The AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Program was established in 2006 to provide each AKC Member Club with an embossed AKC medallion to award on a yearly basis as an ongoing effort to celebrate its volunteer club members. This award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition that have made a difference in the Sport of […]

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  1/14/26, last updated 1/15/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is thrilled to announce that the Dog Writer’s Association of America has honored AKC Publications and AKC Digital Content with over 20 nominations across multiple categories.   “We are incredibly proud of the work we do,” says Kate McCroary, […]

Elizabeth Jennings and her 14-month-old Bracco Italiano prove the breed is capable of being a part of the Pennsylvania Wilderness Search and Rescue Unit.

Yesterday, both chambers of the New Jersey General Assembly failed to act on bills   banning retail pet stores that could have impacted home-based breeders. AKC thanks our partner, the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs, and the many individuals who took the time to contact members of the General Assembly in defeating these bills. Your […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2025"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2025. 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 Neonate Navigation: Is that Normal? Wednesday, January 15, 2025  View Here […]

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. […]

Virtual monthly webinar learning experiences created by breeders for breeders. Join renowned experts in these educational opportunities for breeders! 2026 Schedule Wednesday, January 28, 2026 7:00 pm (EST) – Eddie Dziuk, COO Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) “OFA Testing and the Breeder’s Commitment to Canine Health” Join Eddie Dziuk, Chief Operating Officer of the Orthopedic […]

Discover if the Yorkshire Terrier is the right breed for you, considering their grooming needs, temperament, and socialization requirements.

The popular Yorkshire Terrier or 'Yorkie' is often confused with the rarer Silky Terrier or 'Silky,' a breed for which it played a part in the development.

***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Farm Dog Title Application! Submit your application now here. Your dog responds well to commands at home and in public, but how would he respond in a farm environment? There’s an easy way to find out: Sign him up for a Farm Dog Certified test. […]

last updated 1/9/2026 How do I join the AKC National Junior Organization? Everyone who has a Junior Showmanship number is automatically entered in the AKC National Junior Organization. How do I get a Junior Showmanship number? E-mail: juniors@akc.org or download form. What is a Junior Showmanship number and do I need to have one to […]

If you're looking for a bright, lovable lapdog with a no-shed coat, consider the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka.

The New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee has added amendments to a bill banning retail pet stores that could impact home-based breeders. The amendments are now identical to those added to Senate Bill 2511 in late December (Read AKC’s previous alert for more information) With the last voting day of the session scheduled for Monday, January […]

In compliance with PCI regulations, the American Kennel Club (AKC) no longer accepts credit card information on paper forms. Please submit payment by check, money order, or complete your transaction securely online. Most AKC forms and applications can be downloaded from this page. For best results, select a form and save it to your computer, […]

If you're looking for a small, compact dog who's intelligent and playful, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier might be the right breed for you.

If you're looking for a medium-sized hunting hound who's sociable, courageous, and intelligent, consider the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through December 31, 2025.  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. […]

FCM Universal Championship AKC International Dog Shows 2026 Expo Santa Fe | Mexico City, Mexico November 12 - 15, 2026 The FCM Universal Championship AKC International Dog Shows 2026 mark a historic milestone for the sport of dogs. Licensed by the American Kennel Club® (AKC) and hosted by the Federación Canófila Mexicana (FCM), this four-day […]

When a Foundation Stock Breed is accepted in the FSS program the clubs may designate a domestic registry or club registry for recording. Eligibility for FSS Recording The dog must be of a breed eligible for FSS Recording. The dog must be born in the United States The dog must first be registered with a […]

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka History: From Russia with Love to Sweet Lapdog

Last year the Los Angeles Times published a multi-year investigation into fraudulent business practices regarding the importation of dogs into the state for resale. In response, three bills were introduced in the State Legislature that seek to address the issues addressed in the article. All three bills have passed the Legislature and are on their […]

The American Kennel Club offers breeders the Registered Kennel Name Program to protect the use of their kennel's name in the naming of AKC registered dogs. The use of a registered kennel name allows breeders to name dogs of their breeding in an identifiable manner creating a prominent familial foundation in the breed. Application for […]

Ready to register your mixed breed dog or other dog not eligible for AKC Purebred Registration in the AKC Canine Partners Program? It’s easy to enroll -- and before you know it, you and your dog will be able to participate in some of our most popular dog sports, earn title recognition, sign up for our […]

Fun facts about a lesser known terrier breed, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Along with its short legs, sweet expression, and cheerful disposition, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a bold, rugged, and old hunting hound with ties...

A bill has been pre-filed in the Missouri House of Representatives to require licensure and inspection of all breeders – including hobbyists. The bill was filed in response to media reports of a hobbyist in the state being charged with animal cruelty.  The AKC absolutely agrees that all animals deserve life in a safe, humane […]

Fun facts about the newest AKC recognized breed

Recently AKC-recognized, this hound dog has roots in France, and is a great hunter and family companion. Learn more about the Basset Fauve de Bretagne!

Click the links below to learn about AKC's Foundation Stock Service® Program. Foundation Stock Service® Program Home FSS Checklist - updated September 2025 (PDF) FSS Acceptable Domestic Registries FSS Pamphlet - Updated September 2025 (PDF) FSS FAQs FSS News Parent Club Best Practices First Certificate of Merit Earned for Miscellaneous Breeds How to Count Certificate […]