All dog breeds hit different developmental and growth milestones at various times, and Poodles are no exception to this rule. A big part of Poodle development depends on the variety of your Poodle. Poodles come in three different varieties: Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Standard Poodles. Standards are 15 inches and taller, at the shoulder, […]

Dog shows are supposed to be about, well, dogs. But because our breeds are also a reflection of our cultural attitudes, sometimes they become about much more. Consider, for example, the recent Westminster Kennel Club show. In the booming confines of Madison Square Garden on Best in Show night as judge Robert Slay surveyed the […]

At the 144th iteration of the famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show held in New York City's cavernous Madison Square Garden, judge Robert H. Slay pointed to “Siba" the black Standard Poodle for Best in Show. That win — in an entry of almost 2,600 dogs — marked the fifth time one of these elaborately […]

Poodles are among the most instantly recognizable of all dog breeds. Known largely for their stylish looks, the athletic, eager, and intelligent Poodle has so many more talents besides simply looking pretty. Learn more about this iconic Non-Sporting Group breed. Poodles Originated in Germany Although it is the national dog of France, the Poodle actually […]

AKD 6.13 1884-2016 [bulk: 1931-2016]   34 linear ft in 46 boxes (29 doc boxes; 1 legal box; 8 album boxes, 2 cartons; 3 flat boxes, 3 microfilm boxes) and 2 A/V drawers Processed by Brynn White, 2016 Click here to the view complete inventory and/or to search all AKC archival collections Click here for […]

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 […]

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!

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 […]

Donna Fox has only recently retired from dog sports: at 89 years old. Now 95, she reflects on her lifelong love of Poodles and dog Obedience.

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 footage, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show […]

The AKC® National Championship presented by Royal Canin has a new record-breaking entry. A grand total of 5,762 dogs will compete for the title of America’s National Champion on December 16 and 17, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Combined with the other weekend events, including the AKC®/Royal Canin National All-Breed […]

LGBTQIA+ dog owners have always been part of AKC dog sports. For some, the dog world has been a supportive haven, while for others, it has been more challenging.

Want to know what to expect if you’re a Junior participating at the Poodle Club of America’s National Specialty? Walk through the week with me. They’ll be soooo much more you’ll experience, but we can at least hit the highs. The Poodle Club of America (PCA) Junior Education Program was established in 2013 by Dennis […]

Corded dogs are some of the most awe-inspiring sights at any dog show. But what breeds can cord, and how do they get like that?

The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot

If you are unfamiliar with the spunky, sturdy breed known as the Havanese, you might make the mistake of thinking it is some sort of Poodle. Or, you might think it is related to the Bichon Frise. If you guessed any of these well-known breeds, you’d be on the right track, because all of them […]

Our dogs are extremely important parts of our daily lives. They follow our commands, work with us in various capacities, and act as faithful companions. Studies have shown that dogs provide health benefits. Service dogs have these abilities, combined with training to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.  During the last decade, the use of service dogs has rapidly expanded. However, more […]

What tugs at our hearts more than an adorable Chihuahua peeking out of Reese Witherspoon’s purse in the movie Legally Blonde? Perhaps it is the sight of puppies glee­ fully romping through scenes in 101 Dalmatians, or the exploits of Otis, the endearing Pug, in The Adventures of Milo and Otis. Dogs occupy a treasured […]

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 […]

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 […]

Originally appeared on dogcanceranswers.com, where Dr. Jerry Klein was asked to be part of a podcast discussing the responsible ways to get a dog. Dr. Jerry Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club, joins Dog Cancer Answers to discuss things to look for when choosing a breeder to increase the odds of […]

You never know what's waiting in the attic. In 1996, Wayne Ferguson was visiting St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey, a rescue group where he was a board member. An employee who knew of his involvement in purebred dogs gave him a tip in passing. “Mr. Ferguson, you should go in the […]

For the most updated statistics, check out the latest rankings of America's most popular dog breeds. Is your dog’s breed winning popularity contests this year? Now you can find out! The most popular dog breeds of 2020 were released on March 16, 2021, based on American Kennel Club registration statistics. America continues its love affair […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2020 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “We are proud to honor these esteemed breeders,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “Each of them has made important contributions to the […]

When Maria B. Moya was growing up, she always wanted a dog, but it wasn’t possible where her family lived. Then she got out on her own and moved to Hoboken, New Jersey. In her new town, everyone, it seemed, had a dog. Many of them were the trendy mixed-breeds, known as "Goldendoodles." Moya, who […]

As a child and young adult, Laura Haas helped her family breed German Shepherd Dogs. But it wasn't until an encounter later in life with a whole new breed that re-ignited Haas's love of producing beautiful purebred dogs. “In 2008 while at an AKC conformation show, I met a Black Russian Terrier for the first time," […]

Like many of you in the sport, I haven’t been to a dog show since early March. The cancellation of shows nationwide began a little later that month, as we sheltered in place to deal with the pandemic. Of course, our lives in dogs continued during that forced hiatus; we whelped litters, groomed, kept up […]

Wondering how popular your pooch really is? Now you can find out. The most popular dog breeds of 2019 were released on May 1, 2020 (also National Purebred Dog Day) based on 2019 AKC registration statistics. It may come as no surprise that the Labrador Retriever takes the top spot for the 29th year in a row, […]

The Golden Retriever may be America's third most popular dog breed, but Tammy Tomlinson is not your average Golden owner. From her Ligonier, Pennsylvania-based Hillock Goldens kennel, Tomlinson has bred, owned, and handled the adored Sporting Group breed for over 40 years, and produced scores of conformation champions and dog sport athletes across the spectrum. […]