American Foxhound "Dooley" is one of the oldest dogs and rarest breeds to compete at the 2025 AKC RACH Invitational.

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 […]

The Harrier may look like a taller version of a Beagle, but this breed has its own distinctive history and talents. This member of the Hound Group, recognized in by the American Kennel Club in 1885, is known to be friendly and outgoing. Learn more about the breed with these Harrier fun facts. The First […]

Every year, the AKC publishes its list of breed rankings by popularity, based on registration statistics. 2022, the top 10 least popular breeds were: Pyrenean Shepherds (No. 190) Cesky Terriers (No. 191) Sussex Spaniels (No. 192) Harriers (No. 193) Azawakhs (No. 194) Belgian Laekenois (No. 195) American Foxhounds (No. 196) Sloughis (No. 197) Norwegian Lundehunds […]

The Harrier's history is rooted in the English indulgence of pursuing hare and the dog on which the sport and breed were founded.

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® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

The American Kennel Club is opposed to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukrainian people, judges from the Russian Federation will not be approved to judge at AKC sanctioned events. *UPDATE: Dogs born in Russia that have been exported to other countries, with registries recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and registered in […]

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  8/22/25, last updated 8/25/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 202 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 1/01/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]