Owning a large breed dog comes with large responsibilities, especially when it comes to choosing the best large breed dog food. After all, you want your dog to live a long, healthy, active life, and that starts with good nutrition. Feeding a properly formulated, high-quality diet is one of the most important things you can […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Dogs are like people: sometimes they need a break. For many reasons, some dogs need space and time to themselves. Learn to recognize when and how to give dogs space.

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 […]

When Kevin Holmes went looking for a service dog that would double as a competition teammate two years ago, he had specific idea in mind. His answer? "Natalie" the German Wirehaired Pointer.

Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Agility Grand Championship (AGCH) AGCH MACH6 Mister Tedley MXS2 PDS MJS2 PJD PJDP MFG TQX T2B6 ACT2 TKA owned by Kathy Crain of […]

Choosing your boy dog's name is important, as it's a name you and your new puppy will be living with for a long time, so it deserves some thought. A good boy dog name can actually enhance your dog's responsiveness and improve communication between you over a lifetime. We've compiled the top 100+ most popular […]

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!

From double to single, long to hairless, and curly to wiry, dogs' coats come in different textures, lengths, and colors. So what's a double coat?

Giant dogs are some of the hardest-working and most recognizable breeds. But because many of them maintain the strong working instincts and drive they were bred for, they can be a lot to handle. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering adding one to your family. Maturation Giant dogs are giant […]

If your dog hates being groomed, then try getting them involved in their own grooming. Incorporating husbandry training into dog grooming gives your dog choices and provides rewards.

Great Pyrenees have been serving as guardians for their flocks for thousands of years. Here are some interesting facts about the breed.

The French Bulldog reigns supreme! The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, announced this morning that the playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the second consecutive year, according to AKC registration statistics. Since overtaking the loveable Labrador Retriever […]

German Pinscher Learn about German Pinschers [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] German Pinscher Club of America [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] German Shepherd Dog Learn about German Shepherd Dogs [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] German Shepherd Dog Club of America German Shepherd Resource and Rescue Center P.O. Box 57 Hathorne, MA 01937 Contact: Stephanie, Info@germanshepherdcenter.org Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue Blue […]

Have you ever noticed that your dog’s mood shifts with the weather? Storms, heat, cold, and the changing seasons affect our dogs, just like they affect us. Most dogs can even sense when the weather is about to change. But how does hot weather affect dogs, and how does cold weather affect dogs? Understanding the […]

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

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 […]

The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed with a fascinating, disputed history. From royal palaces to mountain pastures to your couch, read about how this giant breed you know and love today came to be.

For millennia, humans have relied upon dogs to help them in the fields, on farms, on hunts, and in their homes. One of the most important roles a dog could perform for a farmer or shepherd was that of livestock guardian. Such a dog had to be reliable around livestock like sheep, pigs, goats, and […]

The big, strong dogs of the Working Group always stand out in a crowd. Which dog sports are best to channel their energy, depending on the 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  1/22/24, last updated 1/24/24) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

Click below to see titles and abbreviations for: Prefix Titles Suffix Titles Parent Club Titles Working Dog Titles Other Recognized Titles Other Title Lists: Titles Sorted by Sport Titles Sorted in Alphabetic Order   Prefix Titles Title Title Name AFC An Amateur Field Trial Champion title can be earned in either Beagle Field Trials, Pointing […]

The Great Pyrenees is a large, thickly coated, and immensely powerful working dog bred to deter sheep-stealing wolves and other predators on snowy mountaintops. Pyrs today are mellow companions and vigilant guardians of home and family.

Meet Lauren Luckey: Bitten by the Dog Training Bug Name: Lauren Luckey Age: 17 Hometown: Georgetown, TX Grade: 12th Family: Parents, Mike and Gretchen Luckey; younger sister, Danielle Photo by Gretchen Jernigan Lauren’s family already owned a few dogs and other pets, but when Jax came along, his high energy and sniffy ways made it clear […]

Meet four representatives of the Working Group, blue-collar dogs with strength and smarts, and understand why responsible breeding of working dogs is particularly important.

Dogs have an extra nail near their paws on their front legs, called dewclaws. Dewclaws can help dogs accomplish a variety of tasks, but what are they for?