The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC Member Clubs for nominees in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance Events. The American Kennel Club […]

Use the following resources as a guide to responsible dog breeding. You may also want to watch the AKC webinar on Planning Breedings: Are you ready to breed a litter of puppies? Prepare Yourself for Breeding a Litter of Puppies Breed to Improve Understand the Commitment Choose A Suitable Mate Know Your Genetics Finalize Stud […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

Judging Responsibilities Responsibilities of judges include working with the club to plan the test, approving the layout of the course, directing the helpers re: the placement of blinds and distractors, and completing the required online Test Summary Form within 7 days after the test so that titles can be issued. The club or judge will determine […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: James (Jim) Crowley (Conformation), Linda Mecklenburg (Companion Events) and Pluis Davern (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung in 1999, are presented […]

The top dogs in the nation were crowned from an overall combined entry of more than 640 dogs this past weekend at the AKC National Obedience Championship and AKC Rally® National Championship. Competitions were held July 8th-10th, 2022 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, OH. “It was absolutely incredible to watch these outstanding performances as […]

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 that the top dogs in the nation were crowned from an overall combined entry of more than 900 dogs this past weekend at the AKC National Obedience Championship and AKC Rally® National […]

Deciphering the registered names of show dogs can be a baffling process for the public. "Why are the names so long?" "Is that how they call their dogs?" "What do all those letters mean?" "What language is that?" Those are just some of the comments heard when commentators announce show dogs by their formal names. […]

How do Juniors who don't own dogs show? The AKC Junior Pilot Program allows Junior Handlers to show dogs they or their immediate family members don't own.

In August 2021, the AKC Virtual Scent Work Test (VSWT) pilot program began as an introduction to Scent Work for dogs and handlers. At the May 2022 AKC Board meeting, the decision was made to make the Virtual Scent Work Test permanently available to dog owners. At the board meeting, it was revealed that 10% […]

If you’re the owner of a senior dog, there are many dog sports that are suited to dogs of any age so long as your veterinarian approves.

Regardless of what sport you compete in it's important to have good sportsmanship when engaging with fellow competitors. Good sportsmanship should...

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails. The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. AKC celebrates Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 17th each year, […]

The AKC Breeder of Merit program was introduced in October 2010. Since that time, almost 16,000 breeders have been enrolled. The program was developed to recognize those breeders who are the foundation of our sport through their participation in various AKC events and dedication to selective breeding of healthy purpose-bred purebred dogs. The basic requirements are Minimum […]

 Traci Mitchell is an AKC Breeder of Merit Bronze, who breeds Black and Tan Coonhounds and an occasional Smooth Fox Terrier. The name Carlin is Irish Gaelic, meaning Little Champion in honor of her first Smooth Fox Terrier. She splits her time between southern California and southwest Iowa. She has lived in California all her […]

Some dogs can catch a frisbee. But it takes a truly special dog to handle catching one thrown out of the hands of the monstrous, green Phillie Phanatic without running the other way. But Phame, an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever, is up for the challenge, performing Disc Dog routines at halftime shows across the country.   […]

If you're looking to help your dog to get more experience with Scent Work, consider practicing on walks. Bringing your scents with you while away from home can help your pet gain a deeper understanding of Scent Work and build their search skills. Make Sure Your Dog Is Ready for Scent Work Before starting to […]

How many tricks does your dog know? Once your dog knows a few different tricks you can start to put together a small routine. Trick routines are a great...

"Going to the dogs" has a whole new meaning for Karen Scheiner, who practiced law for three decades but fell in love with dog sports along the way.

You might be fooled by Chick's short and stocky frame, but Chick the Bulldog excels in many sports, including Fast CAT, Diving Dogs, and Rally.

Any dog can learn and perfect new tricks, and trick training is becoming more popular with both pet owners and experienced dog sports competitors. AKC Trick Dog is a great way to bond with your dog and provide your pet with mental and physical exercise.

After starting at 10-years-old, Junior Handler Delana Eschenbach is a 13-year-old from Ohio, who will be participating in the 2023 AKC Rally National Championship.

Sixteen-year-old Izzy Burg of Onalaska, Wisconsin has already become an established owner-handler and has even begun her own breeding program.

At 10 years old, Olivia Merrill is an active Junior Handler of over eight years. After a house fire, the dog show community helped her family rebuild.

A sweet, calm nature, and a soft expression with distinctive markings on the coat and face, contribute to the majestic Bernese Mountain Dog's popularity. But this breed is also a hardworking farm dog, dating back in carting and drafting thousands of years.

I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. My life as a Junior Handler did not begin with Professional Handler parents who were showing dogs every weekend. My journey started as a twelve-year-old girl passionate about dogs and a letter. I have always loved Bernese Mountain Dogs, with their breathtaking appearance and […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB 1648 would require anyone who has a city or county kennel license to also have an animal disaster preparedness plan.  As passed by the Assembly, there are no specific instructions or guidelines for what should […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Maine – At the November Animal Welfare Advisory Council meeting, members noted that the dog license subcommittee had not met and no new information was provided. Discussion did focus on the lack of access to timely veterinary services […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Connecticut – Established in Public Act No. 22-54, the Department of Agriculture has convened a workgroup to explore a state-wide dog license portal.  In addition to the Conference of Municipalities, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association and the Town […]

Iyong Tapat Kaibigan FDC CAX20 FCAT DN owned and handled by Stephanie J. Markgraf of Liberty, North Carolina Earned on February 24, 2023, Kai’s CAX20 was 10 years in the making: traveling almost 60,000 miles to compete in 14 states, running with 38 kennels clubs, earning 22 titles, with 500 qualifying runs. That’s a lot […]