Effective January 1, 2010 Miscellaneous breeds became eligible to compete for the Certificate of Merit.  Congratulations to the first recipients of this new title. Russell Terrier, Frayed Knot Spike, was the first of the eligible breeds to earn a Certificate of Merit in May 2010. SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The breeds listed below were top point holders […]

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)  […]

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 […]

Finding the right dog match for you from 202 breeds can be daunting. That's one of the best reasons to attend AKC Meet the Breeds!

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.

Staring at dogs can mean very different things to dogs than humans. Here's why it's good to avoid staring directly at dogs, especially strange ones.

Hip dysplasia is a common condition in dogs. Learn what to know about hip dysplasia including symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures.

Like humans, dogs lose water and electrolytes through sweat, urination, vomiting, and diarrhea. Out of the options to rehydrate, is Pedialyte good for dogs?

You've got your passport ready, hotel booked, and bags ready. Now, there's just one thing left to do: find a kennel where your dog can have a vacation of their own while you're away. In This Article Scheduling Kennel Tours Daily Activities at the Kennel Health & Safety Requirements Trial Runs and What to Expect […]

Many three-legged dogs can live fit and active lives despite missing a limb. A growing number of tripods are even competing in a variety of dog sports.

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, […]

Walking your dog is essential for daily exercise and stimulation, but how long and how often do you need to walk a dog each day?

When you think of dog shows what most people picture is the sport of Conformation. Handlers make Confirmation look easy, but there's training involved.

Make your annual cleaning ritual dog-friendly by adding these dog-specific tasks to your checklist. Remember to always use pet-safe cleaning products!

Does your dog produce an excessive amount of drool? It could be perfectly normal for the type of breed or it could be a sign of something more serious.

Rocco, a Siberian Husky, goes once a month to meet Richard Orea of Homeboy Puppy Fades Pet Grooming Salon for a clean start.

Puppies are exciting. However, any experienced breeder will tell you they're also a lot of work. A responsible breeder prepares long in advance—to identify the purpose of the breeding; to carefully plan and research the breed, the standard, the health history, and available healthy males of good temperament; to form partnerships with their veterinarians and […]

The Lhasa Apso is a small, intelligent breed from Tibet, with watchdog instincts and a beautiful hypoallergenic coat.

Recently AKC-recognized, this hound dog has roots in France, and is a great hunter and family companion. Learn more about the Basset Fauve de Bretagne!

If you're looking for a medium-sized hunting hound who's sociable, courageous, and intelligent, consider the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

As temperatures drop, dog owners may look to keep their pets warm and cozy by buying them heated beds. Here are some safety tips to consider.

When you already have a cozy bed for your pup, you might ask if dogs need blankets. Learn why dog blankets can be beneficial and how to choose one.

Hiking is a great way to experience the outdoors with your dog. Learn tips for keeping your dog safe on the trail.

For six years, Tibetan Spaniel 'Tashi' has been a regular at AKC Meet the Breeds NYC. But a sudden injury almost prevented him from returning.

As its name suggests, this imposing, rugged dog comes from Turkey, a sprawling country. Learn more about Anatolian Shepherd Dog history.

The 1930s marked a pivotal turning point for the United States, as the Great Depression reshaped American life. Here is a look back at the top ten dog breeds that captured the heart of a resilient nation.

The Great Dane's history is rich in defining a breed that is both regal and gentle in temperament for a sunshine-like dog fit for a god.

The Tibetan Terrier is one of many Tibetan breeds recognized by the AKC. Learn more about the breed with these Tibetan Terrier fun facts.

As our dogs age, their bodies and needs start to change. Consider these tips to help make your senior dog more comfortable well into their golden years.

Protecting your dog’s joints with the right supplement is an ongoing, daily commitment that will help ensure a good quality of life.