Update: Season 4 is coming soon! In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, 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 […]

"Perogie" the Bernese Mountain Dog spent the first five years of his life as a farm dog. Then, a chance encounter got him started in conformation.

The Chihuahua is an adorable, athletic, and smart dog. There’s a lot of personality and attitude packed into that compact body. Here are nine things to know about this member of the Toy Group. Chihuahuas Were Important to the Aztecs The Aztec nobility of Mexico kept Chihuahuas. The breed was so sacred that, when an aristocrat […]

Choosing a name for your girl dog requires some creative inspiration and plenty of thought. After all, this is a name that you'll be saying to your new puppy every day for many happy years ahead. Like human baby girl names, female dog names rise and fall in popularity. It's unlikely you're meeting a lot […]

Choosing your boy dog's name is important, as it's a name you and your new puppy will be living with for a long time, so it deserves some thought. A good boy dog name can actually enhance your dog's responsiveness and improve communication between you over a lifetime. We've compiled the top 100+ most popular […]

National pride, a lush natural landscape, and abundant game helped the German Shorthaired Pointer rise in popularity. Learn about the breed's history.

Want to give your dog a special moniker? Check out our list of unique dog names — you're bound to find something original!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the ideal combination of a warmth and gentleness and the athleticism and spirit of a hunter. All in a toy-sized package!

Competition/Titles Update Fall 2021 We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) AGCH MACH3 Day's Katie […]

Though we often don’t think about them in this way, dogs are really about people — those long-ago (or, sometimes, not-so-long-ago) figures who developed particular breeds for particular tasks. Some breeds — like the Doberman Pinscher, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and Cesky Terrier — owe their existence to just one visionary person. Other breeds were brought into being […]