On the day we celebrate all things American, let’s remember that dogs have played a vital role in the formation of our national character. They occupy such a special place in our hearts that some states have designated particular breeds as local treasures. Here are five AKC breeds that are official state dogs. STATE DOG […]

If you are a judge, do you find it harder to go from judging Great Danes to judging Yorkshire Terriers, or to go from judging English Cocker Spaniels to judging American Cocker Spaniels? In other words, is it harder to turn the page in your mind and adjust for the vast differences between two breeds […]

Multiple-sire litters are not new to breeders, yet they represent less than 1 percent of AKC registration statistics. But why? The practice is rooted in science, and with DNA testing being commonplace, why not hedge your bets? Still, historically, breeders have shied away from the practice, which, while appealing, is not without controversy. Accidental breedings […]

Over the years, a number of authors have projected the annual cost of raising a dog. In many cases, even with food, supplies and veterinary care considered, the estimated costs have seemed low. Two veterinary students from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have recently updated the statistics related to costs involved in […]

Big dogs equal big love and loyalty. Here are the large dog breeds that earn their place at the top of the size chart. Most people will know the Great Dane but what about the lovely Leonberger? When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only one of them. The dog’s personality, activity […]

by Sandra MurrayReprinted from: Essential Elements, ShowSight Magazine Any animal that lives within a tightly knit social group of its own kind has a “language.” Given that dogs are by nature pack animals, they have a rather extensive language that they use to communicate among themselves. Their language contains both physical and verbal components which […]

We often hear dog shows accused of being nothing but “beauty contests.” In reality, they’re organized more like job fairs. At AKC shows, dogs are exhibited in seven groups organized by the original work the breeds were created to do. The dog judged best in each group becomes one of the final seven to vie […]

Accepted into AKC in 1885, the Saint Bernard swiftly rose to the position of the most popular dog of the 1890s. To this day, it is the only giant breed to secure the country’s top position as well as the only number-one breed to never appear in the top ten again. In later decades, two […]

No velvet pillows, hair ribbons, or French pedicures for these big bruisers. These are the no-nonsense, punch-the-clock-and-get-it-done dogs of the AKC Working Group, the Ford pickups of the canine kingdom. Many factors go into breeding dogs that work hard for their feed. Let’s consider a few, and then watch some well-bred workers in action. Physical […]

When judging, take care that you don’t allow exaggerations to influence you. We are Americans, and many of us have a tendency when we look at a car to think that if a little chrome is good, then a lot is better! If a dog who moves alertly and with purpose is good, then an […]

  Purebred dogs are purpose-bred dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. The characteristics that make each of these dogs unique also help them perform the function for which they were bred. The physical appearance of the dogs illustrates this, and is also an important part of the breed’s history. For example, the thick […]

By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation It was one of the busiest days of the legislative year in North Carolina, but that didn't stop legislators, legislative staff, and state employees from responding to the AKC's invitation to "stop by on your lunch break and hug a dog!" at AKC's 4th annual "Canines at the Capitol" […]

Meet OTCH Sophie Sparkle Gypsy All the dogs in the shelter clamored to be seen – barking and jumping against their kennel doors. But Julie Kirkland kept coming back to the dog that seemed more interested in watching than getting attention. “As my husband and I were walking through the facility looking at the adoptable […]

Inc. Collection 1905-2009 2008:007 17 Cubic feet Collection processed by Norma Rosado-Blake Click for inventory PROVENANCE A gift from the (GSCA). ARRANGEMENT GSCA First National Specialty catalog, 1968 The collection is arranged into 13 series and several sub-series including: Meeting minutes Correspondences dwarfs Documents Ch. Terra v. Greifensee's pedigree Publications Giant Steps GSCA Newsletter Yearbook […]

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

Some people live by the motto "bigger is better," and it extends to their dogs too. There are many large dog breeds, each with different care and training needs. Exercise Most large dog breeds were bred for a purpose or function. Some breeds were meant to be hunters, others guard dogs. Dogs with great endurance […]

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Diana Wilson and Guy Fisher have been hired as AKC Executive Field Representatives.   Wilson will join the staff May 5, 2014 in the Denver, Colorado area, while Fisher will join the staff on June 2, 2014, working out of the AKC […]

French Bulldog Continues its Remarkable Rise in Popularity   New York, NY – Labrador Retriever lovers have spoken!  The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced today that the intelligent, family friendly breed has taken the #1 spot on the most popular list for the 23rd consecutive year, the longest reign at the top in AKC history. […]

  Breeders Honored at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Winifred Stout of Foster, Rhode Island was presented with the 2013 AKC Breeder of the Year Award for her Quissex Smooth Fox Terriers at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Sunday, December 15, 2013.  The annual award recognizes the hard work and commitment of breeders dedicated to improving the […]

In an ongoing campaign to recognize the hard work and commitment of breeders dedicated to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs, the American Kennel Club® announced today the seven group recipients of the 2013 AKC® Breeder of the Year Award.    “The AKC Breeder of the Year Award celebrates several of AKC’s […]

  New York, NY – Nineteen outstanding students from 14 states have been awarded American Kennel Club® (AKC®) Junior Scholarships for 2013. The scholarships – ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 – are offered annually to high school, college and graduate school students. “This year’s scholarship recipients have distinguished themselves through their commitment to academics, their […]

With devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy still gripping the Northeast, the American Kennel Club Humane Fund reminds clubs that the AKC Humane Fund is here to help them in their outreach to dogs and owners in their local affected areas with the “Sandy Fund.” Created in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the “Sandy Fund” was […]

  Lab Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary in the Top Spot, While the Bulldog Continues Its Ascent to Reign Supreme in the Dog World The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced its nationwide registration statistics today, revealing that for the 20th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in America. This year’s list included […]

The holiday season inspires many to donate their time and money to charitable causes.  The November/December 2010 issue of the American Kennel Club’s AKC Family Dog magazine reports that for dog owners, volunteering at a breed-club rescue is a great way to help dogs in need of homes, medical attention, or simply a good scratch […]

  With Great Danes set to take center stage in the release of "Marmaduke," the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and the Great Dane Club of America would like to remind moviegoers about the importance of making wise, educated decisions when it comes to adding a dog to the home. "The Great Dane Club of America […]

Dogs from 43 States and Canada Vie for National Agility Champion Titles! Nearly 1,000 of the top agility dogs and handlers in the nation will be vying for the title of American Kennel Club® (AKC®) National Agility Champion in their height classes on March 26-28, 2010 at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square. […]

-- 2010 is the Year to ‘Do More with Your Dog’! -- As the end of the year approaches, the American Kennel Club® (AKC) urges pet owners toremember the family pet while pondering potential New Year’s resolutions. "Eighty-one percent of dog owners buy gifts for their dogs," said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "But what you […]

-- New Performance and Agility Opportunities Available to Competitors -- The American Kennel Club has recently launched several new competitive opportunities for exhibitors in Performance Events and Agility, and I’m pleased to update you about the success and progress of these programs. The Blue Grass Coursing Club and Greyhound Association of Northern Georgia hosted the […]

-- AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Premieres January 23 on ABC Television Network -- For the first time in the 10-year history of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship the broadcast of this prestigious event will be seen nationwide on network television. We are pleased to partner with the ABC Television Network on this important milestone. All 167 AKC […]

The Joint Committee on the Environment will hear Senate Bill 274, this Monday, March 8. As currently written, this bill would prohibit as “unreasonable” the tethering of dogs and the use of primary dog enclosures smaller than 100 square feet. The American Kennel Club is concerned by the strict requirements and the current wording of […]