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 […]

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 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’s […]

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.

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 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 […]

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® (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 […]

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 […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 202 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 1/01/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

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...

Every dog owner wants their pet to be healthy and live a long life. Whether you're new to owning a dog or planning to add another companion to your...

Renal dysplasia (RD), also known as renal malformation, refers to a type of congenital chronic kidney disease. Learn more about renal dysplasia in dogs.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 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 […]

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!

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2025"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2024. 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 […]

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. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

Your dog's eye and vision evolved to emphasize the vision needed for hunting at night. Yours evolved for picking berries during the day. Here's how.

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?

Colitis in dogs is an inflammation of the colon, which is the large bowel or large intestine. If you think your dog has colitis, here's what to know.

AKC Meet the Breeds events are a fun and educational way to spend a day with the whole family, and maybe even figure out which dog breed is right for you! If you are attending an AKC Meet the Breeds event, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can find out […]

    2023 AKC Fast CAT Invitational Best of Breed Winners Results as of 12/15/23 3:11PM ***All official and final results will be posted following the conclusion of the event*** Breed Call Name Owner Final Time Airedale Terrier Oliver Lauren Combs 7.754 Alaskan Klee Kai Isla Cheryl Simpson 8.746 Alaskan Malamute McKinley Nadaga Poist 8.645 […]

If you're looking for a fun new behavior to teach your dog consider teaching them to dig on cue! It's also a great way to redirect destructive digging.

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 […]