The following Conformation Field Representatives attend all-breed and specialty shows throughout the year, serving as a liaison between clubs and the AKC. Field Reps provide show committees, exhibitors, breeders, judges and novices with information regarding rules, regulations, policies and procedures. They also assist in judges' education and the judging approval process. Sandra D'Andrea, Field Director, […]

This page is used to announce the cancellation of the following Performance Events: Field Trials, Hunt Tests, Herding Tests and Trials, Farm Dog Certified Tests, Lure Coursing Tests and Trials, Coursing Ability Tests, Fast Coursing Ability Tests, Earthdog Tests and Tracking events. To report a cancellation, please contact the Performance Events Department 919-816-3908 / perfcancel@akc.org […]

Since the 1980's, there have been significant advances in the field of animal assisted therapy and the use of therapy dogs. Organized therapy dog groups provide educational material to volunteers, they screen both volunteers and dogs, and they provide liability insurance for when the dog and handler are volunteering in a therapy setting. Therapy dog […]

The following Field Representatives attend Agility events throughout the year, serving as a liaison between clubs and the AKC. Field Reps provide event committees, exhibitors, breeders, judges and novices with information regarding rules, regulations, policies and procedures. They also assist in judges’ education and the judging approval process. Agility Department - agility@akc.org Agility Operations Manager, […]

You may search several different ways in order to find the seminars you may be interested in. Please choose the way you wish to see the seminars presented in order to proceed: State Breed Seminar Type Presenter All Seminars Schedule of Future Advanced Judging Institutes (PDF) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Judges Education Webinars"] Judging Operations in collaboration […]

Delegate Handbook Meeting Information and Dates Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes Delegate Meeting Dates Delegate Meeting Information Delegate Meeting Mailings Delegate Meeting Transcripts Delegate Zoom Meetings Additional Meeting Resources Committee Proposal Requesting AKC Actions Delegate Committee Annual Reports Delegate Committee Meeting Rotation Delegate Committee Meeting Schedule Notice September 2024 Delegate Standing Committees Presentations to the Delegate […]

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 […]

12 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:    California – AB 1382 prohibits the sale and importation of genetically modified pets with cosmetic traits in California, except for modifications that benefit animal health or human interaction, and imposes civil penalties for violations. The bill […]

The American Kennel Club offers breeders the Registered Kennel Name Program to protect the use of their kennel's name in the naming of AKC registered dogs. The use of a registered kennel name allows breeders to name dogs of their breeding in an identifiable manner creating a prominent familial foundation in the breed. Application for […]

In compliance with PCI regulations, the American Kennel Club (AKC) no longer accepts credit card information on paper forms. Please submit payment by check, money order, or complete your transaction securely online. Most AKC forms and applications can be downloaded from this page. For best results, select a form and save it to your computer, […]

The AKC Education Webinar Series provides an opportunity for club members, judges, breeders, trainers and the general dog-owning public to learn more about topics that are of interest to them. Do you have an idea for a topic you would like covered as part of the AKC Education Webinar Series? Tell us about it here. […]

Amazon Prime Day is here! Save on things you need or want for your dog. We've rounded up these Amazon Prime Day dog deals on favorite products.

Holidays with fireworks cause lots of loud noises, which can cause dog anxiety. Learn how to keep your dog calm during fireworks.

15-year-old Sophie Weaver, from Parrish, Florida, is one of the brightest young talents on the US competitive agility circuit. Despite this, she remains remarkably humble about everything she and “Violet,” her 4-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, have achieved together. At the AKC Agility Premier Cup in Philadelphia this June, the teenager will stand out for being the […]

Puppies, like human babies, do a lot of learning in their early months, especially when it comes to navigating their new environment and adopting good manners. In This Article Build Trust Before Training Begins Key Training Goals at 8–16 Weeks What Puppies Should Learn by 6 Months Essential Skills by One Year Can You Train […]

Cooling mats and other similar products for dogs intend to provide relief and prevent heatstroke on hot days. Many rely on pressure-activated gel.

Making friends in a new city can be challenging. But dogs often make that transition easier by sparking conversations, encouraging shared routines, and helping owners feel more connected. Research and real-life experiences show that dogs can boost confidence, improve mental well-being, and open doors to friendships and even romance. Meeting People Through Everyday Dog Activities […]

A dog owner’s worst nightmare is losing their dog, but accidents happen. Dogs can slip out the door, back out of a collar, or escape from a yard. If your dog gets loose, staying calm and using the right approach can make all the difference. With preparation, training, and quick action, you can improve the […]

Since the beginning of June 2026, cases of New World Screwworm (NWS, hereinafter screwworm) have been detected in southwest Texas and New Mexico. These are the first cases of NWS in the United States in 60 years. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state departments of agriculture and health officials are working together […]

Updated: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Since the beginning of June 2026, cases of New World Screwworm (NWS, hereinafter screwworm) have been detected in southwest Texas and New Mexico. These are the first cases of NWS in the United States in 60 years. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state departments of agriculture and […]

Canine Good Citizen®, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® and/or AKC Community Canine℠ An AKC club near you can provide you and your dog with training classes and testing for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC and AKC Community Canine. You will be able to earn official AKC titles in Canine Good Citizen (the "CGC" title) and AKC Community Canine […]

The easygoing Great Dane, the mighty “Apollo of Dogs,” is a total joy to live with—but owning a dog of such imposing size, weight, and strength is a commitment not to be entered into lightly. This breed is indeed great, but not a Dane.