There are two kinds of pointers at dog shows. The first type is the Pointer, an elegant dog with a dished face, tail shaped like a bee stinger, and the hard-wired instinct to signal the location of camouflaged birds with the slow-motion lift of a front paw. The other pointers, by contrast, are found in […]

The American Kennel Club's newly recognized breed, the Lancashire Heeler, is the 201st recognized breed, part of the Herding Group.

Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it is seeking comments from the public regarding appropriate standards for (1) the care of breeding female dogs at dog breeding facilities and (2) exercise and socialization of dogs subject to the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Details: […]

Everywhere we turn, there is a three-in-one product out there. Now you can add a championship Flat-Coated Retriever to the mix. Meet sweet, goofy...

Since 1884, The AKC has been the nation's leading not-for-profit organization devoted to the study, breeding, exhibiting, welfare, and advancement of purebred dogs. We operate the world's largest purebred-dog registry, affiliated with U.S. dog clubs and serve as the governing body for the dog sport, sanctioning over 22,000 events per year. The American Kennel Club […]

AKC Meet the Breeds is an excellent way to do first-hand research on different dog breeds. Here's what to ask at each breed booth.

AKD 4.6 1947-2012   2.5 linear ft in 3 boxes Collection Processed by Cherie Acierno, July 2006   Click here to the view complete inventory and/or to search all AKC archival collections Click here for a printable PDF of the collection guide   This collection contains chronicles the activities of the Bull Terrier Club of […]

Tucked inside a plush beanbag-filled playhouse in South Salem Elementary School's media center is everyone's favorite staff member: Mr. Booker T. Pug. It's where he makes a difference in the lives of 900 students every day. The students who read aloud to nonjudgemental Booker and become better readers. The students who come into the media […]

Have you ever wondered what it means to be AKC-recognized? How does a dog become AKC-recognized? Learn about the entire breed recognition process.

What do you do if your dog simply won't sit still or concentrate on tasks? New research shows that owners of hyperactive or inattentive dogs can learn a lot from understanding ADHD in humans. Not Just Disobedient: How Understanding ADHD Can Help Dog Owners Once upon a time, children who struggled to sit still and […]

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs are small, compact dogs, but they come with a big attitude and a passion for a job and a challenge.

The Tibetan Spaniel, or Tibbie, as they are affectionately called, is sometimes described as a large dog in the body of a small dog. Tibbies are active, alert, and eager to please. Most importantly, they love to spend time with their owners. Here are some more interesting facts about the Tibetan Spaniel. 1. They Aren't […]

Meet the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, AKC's Three Newly Recognized Dog Breeds in 2026.

A passion for terriers and dog shows led 17-year-old Royal Miller, from Pennsylvania, to become ranked as #7 Junior Handler in the Terrier group. "I never expected to be in the top 10 in my group because of COVID-19," Royal explains. "Yet there I was, winning in juniors and moving up to #7 in the […]

Watch a dog show, and the routine looks so easy. But handling a dog in the conformation ring is harder than it looks, and takes practice.

As previously reported, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is deeply concerned with Assembly Bill 2354, as it still fails to both adequately protect the rights of bona fide co-owners and address the constitutional issues of procedural due process, unreasonable seizures, and excessive fines.  Despite ongoing efforts, the bill is scheduled to be voted on by […]

Interested in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel history? Here's how the breed began, how it's related to the King Charles Spaniel, and more.

For John Buddie, owner-breeder of the prolifically successful Tartanside Collies and the 2015 AKC Breeder of the Year, there was never any doubt about his breed of choice. “My grandparents emigrated from Scotland and Ireland and Collies were the only dog they’d have,” he recalled. “Then one day, when I was about 12, I was […]

This week, the Georgia Senate enacted Senate Resolution 868, which recognizes May 1, 2022, as Purebred Dog Day in Georgia.  Congratulations to Gail LaBerge, president of the Georgia Canine Coalition (GCC); the American Kennel Club (AKC)-affiliated clubs and individuals who, through the GCC, are the collective voice of responsible dog owners in Georgia; and purebred […]

The Rat Terrier is a relatively new breed that has experienced some highs and lows during its history. Let's take a look at how Rat Terriers became the energetic, loyal, family dogs they are today. Here are six interesting facts about the Rat Terrier: 1. They Used to Be Wildly Popular With Farmers In the […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

In the ring, Addict the Portuguese Podengo is the center of attention. The 36-pound dog displays both substance and splash while...

The American Kennel Club has officially recognized over 200 breeds. Take a look at these AKC breed recognition fun facts to learn more!

If you are unfamiliar with the spunky, sturdy breed known as the Havanese, you might make the mistake of thinking it is some sort of Poodle. Or, you might think it is related to the Bichon Frise. If you guessed any of these well-known breeds, you’d be on the right track, because all of them […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- The following is an interview with AKC's federal government relations consultant Jim Holt in response to dog owners' questions about PAWS. The article originally appeared in Dog News June 10th, 2005. Who is regulated under current law and how would PAWS change that? In simple terms, […]

Last week, the New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee amended the controversial “cost of care” bill, Assembly Bill 2354, and voted to forward it to the full Assembly for further consideration.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes amended A.2354 still fails to both adequately protect the rights of bona fide co-owners and address the constitutional issues […]

General 1. What is the purpose of the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? To recognize and showcase the quality dogs being exhibited by owner/handlers and to provide a venue for the owner/handlers to compete against their peers. The determination of the awards in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series is based solely on the quality of the […]

Last month in Breeder News, we provided an overview of canine hip dysplasia (HD). This article is a continuation with more in-depth information about recent genetic discoveries. HD is a developmental disorder in which the hip joint does not fit properly into the socket, leading to joint instability, inflammation, and eventually arthritis. The condition varies […]

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a bone cancer that is common in dogs, but rare in children. Studies found that the OS in canines shares genetic and genomic similarities to OS in kids. Comparative oncology helps doctors use dog OS as a means to unlock answers for OS in children. The bone cancer known as osteosarcoma is […]

As she prepares for what she believes will be her final Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with perky 12-year-old Hector, Loren Marino is reminded of the television commercial saying, “There’s no expiration date stamped on the bottom of your foot.” The 42-year-old Toms River, New Jersey, owner-handler is a retired Navy veteran and is fighting […]