One of the oldest of the Arctic sled dog breeds, the Alaskan Malamute (Malamute) has a proud history of working and living in extremely harsh conditions. These tireless dogs are members of the Working Group, and their form and function directly relate to their origin of heavy freighting. They are not racing dogs, but are [...]

When you think of dogs pulling sleds in the Arctic, what breed comes to mind? Is it the Siberian Husky (Siberian) or the Alaskan Malamute (Mal)? Maybe you didn't realize that, for all their similarities, these are two distinct breeds. Granted, they both originated in Arctic areas, both have thick double coats, and they both [...]

The Alaskan Malamute is the heavy-freight hauler of the canine world, created to pull cargo on sledges through frozen wastelands. These powerhouses share their genetic ancestry with other Northern breeds, such as Siberian Huskies and Samoyeds that are thought to have descended from wolf-dogs hybrids established before the end of the Stone Age. The Malamute [...]

The American Kennel Club has released registration statistics for 2025. Who will be crowned the most popular breed?

Dogs are renowned for their ability to read humans. But a study shows that the type of breed influences their level of human communication.

New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of [...]

When you mention the "Siberian Husky," many envision sled dogs racing across vast ice fields. But these dogs have grown to be great pets and performance event dogs.

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!

I can hardly believe the first day of winter is almost upon us! Where did the warm summer sunshine go? Cold weather is just around the corner, and I must be honest: My dog loves winter and I do not. This means we must meet in the middle. Meeting in the middle will look different [...]

If the luxurious coat of your plush-coated breed is gradually becoming dull and sparse, but they appear otherwise healthy, this could relate to Alopecia X.

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...

An immensely strong, heavy-duty worker of spitz type, the Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, loyal, and playful but dignified dog recognizable by his well-furred plumed tail carried over the back, erect ears, and substantial bone.

The spotlight shines on a rare breed that was developed in America – the Chinook. Junie represents this working breed in League this season, running on an Elementary team in Alaska where she puts her sled dog genes to good use, as well as running agility. The Chinook is the state dog of New Hampshire; that [...]

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 [...]

Susan S. Giles was presented with the 2025 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos at the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 13, 2025.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the health, temperament and [...]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of the Year group [...]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for 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 AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior [...]

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 include popular attractions such [...]

As we look to the future of purebred dogs, we must recognize the growing challenges posed by legislation that could endanger the breeds we love. In recent months, we’ve witnessed firsthand how local laws and regulations can impact breeders and enthusiasts. From Cathy Pike's experience with the endangered Lagotto Romagnolo breed in Washington, to [...]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 205 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 3/10/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions. First developed [...]