Diversity amongst dogs and people makes our dog sports community stronger. Meet some of the LGBTQ+ dog spot handlers and what they do.

The Border Terrier may look unassuming, but this hardworking breed has a fascinating history. Learn more about its temperament and origins.

Part of the 2024 AKC National Championship week includes crowning Best Junior in Junior Showmanship. See the winners of this coveted award.

Maggie Hoddick, a thirteen-year-old from Valashia, New York competes in AKC Rally and Obedience with her five-year-old Portuguese Water Dog, "Windy."

It happens fast, and he makes it look easy. "Hit it!" says Bea Page, and with a running start, Hogan the French Bulldog begins his sprint into parkour.

A solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event! With such an occasion, you might wonder how your dog is going to react, or if it could cause them stress.

The German Shepherd Dog is always near the top of the most popular breed rankings, and there's good reason for that. However, there's a similar breed you might mistake for a German Shepherd – the Belgian Malinois. The two breeds' close resemblance in appearance and shared herding heritage can lead to some confusion. And similarities […]

Wondering what dogs can eat? Discover safe human foods for dogs, foods to avoid, and expert tips for healthy treats.

Looking for a dog that loves the water? Learn more about these breeds known for retrieving, water rescue, boating, and outdoor adventures.

Some see a stuffed toy or a mound of whipped cream with a nose and two black button eyes. Most say they see a “walking cotton ball,” and that’s pretty much on the mark because the first part of the breed’s name is the French word for cotton. Fluff aside, the dog known as the […]

You're bringing home your new puppy pretty soon. But while you're overjoyed, you've also never owned a puppy while living in an apartment, so you aren't sure what to expect. Don't worry, even in a small space or a rental, you can raise a happy and healthy puppy. By taking preventative measures and dedicating time […]

Bernese Mountain Dogs are active, intelligent, and loving. They can make great family dogs, but are they the right breed for you?

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Retriever Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized and FSS Breeds Airedale Terriers American Water Spaniels Barbet Boykin Spaniels Chesapeake Retrievers Curly-Coated Retrievers English Springer Spaniels Flat-Coated Retrievers German Shorthaired Pointer German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Retrievers Irish Water Spaniels Labrador Retrievers […]

Lure coursing clubs should be aware of the following:  Clubs are reminded to inform the Performance Events Department if they have to cancel their event by calling: 919-816-3908 or sending  an email to:  perfcancel@akc.org. Clubs at their option can now send  copies of  their results including their Secretary Report in PDF format via email to:  performanceresults@akc.org. Clubs will then be contacted to confirm […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Pointing Breed Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized Breeds Bracco Italiano Brittanys English Setters German Shorthaired Pointers German Wirehaired Pointers Gordon Setters Irish Red & White Setters Irish Setters Pointers Spinone Italiano Vizslas Weimaraners Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Wirehaired Vizsla FSS […]

AKC National Detection Dog Conference Returns to Durham, NC August 14, 2026 The American Kennel Club’s National Detection Dog Conference returned to Durham, North Carolina, August 4–6, 2026. The conference brought together researchers, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, law enforcement professionals, and industry experts to discuss advancements and challenges across the detection dog field. Pre-conference activities began […]

Homegrown terrorism and mass shootings have sadly become everyday news in the United States. As a result, the demand for explosives detection dogs as a deterrent against such crimes is on the increase with one major problem: there are not enough dogs to meet the growing need. The US Government purchases 80 to 90% its […]

As of February 9, 2007, the AKC Board of Directors approved the eligibility of Foundation Stock breeds that meet certain criteria to compete in AKC Performance Events; this will be effective January 1, 2008. Eligible breeds can compete in select Performance events. To become eligible the breeds must have the following: 1.  dogs with three […]

Competition & Title Updates  We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, and Tracking. AGILITY Congratulations to the winners at the 2019 AKC Agility Invitational AKC Canine Partners congratulates the All-American Dogs and their owners who competed and won honors at the AKC […]

AKC Scent Work mimics the task of working detection dogs to locate a scent and communicate that the scent has been found. It’s a positive, challenging activity that gives your dog the opportunity to use his strongest natural sense. AKC Scent Work is open to all dogs, including mixed breeds enrolled in the  AKC Canine […]