The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce its list of the most popular dog names of 2023. “Choosing a name is a very personal and meaningful decision for dog owners, as dogs are an integral part of our families,” […]

You did the dog breed research, you stocked up on all the puppy essentials, you puppy-proofed your home, you found a veterinarian, you've booked basic dog training classes, and you chose the best dog food. But there's another big decision to make: what in the world are you going to name your new puppy or […]

Choosing your boy dog's name is important, as it's a name you and your new puppy will be living with for a long time, so it deserves some thought. A good boy dog name can actually enhance your dog's responsiveness and improve communication between you over a lifetime. We've compiled the top 100+ most popular […]

On Valentine’s Day, humans give chocolate, teddy bears, and roses to our loved ones to show appreciation and affection. But what about our favorite canine companions? Here are some tips on how you can show your four-legged Valentine some love. Take a Long Walk What better way to spend Valentine’s Day with your dog than […]

In celebration of the upcoming AKC Meet the Breeds® on January 28th and 29th at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, the American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce its inaugural list of the most popular dog names […]

Named after an iconic British sports car, 1½-year-old Aston exudes a wow factor of his own. The 49-pound Canine Partners mixed-breed, who is blind and deaf, recently earned a coveted American Kennel Club Novice Trick Dog title. Finding a Home Aston’s owner, Miriam Scheinblum, of Winter Park, Florida, dubs herself his “guardian and teammate.” She […]

When the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting happened nearly 10 years ago, my town was in shambles, unable to comprehend why we lost 20 children and six educators to gun violence. As a senior in nearby Newtown High School, just a mile from the elementary school, I was in lockdown for two hours in my […]

WINNER Leslie Gelesh & Eli (Miniature Poodle) Batman FURever SEMI-FINALISTS Muriel McMullen & Maddie (Australian Terrier) The Grrrinch Faye Roche & Brio (Miniature Poodle) My Olympic Gold Medal Star: Brio Outstanding Performances from the 2021 AKC Trick Dog National Competition In addition to the competition winners listed above, here are some outstanding performances from 2021 (in random order). Many […]

Good luck to the 98 All American Dogs competing in the AKC 2021 National Agility Championship that will take place this week at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma! The event takes place Friday through Sunday, March 26 – 28. The competition will be televised at 8 pm EST […]

Growing up on a farm, Adrienne Hales developed a love of raising animals at an early age. Her passion turned to pets at the age of 8 when she began breeding Teddy Bear Hamsters for her friends. Her dedication to detail included designing their playgrounds and building them with paper towel rolls. At age 12, […]

-Entries Open Today-  The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the third AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. This virtual conformation competition is open to all AKC recognized breeds including Miscellaneous breeds. Entries close on October 12th at 12pm ET.   Heading the panel as Best in Show and Best […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge III. This virtual conformation event is open to all AKC-recognized breeds and Miscellaneous class breeds. Best in Show and Best Puppy Michael Canalizo   Regular and Puppy Groups SPORTING Mr. Douglas A Johnson HOUND Mr. Eugene Blake […]

I smelled the stench before I saw her, sort of like a landfill on a 92-degree day. A mottled gray and once-white shaggy blur ran down the hall into my arms, and I was in love, no matter what my nose told me. This cuter-than-a-teddy-bear puppy had darted into my boyfriend’s office when he opened […]

- Entries Open August 3rd- The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the second AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. This virtual conformation competition is open to all AKC recognized breeds including Miscellaneous breeds. Entries close on August 10th at 12pm ET. Heading the panel as Best in Show and […]

When it comes to brushing your dog, the last thing you probably think about is sheep. But just like those fuzzy barnyard animals, your dog's coat can be a valuable resource. Dog fur can be spun into yarn, just like wool, and then knit into anything you like, from sweaters to slippers. In fact, people have […]

When it comes to toys, treats, and general necessities for your canine companion, it's easy for pet owners to go overboard. But National Splurge Day on June 18 presents the perfect opportunity to spend some money on yourself! Scroll down for products you won't be able to say no to if you're a dog lover. […]

It seems as though the role of therapy and comfort dogs has no boundaries. We regularly see them in airports soothing anxious passengers, in elementary schools standing by as children gain confidence reading, and in courtrooms providing comfort as witnesses testify. And now, they’re also working in a business school setting helping students build public-speaking […]

Sorry cat lovers, dogs are simply better snugglers. Here are nine reasons why dogs are the best cuddle buddies: 1. They will be the big spoon or the little spoon.   2. They manage to look cute when stealing your blanket. And because they look SO adorable, you don't even care that you're blanket-less.   […]

KOKO HERZ ... JAN. 3, 2003 - FEB. 19, 2015 Steven Herz of New Jersey wrote this moving memorial for Koko Herz who was the first All-American Dog to earn the AKC Therapy Dog title and who passed away from cancer in February at age 12. We are honored to share it with you. "I […]

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 […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Agility Grand Championship (AGCH) AGCH MACH6 Mister Tedley MXS2 PDS MJS2 PJD PJDP MFG TQX T2B6 ACT2 TKA owned by Kathy Crain of […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed, not everything available. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. Although the AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, not all genetic variants have been validated […]

Best of luck to the 109 All American Dogs going to the 2024 AKC National Agility Championship to be held March 14-17 in Perry, GA. Watch the live coverage on the AKC TV website and on the AKC TV app (available on smartphones and laptops). MACH A And D's Hobgoblin Gustif MXS MJS T2B owned […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Congratulations to these dogs on earning the Agility Grand Champion title: AGCH MACH3 PACH Resq's Dopamine Rush BN RN MXG PAD MJC PJD […]

    2023 AKC Fast CAT Invitational Best of Breed Winners Results as of 12/15/23 3:11PM ***All official and final results will be posted following the conclusion of the event*** Breed Call Name Owner Final Time Airedale Terrier Oliver Lauren Combs 7.754 Alaskan Klee Kai Isla Cheryl Simpson 8.746 Alaskan Malamute McKinley Nadaga Poist 8.645 […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! Agility Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! Agility Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their […]

Season 6 - Winter 2024 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Winter Season Finals – Extended Ph.D. – Teams & Dogs Congratulations to all teams & dogs that completed the Winter Season! Great job! Here are the top placers for Season 6: Top Teams Champion – Happy Dog Sports Team 1 – Texas Reserve Champion – New […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2022 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The NOHS Finals will be held […]

For Dogtor Loki, comforting people comes naturally. Whenever she sees someone who needs emotional TLC, she goes into “parking mode.” “She’ll walk up and then kind of back herself, like a truck, and sit on your feet and give her back to you,” says Caroline Benzel, 32, a student at the University of Maryland School […]