An intense drive to find birds and a loyal companionship in the field and home traces the Pointer's history. The medium-to-large-sized hunting dog has...

Over the centuries, Mastiffs have maintained a reputation for their irrepressible protective streak. Learn more about the history of this dignified breed.

Poodles have been labeled as "elitist" and "overly glamorous" by many who don't understand the breed. Here's the history of the poodle haircut.

(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 […]

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 […]

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 letters at the beginning and end of a dog's registered name are titles which are accomplishments the dog has earned. Learn more about what titles mean.

With their wagging tails and friendly temperament, the Cocker Spaniel has long been one of the most popular dog breeds. Learn more about this merry breed.

At AKC shows, dogs are organized into 7 groups: Hound, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Learn about what makes each group unique.

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 […]

The Afghan Hound was a hunting dog that originated in Afghanistan. Now, they're still prey-driven, independent, but loving and sweet dogs. Learn more about the breed with these Afghan Hound fun facts.

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 […]

  Conformation Dog Shows General Conformation issues: eventplans@akc.org Conformation Judges: judgingops@akc.org 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy: eventnews@akc.org; (919) 816-3579 (AKC Events Department) Junior Showmanship: juniors@akc.org Owner Handler Series: eventnews@akc.org; (919) 816-3579 (AKC Events Department) Companion Events General Companion Events: (919) 816-3575 Agility: agility@akc.org; (919) 816-3575 Obedience: obedience@akc.org; (919) 816-3575 AKC Rally: rally@akc.org; (919) 816-3575 Tracking: tracking@akc.org; (919) 816-3575 Performance Events General Performance Events: (919) 816-3908; performanceevents@akc.org […]

(Originally edited and written by A. Hamilton Rowan, Jr.; updated by M. Sue Richey from material submitted by Evelyn Monte Van Horn and Lisa Brown as cited in the Poughkeepsie Journal.) American sportsmen used Spaniels for hunting game birds and waterfowl long before there were Spaniel field trials. The Cocker Spaniel, recognized by The Kennel […]

Six breeds: the American English Coonhound, Black and Tan Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Plott Hound, Redbone Coonhound, and the Treeing Walker...

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 […]

*Please note the latest changes to the Regulations Governing Tracking Devices for both field trials and hunt tests effective August 1, 2023 shown in red below.    Pointing Breed Field Trials and Hunting Tests --- Tracking devices are allowed unless the host club specifies on the premium list they are not allowed.   AKC Approved […]

Which breeds make the best family dogs? What are the best dog breeds for kids? We've compiled some of the best dog breeds for families and kids.

Did you know that the Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel are two different breeds? Learn more about the breed with these Cocker Spaniel fun facts.

A special Master Hunter Excellent (MHX) Test, hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC Performance Events Department took place on November 4-5, 2023 in Oxford, NC.  This event was the first Master Hunter Excellent test to be held and consisted of two series, one each day. The purpose of this MHX test is […]

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 […]

Pythiosis is a rare, but emerging infectious disease sparking concern for dogs and their owners. Learn about the symptoms, treatment, and preventions.

This sleek, silver-gray breed originated in the 19th century, developed to hunt bear, boar, and other large game. Here's what else makes Weimaraners unique.

Purebred dogs are symbols of the people and places that brought them into being. Every year, they're celebrated on National Purebred Dog Day.

To view other Pee Wee photos click here. If you have a Pee Wee photo you would like to share, please send to: juniors@akc.org [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Procedures and Guidelines"] A Club must submit a Special Attractions Form to conduct the Pee Wee Class Special Attraction. The request must be approved by the Event Operations department. The […]

Leo was the picture of health until one day one of his eyes seemed to bulge and cloud over. It turned out to be blastomycosis in dogs, a fungal infection.

There are 14 pointing breeds, but some can get a bit confusing. The Pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and Wirehaired Vizsla are often confused, but we've got the differences and similarities down for you.

Master Hunter Excellent Test Launched (Feb 2024) Tracking Device Changes (Jul 2023) Buddy Hunts / Flexible Judging Schedule  (May 2023) Amateur Walking Puppy Stakes at Hunt Tests (Feb 2023) Clubs Allowed to Use Waiting Lists (Jul 2021) Special Event Hunting Tests (Jul 2020) Grounds Defined/Bracemate Courtesy/JH Trainability- Condition of Bird (Apr 2020) Max 8 Hunts/Lifetime Achievement Title […]

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a hound bred to hunt raccoons. Learn more about its unique history and what makes it such a versatile hunting dog.