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 […]

September 9-10, 2024 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Delegate Election Packet To be voted as one amendment: Chapter 9, Section 11 and Chapter 11, Section 12 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows Vote on the proposed amendment to Chapter 9, Section 11 and Chapter 11, Section 12 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows […]

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 […]

Children and teenagers are the future of the sport of dogs and responsible dog ownership. The more they learn, the more they will grow in dog sports and as a person. The values, attitudes, and responsibility learned while competing as Juniors serve children throughout their entire lives. Junior Showmanship Junior Showmanship offers children between the […]

In this section you will find information related to Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes. June 2024 — Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes All-Breed Clubs Committee Bylaws Committee Canine Health Committee Companion Events Committee Coordinating Committee Delegate Advocacy and Advancement Committee Dog Show Rules Committee Field Trial and Hunting Test Event Committee Herding, Earthdog, Coursing and Scent Work […]

The outdoor temperature where you live affects your dog's comfort level. If you live in a warm or tropical climate, what are the best breeds for hot...

Most AKC forms and applications can be downloaded from this page. For best results, select a form and save it to your computer, then print a copy. MOST FREQUENTLY DOWNLOADED FORMS Additional Signature Form - Used when there are more than two signatures required AKC Canine Partners Listing Application AKC Code of Sportsmanship AKC Official […]

Below Are Links To The AKC Rules And Regulations That Are Available. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Board Policy Manual"] AKC Board Policy Manual [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Clubs"] Charter and Bylaws of the AKC (PDF) Const and Bylaws: All-Breed; Specialty (PDF) Const and Bylaws: Performance Clubs (PDF) Formation of Dog Clubs (PDF) Working it Out -- AKC® Guidelines for Resolving Dog Club Issues […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Pointing Breed Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized and FSS Breeds Blue Picardy Spaniel Bracco Italiano Braque du Bourbonnais Braque Francais Pyrenean Braque Saint-Germain Brittanys Drentsche Patrijshond English Setters French Spaniel German Longhaired Pointer German Shorthaired Pointers German Wirehaired Pointers […]

They are two of the most well-known and beloved breeds – the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. In fact, the active Labrador is the most popular breed based on AKC registration statistics, an honor they've held since 1991. And devoted Goldens aren't far behind, ranking number four in 2020. You might be familiar with […]

A variety of ear muffs designed for dogs are helping to protect canine hearing. Here's why you might consider ear muffs for your dog.

Five state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – AB-2042 is an amended version of AB 742 from 2023 and would have directed the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), on or before January July 1, 2026, […]

Header photo courtesy of Christina Phillips, AKC Breeder of Merit The Irish Red and White Setter is not as well known as his dazzling cousin, the Irish Setter, with only about 500 dogs in North America. Even in Ireland, the breed nearly went extinct during World War I. It took the dedication of a handful […]

When a Foundation Stock Breed is accepted in the FSS program the clubs may designate a domestic registry or club registry for recording. Eligibility for FSS Recording The dog must be of a breed eligible for FSS Recording. The dog must first be registered with a registry acceptable to the AKC (see below) or foreign […]

Papillon Learn about Papillons [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] PapAdopters & Placement Service Phone: 248-231-5076 Email: info@papadopters.com Papillon Haven Rescue phone: 501-865-4442 (central time), fax: 501-865-4600 (central time) Email: jorolan@catc.net or jorolan2@yahoo.com Papillon Pals Rescue phone: 904-477-6829 - Tami Steinle Email: papillonpals@comcast.net  [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Parson Russell Terrier Learn about Parson Russell Terriers [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Parson Russell Terrier […]

AKC Breeder of Merit Gold Kristin Cihos-Williams of Kinderteckel Standard Smooth Dachshunds has been involved in the breed since 1992. When she and her family bought their first home in San Diego, California, they were restricted by their homeowners’ association rules to a 25-pound-dog. Kristin wanted a big dog personality in a small dog body […]

Document your dog's proud purebred heritage We offer 2 types of pedigrees: a handsomely printed AKC Certified Pedigree up to 4-generations and an Export Pedigree for registering or showing your dog in a foreign country. Costs of Pedigrees: Up to 4-generation: $36.00 Provides registered names, registration numbers and available coat colors for up to 30 […]

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The American Kennel Club met for the first time on September 17th 1884 in Philadelphia. 140 years later, we've become the trusted experts on all things dog.

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024"] AKC Detection Dog Task Force Hosts National Conference to Address Shortage of U.S. Bred and Raised Detection Dogs August 2024 Explosives detection dogs play a crucial role in U.S. safety and security at home and abroad, but unlike other vital national security tools, the United States is importing approximately 85-90% of its […]

If you’re a hunter, you know what an asset the rugged Black and Tan Coonhound is in the field. If you’ve never hunted in your life, you know the breed as your best home companion, ready to sprawl on the sofa with you at a moment’s notice. This all-American scenthound is truly a dog for […]

It's difficult to choose the right pet for your family. Why not consider the Golden Retriever, one of America's most popular breeds?

Finding the perfect dog can sometimes be difficult. With so many options, how do you know which is right for you? The American Foxhound is described as an independent, easy-going, and sweet-tempered dog. George Washington owned many of this dog breed, and was a key player in the breed's development to what it is today.  […]

Finding a dog for your family is a hard decision. Why not consider the Labrador Retriever, one of the most popular breeds in the US?

(updated 8/16/24) 8/12/24 The Large Munsterlander Association of America will serve as the AKC Parent Club to represent the Large Munsterlander. 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 […]

The Akita is a beautiful and distinguished member of the Working Group. Learn about the history and personality of this ancient Japanese dog.

When you first meet a Rhodesian Ridgeback, the striking ridge of hair along the back and the imposing stature are immediately obvious. This is a strong, dignified, muscular breed, and a member of the Hound Group. Here are 10 Rhodesian Ridgeback facts to know. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Is a Product of Several Breeds This South […]

In this section you will find information related to each AKC Delegate Meeting. September 9-10, 2024 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Delegate Election Packet To be voted as one amendment: Chapter 9, Section 11 and Chapter 11, Section 12 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows Vote on the proposed amendment to Chapter 9, Section […]

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 American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) department has noticed a recent uptick in anti-dog policies on the local level. One of the most prevalent issues being considered in communities throughout the United States is the regulation of tethering. Supporters of such proposals often recycle appalling photos of neglected dogs that would horrify any […]