Every year, the AKC publishes its list of breed rankings by popularity, based on registration statistics. While some breeds stay towards the top of the rankings, like the reigning French Bulldog, there are some rare breeds that maintain their status towards the bottom of the list. But why are some breeds considered "rare" - and […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] The AKC Detection Dog Task Force invites you to join an upcoming webinar: Comparing Multiple Approaches to the Breeding and Training of Detection Dogs. Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM (ET) Duration: Approximately 1 hour Industry experts with diverse backgrounds will compare and contrast their approaches to breeding and […]

37 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – AB 2344 standardizes and strengthens due process protections for dog owners in California facing proceedings to declare their dogs potentially dangerous or vicious, raising the evidentiary standard and mandating uniform notification and […]

When your dog is wet from a bath, swimming, or from walking outside in the rain or snow it's important to dry them thoroughly. Drying your dog can help...

Move over, most popular! The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, has reviewed AKC’s registration statistics and found that the Norwegian Lundehund is the rarest dog breed in the United States. The Norwegian Lundehund, the only dog bred […]

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, […]

Yesterday, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Senate Bill 707 which bans “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. The new law becomes effective […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia City Council approved Bill No. 250989 which would impose a 36-month moratorium on the breeding and the sale or transfer of any dog under 7 months of age within the city to address overcrowding at the city’s shelters.  […]

The following are highlights of the numerous bills in Congress that could impact dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs. Visit our 2026 Legislation Tracking map click on the arrow on the Region column to filter for US Federal legislation and get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues […]

Spring signals a very busy season for dog competitors and exhibitors.  With more sunshine and warmer weather throughout the country, there are numerous events in which to participate from national specialties and conformation shows to a variety of performance events including field trials, barn and hunt tests, Fast CAT, and more. Yet language added to […]

Puppy strangles (or juvenile cellulitis) is a rare inflammatory skin disease. Learn how vets diagnose and treat this noncontagious condition.

If your dog is lost, the first 48 hours are crucial to finding them. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do if your dog is lost.

Learn how the Bordetella vaccine for dogs can help prevent or reduce symptoms of kennel cough, how effective it is, and when and how it's administered.

This is the last week for the Illinois Senate to vote on Senate bills and send them to the House of Representatives.  Among the bills expected to be considered is one that will impose a number of new requirements on anyone who is licensed as a dog breeder in the state – which could include […]

Why register your dog with the AKC? It’s a question many people ask when they are bringing home a new puppy or grown dog. With the exception of those who have firmly set their sights on the conformation show ring and breeding the next generation of champions, the benefits of registration may not be obvious. […]

Registering with the AKC connects dog owners to a community that values purebred pride, offering them lifetime benefits and carrying on the legacy of your beloved breed. As a breeder and exhibitor, you understand the value of AKC support. But puppy buyers don’t always understand the importance of AKC registration, so we have gathered some […]

It may seem like a bad behavior, but leash biting is often a symptom of a dog being frustrated. But with training, it can be prevented or eliminated.

The 2026 session of the Georgia General Assembly adjourned after considering a range of measures impacting dog owners, breeders, and animal welfare stakeholders. The American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) team remained actively engaged throughout the session, by working with state and local partners to advocate for responsible dog ownership policies and balanced, workable […]

What makes a dog smart? Discover how canine intelligence is defined and which dog breeds consistently rank highest.

The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through March 31, 2026.  These and other victories have been won in cooperation with AKC federations, clubs, and responsible dog owners and breeders around the country who continue to work tirelessly to promote positive canine legislation in their state and community. […]

2026 AKC Photo Contest OFFICIAL RULES NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  MANY WILL ENTER, FEW WILL WIN.  A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  INTERNET ACCESS AND EMAIL ADDRESS REQUIRED. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS WILL APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Eligibility: The […]

Ever heard the word spitz to describe a dog? Learn about these fascinating breeds, which are characterized by their wolf-like appearance.

Tomorrow (Thursday, April 9), the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee will hold a hearing on a proposed ordinance (File No. 251162) that would institute mandatory spay, neuter, or chemical sterilization for nearly all dogs in San Francisco. If advanced, the proposal would go to the full Board of Supervisors […]

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 […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. 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 AKC Agility League Thursday, April 2, 2026 View Here AKC Dog […]

The AKC Education Webinar Series provides an opportunity for club members, judges, breeders, trainers and the general dog-owning public to learn more about topics that are of interest to them. Do you have an idea for a topic you would like covered as part of the AKC Education Webinar Series? Tell us about it here. […]

In Florida’s competitive Junior Showmanship scene, young handlers like Gemma Eldridge must be exceptional to be noticed.

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 Certificate […]

Can dogs think about themselves? Are dogs self-aware? New research suggests that yes: dogs do have self-awareness.

How do you know if your dog has anxiety? What can you do to treat dog anxiety? We're here to explain everything you need to know.