The AKC Archives is arranged into four major groups: Clubs, including AKC Member Clubs and Parent Clubs People AKC Administrative Visual Materials In addition to the library book and periodical collection, there is also an assortment of photographs, pamphlets, clippings, pedigrees, and more in the Library & Archives vertical files. Please note that the list below may not […]

Board of Directors [caption id="attachment_100992" align="aligncenter" width="229"] Dr. Thomas M. Davies, Chairman[/caption] [caption id="attachment_200946" align="aligncenter" width="229"] Dr. Michael Knight, Vice Chairman[/caption] Class of 2026 Christopher L. Sweetwood, Delegate, Trap Falls Kennel Club Harold “Red” Tatro III, Delegate, Fort Worth Kennel Club Ann Wallin, Delegate, Atlanta Kennel Club Class of 2027 Dr. Charles Garvin, Delegate, Dalmatian […]

Papillon Learn about Papillons [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] PapAdopters & Placement Service Phone: 248-231-5076 Email: info@papadopters.com Papillon Haven Rescue phone: 501-865-4442 (central time), fax: 501-865-4600 (central time) Email: jorolan@catc.net or jorolan2@yahoo.com Papillon Pals Rescue phone: 904-477-6829 - Tami Steinle Email: papillonpals@comcast.net  [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Parson Russell Terrier Learn about Parson Russell Terriers [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Parson Russell Terrier […]

The American Kennel Club is opposed to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukrainian people, judges from the Russian Federation will not be approved to judge at AKC sanctioned events. *UPDATE: Dogs born in Russia that have been exported to other countries, with registries recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and registered in […]

The AKC currently registers 205 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  (last updated 1/1/26) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2025"] 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 Review & FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

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®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

It's easy to panic when you see something on your dog's eye, especially if it's a large pink or reddish bump, which could be cherry eye in dogs.

Grooming your dog is always important, but fall is a good time to focus on your dog's post-summer coat, skin, and paw grooming needs as temperatures drop.

Those small, sturdy dogs with their regal bearing and long, gorgeous coats are adorable. But have you ever wondered which breed you're admiring? The Shih Tzu (pronounced "sheed-zoo" or "sheet-su") or the Lhasa Apso? To the untrained eye, it can be hard to tell these two dogs apart, especially in full coat. But in fact, […]

The world of dog shows, or conformation, has a unique set of language and terminology. Learn what some of the words you hear at dog shows actually mean.

Spring is here, and warm weather can bring about hazards and new behaviors. Learn what to look for and how to prepare your dog.

Sunquest Hidden Treasure, a Pekingese known as "Digger" triumphed over 1,756 dogs ages six months to 18 months to become the AKC® Royal Canin National...

These champion show dogs took the top prize in conformation at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin.

Cute aggression is described as an overwhelming feeling of wanting to squeeze something adorable, like a puppy. Here's how to control it.

AKC Meet the Breeds events are a fun and educational way to spend a day with the whole family, and maybe even figure out which dog breed is right for you! If you are attending an AKC Meet the Breeds event, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can find out […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="News"] AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations Basset Fauve de Bretagne & Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka to join Hound & Toy Groups Effective, January 1, 2026 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier to join Terrier Group Effective, December 31, 2025 [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rules, Policies & Procedures"] Judging Approval Process - effective January 1, 2018, amended […]

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 […]

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 […]