Meet Hungary’s russet-coated dog-of-all-trades: the Vizsla. While talking with the breed’s American fanciers, it seems the exclamation point and the Vizsla were made for each other. If this breed could talk (one of the few things it can’t do—yet) it would say things like “Yes I can!,” “Go for it!” and other such interjections that […]

If you’re planning to travel by air this year, except to see more four-legged officials working the security lines at the airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is more than doubling the number of canines they’ll have working at U.S. airports, the Washington Post reports, adding that currently, the agency has more than 140 Golden […]

There was a time not long ago that nearly every advertisement featuring a child with a dog seemed to include a Lab or a Golden Retriever, consistently among the most popular dog breeds in America. Today, there’s a bit more variety in the breeds being photographed with children for commercial advertising. Perhaps the public perception […]

Breed Weight Male Weight Female Affenpinschers 7-10 pounds 7-10 pounds Afghan Hounds 50-60 pounds 50-60 pounds Airedale Terriers 50-70 pounds 50-70 pounds Akitas 100-130 pounds 70-100 pounds Alaskan Malamutes 85 pounds 75 pounds American English Coonhounds 45-65 pounds 45-65 pounds American Eskimo Dogs 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 pounds (miniature), 25-35 pounds (standard) 6-10 pounds (toy), […]

Thousands of dogs compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show. Check out some statistics on the breeds and groups who've taken the trophy.

Despite a very rainy weather forecast — not to mention the potential of Hurricane Joaquin bearing down on the Northeast within a few days — crowds of people and dogs descended on Somerset, New Jersey, on October 1 for the Morris & Essex Kennel Club’s spectacular 2015 outdoor dog show. A revival of the lavish events […]

On December 17, 2022, the Junior Showmanship Finals took place at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, Florida. In the ring, Junior Handlers displayed their hard work and their close bonds with their dogs. Coming in first place was 18-year-old Noah Milam, who competed with 4-year-old Harrier CH Bydesign's Puerto Vallarta Dream, […]

The pathway to becoming a full-fledged detective has had its challenges for Rocco and Rider but it has never been a mystery to either, or their Midwest owner/handlers. The AKC Scent Work® Detective title, considered the pinnacle of success in the popular sport, went unclaimed since its inception on Oct. 1, 2017, until July 14 […]

Are you a dog lover looking for a little more culture in your life? Well, you’re in luck! There are dog museums around the country — and across the Atlantic — entirely devoted to our furry friends. If your travel plans take you to any one of the cities below, make time to visit these […]

At AKC shows, dogs are organized into 7 groups: Hound, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Learn about what makes each group unique.

They call themselves "The Joy Team," but when you see the Rogers girls at a dog show venue, you know it's all about commitment, competition, and character. And that's exactly what the audience will get with Sophia, 19; Emma and Faith, 13; and Julia, 9, at The National Dog Show presented by Purina on Nov. […]

The winners of the 2023 AKC Diving Dogs Challenge were crowned in each of the three disciplines: Air Retrieve, Distance Jumping and Hydro Dash.

The Dogo Argentino's history goes back to mid-1920s when a teenager had a vision of the ultimate big-game hunting dog. Learn more about the breed's origins.

AKC’s Virtual Title program has been a big hit, and it’s easy to see why: there is a lot to enjoy! Though dog shows are being held again, they are still few and far between. An excellent way to get your puppy buyers interested in competing and enjoying AKC dog sports is to encourage them […]

After nearly two full days of competition between more than 100 dogs, one Golden Retriever came out on top: "Baker" handled by Korin Bevis.

Much about dogs can translate from one breed to another. Soundness and basic structure is not that different among many breeds. Structural soundness in a Dalmatian is not that different from structural soundness in a German Shorthaired Pointer, for example. Type, outline, breed personality, and all of the little things that make each breed unique […]

Everyone goes to a dog show hoping to win. But not everyone expects to. That certainly was the case with Giant Schnauzer breeders Chris and Holly Reed of Port Allen, Louisiana, as they headed to the 2021 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin. Every December, AKC’s flagship show draws some of the nation’s top […]

The 2026 AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup aired on ESPN2. See which dogs took top honors in Distance and Air Retrieve.

Have you ever wondered why dogs twitch in their sleep, or if this seemingly benign behavior could be a problem? Here's what you need to know.

(updated 6/1/26 ) 5/11/2026 From the May Board Meeting - one new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Lucas Terrier. 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 […]

[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 […]

Meet Michael Kolath: Working Toward a Bright Dog Sports Future Name: Michael Kolath Age: 11 Hometown: Amarillo, TX Grade: 6th Family: Parents Bill & Sarah Kolath, brothers William and Andrew; sisters Elizabeth, Rebekah, and twin sister Annie Michael lives in the Texas Panhandle city of Amarillo with his dog-loving family. His parents and sisters enjoy dog […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

Dog Breed Health Testing Requirements Listed below are all AKC breeds and their health testing requirements. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z Affenpinscher Ophthalmologist Evaluation Patella Evaluation Afghan Hound Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Airedale Terrier Hip Evaluation Cardiac Exam Renal Disease DNA Test Ophthalmologist Evaluation Akita Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Alaskan Malamute Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Polyneuropathy DNA test American […]

    NEW YORK, NY– The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to welcome nine students chosen to participate in the 2006 AKC Internship Program. The program isopen to college students primarily with a background and interest in purebred dogs but  qualified applicants from any background will be considered. The program is designed to further […]

Raleigh, NC — AKC Pet Disaster Relief, a program dedicated to keeping pets and their owners safe during storms, fires and other natural or civil disasters, presented its first-ever trailer to emergency officials from North Carolina’s Pamlico County. The trailer was presented to Chris Murray of Pamlico County Emergency Management during a ceremony held at […]

  New York, NY -- The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced today the winners of the 2006 AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards. The awards will be presented to the winners by AKC President and Chief Executive Officer, Dennis B. Sprung, at the January 17, 2006 Delegates Meeting in Tampa, Florida, in conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National […]

Showing dogs is a fun sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows, or conformation events, originated as a way for breeders to evaluate their breeding stock. While the purpose remains, dog shows are a great opportunity to socialize with people in your breed and develop […]

Thank you to Abby, and Darin for sharing their experiences. Have your own story? Submit it to juniors@akc.org. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Abby Engler"] My name is Abbey Engler from New Palestine, IN and I am 11 years old. My adventure into dog sports began when I was 9 years old and I received an early Christmas gift; […]

The team of She Shed’s SuperSonics won the largest League class of Regulation Senior for the Fall 2025 Agility League season – a honor that they have held for the past three seasons! In addition, they have placed in that class at the AKC Agility League Championships for the past two years. This is a […]