinscherrescue.org [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Afghan Hound Learn about Afghan Hounds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Afghan Hound Club of America Martha Powell Phone: 877-AFRESCU (877-237-3728) Email: affierescue@aol.com Greater Twin Cities Afghan Hound Club Susan Weatherhead Phone: 651-428-1706 Email: sweatherhead@comcast.net Address: 7194 Clear Ridge, Centerville, MN 55038 […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 205 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 3/10/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

English Cocker Spaniel Learn about English Cocker Spaniels [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] English Cocker Spaniel Club of America English Cocker Spaniel Rescue    email - ecsca.rescue@gmail.com [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] English Foxhound Learn about English Foxhounds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Carolina Coonhound Rescue [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] English Setter Learn about English Setters [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] ESAA Rescue […]

When a new breed is accepted in the American Kennel Club a special type of registration known as Open Registration, is available for a limited time. The American Kennel Club in conjunction with the Parent Club (also known as a national breed club) sets this time frame for the breed. Eligibility for Open Registration In […]

With over 200 recognized dog breeds, it can be difficult to learn about them all. You've probably seen plenty of Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs, two of the most popular dog breeds in the country, but there are many other breeds that go relatively unnoticed. If it weren’t for their enthusiasts, we might not even […]