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.

Livestock guardian dogs are known for their impressive strength and size. After all, they need to intimidate predators to protect their charges. But these dogs can also be loving family pets. The Kuvasz (KOO-vahz) and the Great Pyrenees are two breeds that do both jobs quite well, but can you tell them apart? Members of the Working Group, they are […]

While other Great Pyrenees people may have a different list than mine of common myths about our breed, I believe that most of us have heard all of the following things said. So here is my list of the top five untrue things about Great Pyrenees that are commonly heard. Pyrenees Myth #1: “They are […]

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.

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

A Minnesota dog was reunited with her family earlier this week after she had been missing for 985 days. The Great Pyrenees, Betty White, ventured into the woods of her owners' 13-acre property on Nov. 16, 2013 and failed to return home, devastating her family. We had the opportunity to connect with Betty White's owner, […]

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.

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 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 […]

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!

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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?

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 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?

Update: Season 4 is coming soon! In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, 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 […]

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 […]

No one wants to have to prepare for the worst, but it's always good to have a plan in place for your dog if something were to happen to you.

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. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! Agility Congratulations to this dog on earning the Agility Grand Champion title: AGCH […]

Luxating patella in dogs is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, diagnosed in 7 percent of puppies. How do you treat it?

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 world of AKC Rally may be smaller, but there's certainly room in this dog sport for Terry Albert,

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?

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

When a celebrity dog or trending dog breed begins to get a lot of attention, it isn't always a good thing. Too often, people might like the look of a dog and decide they want to add one to their family without researching what that breed is like to live with. As a result, they […]

If you get close enough to your dog's feet, you might have noticed that they smell a bit like corn chips or Fritos. Some dog owners, including yours...

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.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2022 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The NOHS Finals will be held […]

When it comes to the lifespan of dogs, researchers have found that size matters. Owners of small dogs can expect to enjoy several more years with their pets than the owners of large dogs. It doesn’t seem to make much sense: large mammals, like elephants and whales, tend to live longer than small ones, like […]