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Expert Advice: News
The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024
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!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2024/
| March 18, 2025
Press Releases
2025 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP JUDGING PANEL NOW AVAILABLE
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2025-akc-national-championship-judging-panel-now-available/
| March 13, 2025
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Rescue Network N Breeds
Neapolitan Mastiff Learn about Neapolitan Mastiffs [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club Susie Schramm; email: schramms1@frontiernet.net [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Newfoundland Learn about Newfoundlands [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Newfoundland Club of America [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Norfolk Terrier Learn about Norfolk Terriers [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Norfolk Terrier Club [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Norwich Terrier Learn about Norwich […]
https://www.akc.org/akc-rescue-network/rescue-network-n-breeds/
| July 13, 2020
Sports & Events
Judges’ Study Guides
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/judging-information/judges-study-guides/
| February 18, 2025

Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Working Dogs: Meet 32 Purposely-Bred Dogs
Each AKC-recognized breed is assigned to one of seven groups. We're taking a closer look at the Working Group to see what these 32 breeds were bred to do.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/working-group-dogs/
| August 1, 2020
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AKC Breeds Broken Out By Group
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, […]
https://www.akc.org/akc-breeds-by-group/
| December 23, 2024
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Breed-Specific DNA Testing Recommendations
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/dna/dna-resource-center/akc-dna-health/breed-specific-dna-testing-recommendations/
| March 12, 2024

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Breeds by Year Recognized
The AKC currently registers 201 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC. (last updated 11/20/24) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer 1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay) 1878 – Spaniel (Clumber) 1878 – Spaniel (Cocker) 1878 – Setter (English) 1878 – Setter (Gordon) […]
https://www.akc.org/press-center/articles-resources/facts-and-stats/breeds-year-recognized/
| August 12, 2019
Press Releases
2024 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP JUDGING PANEL NOW AVAILABLE
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2024-akc-national-championship-judging-panel-now-available/
| February 21, 2024
Press Releases
2024 NATIONAL OWNER-HANDLED SERIES FINALS & NATIONAL ALL-BREED PUPPY & JUNIOR STAKES JUDGING PANELS NOW AVAILABLE
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2024-national-owner-handled-series-finals-national-breed-puppy-junior-stakes-judging-panels-now-available/
| May 31, 2024

Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Built to Last: The Basics of Canine Conformation & Anatomy
While all dogs should have a basic soundness, their construction varies depending on breed and purpose. Understanding a dog's conformation requires looking at the canine from all angles. Even though there is nothing you can do to change your current dog's genetics, you can prevent injury and work on strengthening weak areas. Let's be honest: […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/basics-canine-conformation-anatomy/
| November 7, 2019

Expert Advice: Breed History
Neapolitan Mastiff History: From Italian War Dogs to Devoted Protectors
From their rope-like facial wrinkles to their tree-trunk-sized limbs, the Neapolitan Mastiff represents power. Learn more about Neapolitan Mastiff history.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/neapolitan-mastiff-history/
| March 11, 2021

Expert Advice: Health
Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs: What to Know
Antifreeze is a life-threatening danger to dogs if ingested. Learn to recognize the signs and how to protect your dog from antifreeze poisoning.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/antifreeze-poisoning-in-dogs/
| December 21, 2023

Expert Advice: News
The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023
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!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2023/
| March 20, 2024

Expert Advice: Breed History
Cane Corso History: From Ancient Italy to the Brink of Extinction
Cane Corso history starts with this hardy breed's origins in ancient Italy. It extends to near-extinction in the modern era to its revival.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/cane-corso-history/
| August 30, 2021

Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Warning Signs of Dehydration in Dogs
Dehydration in dogs occurs when the body loses more fluid than it's taking in. All mammals rely on water to keep their bodies functioning properly, and dogs are no exception. In fact, water is necessary for virtually every important body function, including lubricating joints, cushioning internal organs, aiding digestion, and regulating body temperature. When we […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/
| June 29, 2021

Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
The Largest Dog Breeds: What to Know
Giant dogs are some of the hardest-working and most recognizable breeds. But because many of them maintain the strong working instincts and drive they were bred for, they can be a lot to handle. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering adding one to your family. Maturation Giant dogs are giant […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/16-largest-dog-breeds/
| September 13, 2021

Expert Advice: Training
Why Dogs Growl and How to Handle It
Have you wondered why dogs growl? Dogs growl for many reasons, from wanting to threaten another dog to feeling threatened themselves.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-dogs-growl-and-how-to-handle-it/
| December 16, 2020

Expert Advice: Health
Cherry Eye in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
It's easy to panic when you see something on your dog's eye, especially if it's a large pink or reddish bump, which could be cherry eye in dogs.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cherry-eye-in-dogs/
| January 26, 2024

Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Meet the Mastiff Breeds
Majestic. Massive. Muscular. Mastiffs are among some of the oldest breeds known to humans. They feature in legend, as well as recorded history, and were among the first canines to accompany humans on their migrations across the globe. The mastiff family is full of powerful breeds, each with its own unique personality. Mastiffs have been […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/the-mastiff-breeds/
| March 29, 2017