Not only is the Beagle an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion, it is also happy-go-lucky, funny, and—thanks to its pleading expression—cute. They were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy company and are generally easygoing.

You’ve played ball with your Retriever about a million times in your backyard or at the park, but do his fetching abilities automatically mean he’d make a good hunting companion? Not necessarily. The only way to really know is to participate in a Retriever Hunting Test. Ever since the first AKC retriever hunting tests were […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Spaniel Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized Breeds Airedale Terriers American Water Spaniels Boykin Spaniels Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Clumber Spaniels Cocker Spaniels Curly-Coated Retrievers English Cocker Spaniels English Springer Spaniels Field Spaniels Flat-Coated Retrievers Golden Retrievers Irish Water Spaniels Labrador […]

2026 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL December 12 & 13, 2026 All Sporting, Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting Breeds and Junior Showmanship Competition  will be Judged on Saturday All Working, Terrier, Herding Breeds, Miscellaneous and Best in Show will be Judged on Sunday The 2026 event will showcase the top canine athletes […]

(updated 5/11/26 ) 4/13/2026 From the April Board Meeting - three new breeds was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Silken Windhound, Saarloos Wolfhond, Old Danish Pointer. 1/12/26 The Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of the United States is the official parent club for the Peruvian Inca Orchid and to accept the Peruvian Inca […]

Registration Now Open: 2026 AKC National Detection Dog Conference | August 4–6, 2026, Durham, NC Every day, detection dogs protect our airports, critical infrastructure, and communities. Behind every deployment is a network of professionals working to strengthen America’s detection dog programs. Join us for Unleashing Potential: Building America’s Canine Defense, One Puppy at a Time […]

Benefits of Joining Enrolling in the AKC Canine Partners℠ program makes the most of life with your dog. Once you've taken the step of enrolling, all kinds of fun dog activities become available. AKC Canine Partners Programs℠ Official Certificate An official certificate from the American Kennel Club honoring your dog. Eligibility to participate in Agility, […]

We often think of concussions as happening to people while they're working or playing competitive sports. But pets are also at risk of brain injury. Concussion in dogs is "a very serious medical problem that can become life-threatening," says Dr. Dottie Hagler, DVM, DACVIM, board-certified veterinary neurologist and medical director at Pet Specialists of Austin. […]

Adding a dog to your family is a big decision. If you're considering the Rhodesian Ridgeback, learn more about the breed here.

Learn the best time to socialize your puppy, how to do it right, and why it's important from AKC's dog training experts.

Looking to add a new dog to your home? If you're considering the Brittany, learn more about the breed and how it suits your lifestyle.

In this section you will find information related to Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes. March 2026 — Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes All-Breed Clubs Committee Bylaws Committee Canine Health Committee Companion Events Committee Coordinating Committee Delegate Advocacy and Advancement Committee Dog Show Rules Committee Field Trial and Hunting Test Events Committee Parent Clubs Committee December 2025 — […]

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 […]