Thinking of Buying a Puppy? Find a Responsible Breeder. Don't be put off if a breeder isn't immediately responsive. Hobby breeders often have full-time jobs and they don't always have available puppies. Be selective. Find a responsible breeder who is knowledgeable and make sure you're comfortable with them. Visit the breeder's home or kennel and [...]

See below for useful articles and resources including commonly asked questions and data from the American Kennel Club and its affiliates. Breeds by Year Recognized AKC National Breed Clubs: Breed Rescue Family Tips Puppy Buying Why Purebreds? Responsible Breeders Seniors When to See the Vet Bereavement What is Agility? Top Breeds in Major U.S [...]

Use the following resources as a guide to responsible dog breeding. You may also want to watch the AKC webinar on Planning Breedings: Are you ready to breed a litter of puppies? Prepare Yourself for Breeding a Litter of Puppies Breed to Improve Understand the Commitment Choose A Suitable Mate Know Your Genetics Finalize Stud [...]

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase from a responsible breeder. While the AKC does not endorse or recommend specific breeders, we do offer several resources to locate breeders. The AKC recommends puppy buyers begin the search process by contacting the AKC Parent Club. Please [...]

Brochures Our brochures are available in a downloadable PDF that can be printed and copied for your convenience. The Joys and Advantages of Owning an AKC®-Registered Purebred Dog View and Print Online Welcome to the American Kennel Club View and Print Online Why Register Your Purebred Dog with the AKC®? View and Print Online [...]

2022 | 2019 | 2018 November 10, 2021 – AKC DDTF Webinar Series - Recap and Recording: Dogs that Work Need Diets that Work (Blog & click link to view recording)   August 31, 2021 - AKC DDTF Webinar Series - Webinar Highlights Essential Qualities at 3 – 6 Months for Future Detection Dogs (Blog & click link to view recording) Questions & Answers: 3 -6 Month Puppies, Getting [...]

PROGRAM SUMMARY In March 2014, the AKC Board of Directors approved the development of a program for all breeders. The program’s intent is to improve the health and well-being of purebred dogs by challenging breeders to meet health testing standards and participate in continuing education. The program will provide marketing and other support for those [...]

Why Purebred? Welcoming a canine companion into your life is a commitment that may last 10 years or more. Finding a pet whose temperament matches your lifestyle and personality is best achieved by researching and selecting a purebred--a dog with predictable characteristics. There are as many breeds as there are lifestyles. Some reasons to consider a [...]

Whether you’re breeding your first litter or next Best in Show winner, we offer invaluable resources for dog breeders, including up-to-date information, ongoing educational programs and more: Litter Registration Show you are a responsible breeder and that your puppies meet breed standards! When you register your litters with the AKC, you get a Registration [...]

AKC Public Education offers brochures and other resources that contain a wealth of information for current and prospective dog owners. Volunteer Insurance for your club Equisure [accordion] [accordion_panel title="PEC Kits"] AKC Public Education provides the following resources in a kit that can be ordered for your next event. The following resources are included [...]

Finding a Friend in Fido: Tips for Considering a Dog A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society demonstrated that independently-living seniors with pets tend to have better physical health and mental well being than those who don't. But for many seniors, the fear of not being able to provide the proper [...]

Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2022. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link Resources AKC DDTF Webinar Series: 6-9 Month Puppies, Getting Started Right for Detection Work Wednesday [...]

A Canine for the Kids? What to Know When Considering a New Dog Choosing the right breed to fit your family's lifestyle After hearing "Please can we get a dog?" from your children for the one-thousandth time, perhaps you are considering adding a canine to the family portrait. There are many suitable options for families [...]

What information does the DNA testing provide? AKC DNA Profiling is for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes only. It does not provide information regarding genetic health, conformation, performance ability, coat color, etc. AKC DNA testing does not determine the breed of a dog. Can DNA testing determine the breed of a dog? No. AKC [...]

By Jo Ann WhiteThere are many good reasons to buy a well-bred purebred dog from a responsible breeder. The first, of course, is predictability. You will know whether you are getting a breed that exemplifies what you want from a dog, rather than an albeit cute puppy who could grow up to be something other [...]

Finding a responsible breeder you trust is your first—and most important—step to finding your new best friend. Breeders are invaluable resources. Not only are they a bridge between you and your perfect dog, but you can also rely on them throughout your dog’s lifetime. Think of a breeder as your own private [...]

Recently I helped a breeder friend compile a package of handouts to send to prospective owners. This was her first litter so she was new to the process. I was surprised to learn that her bitch’s breeder had not sent her anything comparable when she was shopping for a puppy. I used to think [...]

By Cheri Rankin It all started when my daughter, Erin, wanted a "sled dog" for her fourth birthday (because she was enamored of sled-dog movies like Iron Will and Balto). I've been a dog lover all my life and had always had a dog growing up, but at that point we had not had a [...]

As a dog trainer and an instructor for puppy socialization classes, I can’t help but notice that almost all of the purebred puppies I see (and many popular purposely-bred mixes) are not from good local breeders but were purchased through the Internet. It’s actually quite astonishing: On a whim, anyone can [...]

Searching for a new purebred puppy isn’t necessarily as easy as it seems. Sure, anyone can post an advertisement for healthy, purebred, AKC-registered puppies on sites like Facebook and Craigslist, but that doesn’t make them true. It is important for dog owners to know where exactly their new furry friend came from to [...]

At some point, every dog owner is faced with the question: To breed or not to breed? If you are considering becoming a breeder, please keep the following in mind. Responsible breeders embrace the belief that each new litter should represent an improvement over the last. Responsible breeders are aware that each breed has an [...]

For the past several years, legislation has been introduced in Iowa that would further expand some of the most restrictive dog breeding rules in the country. A dedicated group of Iowa breeders and club members have joined together and been working tirelessly to share the other side of the story – all the ways responsible [...]

Getting a dog should be a well-planned decision to ensure a lifelong commitment. Dogs are not objects that are returned if you change your mind because they have become too big, too energetic, or too time-consuming to care for properly. For the greatest chance for success, put forth the effort to find the best match [...]

Maybe this column should be titled “How Not to Buy an Italian Greyhound Puppy.” There are some definite “no-no’s” when it comes to shopping for a purebred puppy of any breed, but there are actually some things that apply to IGs that might not be an issue for other [...]

Did you purchase your puppy from a breeder? They should be a valuable resource when you have questions or problems about your new dog.

ASK AKC  Dear AKC: My question regards breeding. I have a young male Beagle, about a year and a half, and I'd like to breed him with another beagle. I am told by my veterinarian, who has bred beagles extensively in the past that it is next to impossible for a breeder [...]

By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation  By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation The images are enough to break anyone’s heart – stray dogs roaming the street without proper food, water and basic needs; shelters overflowing with unwanted animals.  There is no question that something needs to be done.  The dogs [...]

For the past several years, legislation has been introduced in Iowa that would further expand some of the most restrictive dog breeding rules in the country. A dedicated group of Iowa breeders and club members have joined together and been working tirelessly to share the other side of the story – all the ways responsible breeders [...]

As Congress returns for the brief lame-duck session, lawmakers are racing to pass major legislation, including the Farm Bill, before the end of the year. One of the most pressing concerns is the potential inclusion of harmful amendments that would impact responsible dog breeders and the wellbeing of purebred dogs. Animal rights lobbyists are pushing [...]

By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation The images are enough to break anyone’s heart – stray dogs roaming the street without proper food, water and basic needs; shelters overflowing with unwanted animals.  There is no question that something needs to be done.  The dogs – and the people of Puerto Rico – deserve better. But punishing those [...]