Premium List Released: Here is the premium for the 2026 AKC Agility League Championship. If you have questions, please write us at AgilityLeague@akc.org. Important Announcement – 2026 AKC Agility League Championship We are excited to announce the event is on and will NOW be held at a NEW location – the James B. Hunt Horse Complex […]

Here’s everything you’ll need prior to joining the Breeder of Merit program:  Have a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events  Can demonstrate a commitment to individually registering 100 percent of the puppies you’ve bred Have earned either AKC Conformation, Performance, or Companion event titles on at least four dogs from AKC […]

Bringing Dog Lovers Together Since 1884 For 140 years, the American Kennel Club has been the country’s leading authority on all things dogs, acting as the premier resource for dog lovers, from the fancier to the everyday pet owner. Along with our affiliated organizations, we encourage dogs as family companions; advance canine health and well-being; […]

AKC Directory Please click here to view the contact information for Staff. AKC Registered Handlers Over the years professional handlers have played an important part in the history of the sport of dogs. They have provided the support system for the top show dogs in the history of many breeds. Expertise in the care, conditioning […]

Ashley Carpenter is All-American Dog "Willow's" fourth owner. Not giving up on her changed both of their lives for the better.

Puppy mouthing and play biting hurts, but with patient, consistency, and these expert tips you can teach your puppy not to mouth humans.

Giant dogs are some of the hardest-working and most recognizable breeds. But because many of them maintain the strong working instincts and drive they were bred for, they can be a lot to handle. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering adding one to your family. In This Article Slow-Maturing Giants […]

You may know of the West Highland White Terrier, but they're more than meets the eye. Learn more about the breed with these Westie fun facts.

Discover what makes the English Foxhound unique, from their centuries-old foxhunting roots to theisociable personality and remarkable stamina.

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. […]

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

What are the best dogs for running or jogging partners? We run down dogs with endurance, build, athleticism, and temperament for running.

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 […]

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 […]

In this section you will find information related to Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes. June 2026 — Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes All-Breed Clubs 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 March 2026 — Delegate Committee […]

The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to pass its Farm Bill in a markup on Thursday, August 6.  Chairman Boozman has recessed the committee and plans to hold another vote on the measure in September. AKC GR will continue to follow this measure and provide updates on provisions related to dogs.  The GR Team thanks the […]

  LATEST RULE CHANGES   Optional Stand Alone Retrieving Test (Jul 2026) Judges Can Use ATVs/UTVs in Walking Stakes (Jul 2025) Tracking Device Changes (Jul 2023) 7 Changes including new Regional Championships (May 2022) 45 Min Derby/Walking Dog to Line/3pt Major for Brittanys (Aug 2020) Determining a Dog's Ability to Retrieve (Dec 2019) Flea & Tick Collar Clarification (June […]

If you have a small terrier or a Dachshund, you’ve undoubtedly already discovered their penchant to dig, stick their face underground, and emerge with something in his mouth, be it a mouse, a squirrel or some other creature. After you stop screaming in fright, your first instinct might be to reprimand him for catching that […]

“A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” -- Colin Powell There are many reasons to put in the time and resources necessary to earn recognition of your dog’s abilities: You might do it to show off their superior abilities; or you might do it for the personal satisfaction that […]

FCM Universal Championship AKC International Dog Shows 2026 Expo Santa Fe | Mexico City, Mexico November 12 - 15, 2026 The FCM Universal Championship AKC International Dog Shows 2026 mark a historic milestone for the sport of dogs. Licensed by the American Kennel Club® (AKC) and hosted by the Federación Canófila Mexicana (FCM), this four-day […]