The highest prize in the world of conformation dog shows is Best in Show at the AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin. Out of the 5,500 dogs that competed in the competition's 25th year, only one was crowed Best in Show. After an intense weekend of breed, group, and Best in Show competition on […]

These champion show dogs took the top prize in conformation at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin.

Some breeds at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® seem destined for stardom — and prove it by winning Best in Show repeatedly. Since the very first Westminster Best in Show in 1907, many of the winners have all come from the same breed groups, if not the same breed. […]

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.

After two days of steep competition at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Doberman Pinscher 'Penny' has won Best in Show.

Through the years, many different breeds have won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, including the 2024 winner, "Sage" the Miniature Poodle.

Tick-borne disease is a growing threat to both canine and human health. Be aware of dog tick diseases to protect your pet.

When you see dogs with cloudy eyes, it may be a natural part of the aging process. But cloudy eyes in dogs can also be a symptom of eye problems.

Frantisek Horak, the creator of the Cesky Terrier persevered through World War II and a communist revolution to create the new hunting breed.

Not many dogs can say they've won Best in Show. A few dogs, like "Baby Joe," are part of the unofficial 100 BIS wins club.

Dog lice can lead to more serious health issues, so it’s important to learn how to recognize and quickly eradicate lice off your dog.

GCHP CH Ta Sen Westgate Jingle Juice, a Lhasa Apso known as “JJ” triumphed over more than 5,500 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize when they were awarded Best in Show at the 25th AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 13-14, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is thrilled to announce that the Dog Writer’s Association of America has honored AKC Publications and AKC Digital Content with over 20 nominations across multiple categories.   “We are incredibly proud of the work we do,” says Kate McCroary, […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Junior Versatility Scholarships. The program honors Juniors who actively compete across a range of sports. Participants earn […]

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)  […]

German Pinscher Learn about German Pinschers [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] German Pinscher Club of America [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] German Shepherd Dog Learn about German Shepherd Dogs [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] German Shepherd Dog Club of America German Shepherd Resource and Rescue Center P.O. Box 57 Hathorne, MA 01937 Contact: Stephanie, Info@germanshepherdcenter.org Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue Blue […]

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  1/14/26, last updated 1/15/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link Review & FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

The AKC Archives preserves and provides access to historically significant records documenting the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The Archives are organized into four major collecting areas: Clubs (AKC Parent Clubs and select Member Clubs) People (influential individuals in the sport) AKC Administrative Records Visual Materials (photographs and other graphic formats) In […]

Season 11 - Fall Season 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 3 Teams Champion – Living the Agility Dream – Tennessee Reserve Champion – Naughty Spots – Virginia Third – Let’s Play TAG – North Carolina Individual Dog Placements by Jump Height (1st – 4th) 8-inch Regular 1st – Sundae, Papillon, Naughty Spots 2nd – Waldo, All American […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 205 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 3/10/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

Saint Bernard Learn about Saint Bernards [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] St. Bernard Club of America  Saint Bernard Rescue Group Email: saintsrgreat6@gmail.com [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Saluki Learn about Salukis [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Saluki Club of America Sara Winstead – salukis777@aol.com Saluki Tree of Life Alliance, Inc. [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Samoyed Learn about Samoyeds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Samoyed Club […]

AKC Meet the Breeds events are a fun and educational way to spend a day with the whole family, and maybe even figure out which dog breed is right for you! If you are attending an AKC Meet the Breeds event, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can find out […]

Click below to see titles and abbreviations for: Prefix Titles Suffix Titles Parent Club Titles Working Dog Titles Other Recognized Titles Other Title Lists: Titles Sorted by Sport Titles Sorted in Alphabetic Order   Prefix Titles Title Title Name AFC An Amateur Field Trial Champion title can be earned in either Beagle Field Trials, Pointing […]

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]

Junior Showcase events are to promote junior participation in the sports of Agility, Obedience, Rally and Junior Showmanship. Participation in these events is limited to junior handlers. For more information see rules and regulations for agility, obedience, rally, and junior showmanship.  The event may be held in conjunction with a club's regular event or as a stand-alone event. […]

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 […]