[accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations (April 2024 Board meeting)"] As an additional step in creating a safe and respectful sport environment for all, the AKC Board of Directors approved the following educational requirements policy and recommendations.  Effective immediately: AKC Board of Directors, Inspectors, Field Staff across all sports, AKC Registered Handlers, […]

Do I need an appointment to view or research collections? Yes, an appointment is necessary so that the Archivist can be present and prepared to meet your research needs. At least 48 hours advance notice is required to ensure all desired materials are available for viewing. Please contact the Archivist using this form. What are […]

Getting a puppy is a big decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. Have this list of questions handy to get to know your breeder and your potential puppy.

The Icelandic Sheepdog is as old as Iceland itself. The ancestors of these Nordic spitz dogs arrived on the island with its first human inhabitants in the late 800s, and were used to herd and guard sheep, horses, and cattle. Today, these small-to-mid-sized working dogs make loyal, loving family pets.

AKC Education consists of AKC Canine College, AKC Public Education, AKC Education Webinars, and Library and Archives. Each area plays an important role in achieving the mission and vision of AKC Education and in supporting the mission of American Kennel Club.   AKC Canine College is dedicated to creating quality online courses for judges, groomers, […]

Did you know the AKC has several grant opportunities and awards that are given throughout the year to various AKC clubs, federations, and other exceptional community leaders who work to advance responsible dog ownership? One award is the Walter Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation. The Bebout award honors individuals and organizations that demonstrate […]

Here you can access a list of AKC Government Relations resources available to help you be effective advocates for responsible dog ownership and breeding! Be sure to check back often, as we are continuously adding new items.  If you have any questions about these materials, or are dealing with a canine legislation issue, please contact […]

2024 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL December 14 & 15, 2024 All Sporting, Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting Breeds and Junior Showmanship Competition  will be Judged on Saturday All Working, Terrier, Herding Breeds, Miscellaneous and Best in Show will be Judged on Sunday The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes […]

The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin   Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL Friday, December 13, 2024   The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is a competition created especially for purebred dogs aged 6-18 months (Puppies 6-12 months/ […]

Did you know that the Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel are two different breeds? Learn more about the breed with these Cocker Spaniel fun facts.

Scheduling Conformation Events General Questions Points Schedule Formulation Specialties Held With All-Breed and Group Shows Classes and Entries Submitting Results Awards and Titles Judges and Judging Junior Showmanship Sweepstakes Trophies, Prizes, and Ribbons Club Membership Upload Tool Scheduling Conformation Events AKC recommended Best Practices to hire and assign judges, leading to an efficient schedule. General […]

Good dogs come from good breeders. Good breeders strive to improve their breeds while considering canine health, temperament, training and promoting responsible dog ownership. Part art, part science, and total devotion, breeding is exciting and challenging. Breeder education is key. The American Kennel Club will be honoring Parent Clubs which provide outstanding breeder education materials […]

Purebred dogs are symbols of the people and places that brought them into being. Every year, they're celebrated on National Purebred Dog Day.

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2024. 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 PYO: The Fear Inducing Three Letter Word Tuesday, January 9, 2024 […]

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 […]

Two dog-related bills garner continued consideration in the Massachusetts General Court. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Massachusetts residents to: Review and identify any concerns with the re-drafted and favorably released bills known as “Ollie’s Law;” and Contact your legislators in opposition to 826, banning new pet retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits. TO […]

The California legislative session is in full swing and AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) continues to track many bills of interest to dog owners. In addition, we will continue to watch for any amendments or other actions that could affect responsible dog ownership. The following are current statuses of bills that AKC GR is following, […]

On Tuesday, April 16, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee held a hearing for AB 2425, a bill seeking to address concerns in animal shelters and change the definition of a dog breeder in California code to encompass hobbyists. No vote was taken during the hearing and at this time AKC believes the Business […]

Lacey and Luisma Benítez, of LBK American Staffordshire Terriers, are the first and only Platinum Breeders of Merit of the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are a married couple, navigating life between Spain and St. Augustine, Florida, and have been deeply involved in this breed for 20 years. Luisma, who is from Spain, is a software […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="American Field Irish Setters (October 1975 Board meeting)"]  Based upon a request from the Irish Setter Club of America, AKC discontinued the registration of Irish Setters based upon pedigrees from the American Field Dog Stud Book. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Auction Policy (July 2003 Board meeting)"]  The Board reviewed its policy on Auctions, considering the […]