Owner-handler Evelyn Dixon, of New Market, MD, isn't the only one who shows her Saint Bernard, "Enzo," in the conformation ring — her son does, too.

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?

Why do dogs and puppies cough? Every dog or puppy coughs from time to time, but here's how to know when to call a vet for help.

Dogs can become infected with Giardia in a number of different ways, leading to giardiasis. Learn about Giardia in dogs and how to deal with giardiasis in dogs if your pet is diagnosed with that condition.

Toy dogs are more than just small. Learn more about each of the Toy Group breeds and find out what exactly these adorable dogs were bred to do.

Can dogs be albino? Yes, and certain breeds are more prone to the gene than others. Read about albino dog history, and what to do to keep them healthy.

The AKC currently registers 200 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  1878 – Setter […]

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, […]

Meet "Granger" the Rottweiler, 12.5 month-old winner of the 2023 AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes.

Meet Lauren Luckey: Bitten by the Dog Training Bug Name: Lauren Luckey Age: 17 Hometown: Georgetown, TX Grade: 12th Family: Parents, Mike and Gretchen Luckey; younger sister, Danielle Photo by Gretchen Jernigan Lauren’s family already owned a few dogs and other pets, but when Jax came along, his high energy and sniffy ways made it clear […]

Luxating patella in dogs is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, diagnosed in 7 percent of puppies. How do you treat it?

There is not much in this world cuter than a puppy. Besides their downy ears and ridiculous antics, part of their undeniable appeal is their soft puppy coats. Unfortunately for adoring owners, puppyhood doesn’t last forever. Loss of puppy coat is a normal part of your dog’s growth, but it can be alarming for first-time […]

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin has a new record-breaking entry. Five thousand three hundred eighty-five (5,376) dogs will compete for the title of America’s National Champion on December 17 and 18, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Combined with the other weekend events, including the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, the […]

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 Congratulations to these dogs who have earned more MACHs: MACH21 Donaldson's Daisy […]

Have you ever felt overcome with emotion at the sight of a cute and fuzzy animal? Does seeing a picture of a baby smiling make you want to pinch their...

It goes without saying that in your house, your dog is the most popular. But what do the statistics say? The American Kennel Club has used registration data to compile the list of 2021’s most popular breeds. As always, the Labrador Retriever tops the list — this time for the 31st year!  The Lab's temperament […]

Canine Athletes from the 50 States, Washington, D.C. and 13 Countries Will Vie for Best in Show The AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin continues to draw impressive numbers. An entry of 5,051 dogs will compete for the title of National Champion on December 18 and 19, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. Combined with the […]

Humans have much longer lifespans than dogs. This is a basic fact of dog ownership and one that many owners struggle with when the time comes to say goodbye. While we may wish our dogs could live forever, knowing how long dogs live helps prepare us for their needs as seniors, ensuring that we give […]

These bright energetic dogs got their name from their place of origin, a province now located in Germany. The name Pomerania means "land by the sea." Although tiny, with an ideal weight somewhere between three and seven pounds, according to the breed standard, this member of the Toy Group is actually related to heavier sled […]

Attention, city slickers! You, too, can own a happy, adjusted dog—even in the smallest studio space. These six breeds do great as apartment dogs. To them, a tiny space is more than enough as long as they receive the proper amount of exercise and socialization. Greyhound They may be known for their speed while running, but […]

Dogs from the 50 States, Washington, D.C. and All Over the World Will Vie for Best in Show The AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin continues to top itself, drawing record numbers in its 19th year. An entry of 5,284 dogs will compete for the title of National Champion on December 14 and 15, […]

Every sport has had its great ones. And the sport of dogs had Alva Rosenberg. Excruciatingly modest and correspondingly revered, Alva Rosenberg was, and arguably still is, the most respected judge in the history of dog shows in America, and perhaps the world. Even the British, who invented the conformation game and have no tendency to […]

Stone Age fossils suggest that spitz-type dogs resembling today's Keeshond co-existed with cavemen back as far as 5000 B.C. Images of dogs just like them appear on everything from ancient Greek wine jugs to the Great Seal of Amsterdam. Today, they are the national dog of the Netherlands. Historians have different opinions of how the […]

Love dogs? Love stocking up on back-to-school essentials? Then this is the shopping list for you. From lunch bags and backpacks to pens and pencils, here are some of our favorite supplies perfect for letting your — or your child's — pet-loving personality shine. 1. “Best in Show” Pencils for Dog-Lovers U.S. Toy Dog Pencils […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

Left to their own devices, young puppies can get in a lot of trouble, from soiling the carpet to chewing your favorite pair of shoes. That’s why it’s important to start training early and keep a close eye on them, especially when they’re still learning what’s expected of them. And the best way to do […]

  The American Kennel Club has announced that as of January 1, 2003 two new breeds - the Toy Fox Terrier and the German Pinscher - have been granted regular status as AKC-recognized breeds and are eligible for competition in the Toy and the Working Groups, respectively. The Toy Fox Terrier The Toy Fox Terrier […]

Meet Reigning AKC / Eukanuba National Champion “London” the Standard Poodle In celebration of dogs in art, the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and Bonhams Auction House are hosting their annual charity brunch, Barkfest at Bonhams, on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 10 a.m. to noon, benefiting the AKC Humane Fund, Inc.  Dog lovers and art […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and Royal Canin are pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2016 National Championship to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2016. The 2016 event will showcase the top national and international dogs and will also […]