In December 2021, a Giant Schnauzer named Bayou made breed history by being the first to win the AKC National Championship. But even in the ring, Bayou’s instincts came through. The dog's handler, Alfonso Escobedo, took note of the dog's behavior. The giant canine kept his eyes on the same location in the ring, to […]

In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, now in Season Four, 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 brings dog […]

"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 […]

Are you a Disney fanatic? Do you eat, sleep, and breathe all things "Beauty and the Beast" or maybe "Finding Nemo"? Or perhaps you're just a casual Disney fan who loves a good classic and a name like "Meeko." Either way, when you're looking for a name for your new puppy, there's no better place […]

The flea circus your grandfather told you about was cute. Fleas on your dog are not. If your home feels like it is turning into your very own flea circus, you definitely need to take some action. Flea pills for dogs can be a very effective method for getting rid of fleas on dogs, and […]

Australian Shepherds are smart and energetic dogs. They have so many winning traits, no wonder they're one of the the country's most popular breeds.

Like many Americans whose ancestors arrived in previous centuries, the Australian Shepherd history is a confounding mix of many different cultures.

From tenacious terriers to stunning sighthounds, learn more about the 8 AKC-recognized Irish dog breeds that hail from the Emerald Isle.

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adding Junior Membership to AKC Member Club Bylaws (November 2022 Board meeting)"] The Board VOTED to permit existing clubs to add “Junior” as a membership option to their club Bylaws without AKC reviewing and approving each club’s Bylaws. The Board will receive notice from Club Relations of the clubs that have added “Junior […]

Known to much of the public for decades as a "toy Collie" or the "little Lassie dog," the Shetland Sheepdog has in recent years come into its own as a distinguished, popular breed — and, happily for its devoted fanciers, the public has moved beyond these inaccurate nicknames. Indeed, although the Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, […]

When your picky dog turns down kibble, there are lots of other options. Fresh, human-grade dog food, delivered to your door, may be the best choice.

The smallest of the retrievers, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an intelligent obedience dog. Read more about the history of this peerless gundog.

The American Kennel Club's 201st recognized breed is the Lancashire Heeler, but where did it come from? Their origins aren't entirely clear.

There are many reasons to change a dog's name, and it only takes a few simple steps to do so. Learn why and how to change your dog's name.

The FDA is investigating potential links between canine heart disease and diet — specifically grain-free dog food diets. We've compiled the information you need to know to understand this ongoing investigation. Why Is the FDA Investigating Grain-Free Dog Food? It is easy to panic anytime we see an FDA headline about pet food. After all, keeping our dogs […]

You did the dog breed research, you stocked up on all the puppy essentials, you puppy-proofed your home, you found a veterinarian, you've booked basic dog training classes, and you chose the best dog food. But there's another big decision to make: what in the world are you going to name your new puppy or […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce its list of the most popular dog names of 2023. “Choosing a name is a very personal and meaningful decision for dog owners, as dogs are an integral part of our families,” […]

Akita history tells the story of an ancient breed's devotion: and breeders' commitment to restoring it to glory.

For most people, being a responsible dog owner takes the form of caring for our dogs. That means socializing them to become good canine citizens, cleaning up after them, and ensuring they have good veterinary care, nutrition, a warm bed — if not the couch — and toys and treats. But for purebred dog breeders, […]

These friendly dog breeds, both common and rare, are lovable and adorable. Learn more about each of the breeds and figure out if one of them might be the right fit for your family.

Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They're known for being great family pets, but there's a lot that you probably didn't know about Beagles. Here are 10 interesting facts about this beloved breed. 1. Beagles Were Bred For Hunting Beagles are excellent dogs for hunting rabbits and hares. […]

These Dachshund facts tell the story of a fascinating and hard-working dog breed. Learn all about this German dog with a hunting past.