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 […]

Does your dog have a double coat? Learn how double coats work, why they matter, and how to groom double-coated breeds throughout the year.

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="In the Zone - August 2026"] AKC Agility League Spotlight: Basset Hounds Show Their Breed Can Do It All Meet the Teams: Young at Heart AKC Agility League Fall Season Enrollment is Open [/accordion_panel] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="In the Zone - July 2026"] Wall Jump Soon to Be Allowed in Lower Levels Welcome […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link Review & FAQ’s on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

Learn how to teach your dog to dig on cue using positive reinforcement. Discover step-by-step training tips and ways to redirect unwanted digging.

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!

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

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 […]

Love the look of wolves? Explore 10 dog breeds with wolf-like features and find out what makes each breed unique.

Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but can also be overwhelming. There are so many elements to basic puppy training, and some, like socialization, have a tight timeline. So what are the behaviors should you teach a puppy first? In This Article Potty Training Crate Training Alone Time Training Teaching Appropriate Chewing Socialization and Confidence […]

Affenpinscher Learn about Affenpinschers [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Affenpinscher Rescue of America Donna Wolfe; www.affenpinscherrescue.org [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Afghan Hound Learn about Afghan Hounds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Afghan Hound Club of America Martha Powell Phone: 877-AFRESCU (877-237-3728) Email: affierescue@aol.com Greater Twin Cities Afghan Hound Club Susan Weatherhead Phone: 651-428-1706 Email: sweatherhead@comcast.net Address: 7194 Clear Ridge, Centerville, MN 55038 […]

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 […]

The spotlight shines on a mother and son of a Working breed not seen often in agility – the Alaskan Malamute. Zenny and her son, Pickle, run with the Dream Acres teams in Wisconsin and excel at a number of other endeavors, including sledding and carting. Their breeder and trainer, Jen Effler, has had a […]

When you think of howling, you might think of wolves. But howling is also a common dog behavior, too. So why do dogs howl? Is it a throwback to their wolf ancestry? Or are there different reasons behind the call?

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 […]

For the complete requirements for eligibility, download the Special Registry Services booklet on the Rules and Regulations page. You may also find helpful information by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions. Foreign Dogs may be eligible for registration in the AKC Stud Book, provided: The dog is of a breed eligible for individual registration in the […]

For Karen Rowan, a lifelong love of dogs became a decades-long commitment to one breed in particular: the Dalmatian. Alongside her husband, Paul, Rowan has spent more than 30 years developing Gaelic Dalmatians in North Carolina. Their program reflects careful planning, respect for the breed’s history and purpose, and a deep commitment to responsible breeding. […]

Blue eyes in Siberian Huskies are caused by a different genetic mutation than the one seen in other blue-eyed dog breeds. So what makes them blue?

Hyperkeratosis refers to the overproduction of keratin, the protein that makes up a dog's hair, skin, and nails. Learn about the condition.

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, […]

Ever heard the word spitz to describe a dog? Learn about these fascinating breeds, which are characterized by their wolf-like appearance.

Digging is such a source of joy for so many dogs. Has your dog filled your yard with holes? Does your garden look like gophers had a wild party? Digging is a common problem behavior in dogs, and many dog owners suffer the consequences at some point. It can be challenging to prevent, and dangerous […]

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; […]

How long can you keep your dog outside? Here we explore just how to determine when it's time to call your dog back inside after a day of outdoor fun.

Sled dog breeds have helped humans survive in the Arctic for millennia. Learn more about the work these breeds have done and the sports they participate in today.

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 […]

Any pet owner knows that dogs don't mind being smelly and dirty. In fact, many dogs delight in rolling around in all sorts of substances we may think of as disgusting, or tearing through brush and mud puddles. At some point, your dog is going to need a bath. How to bathe your dog, and […]

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, […]

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