Just like our immigrant ancestors, most of the dog breeds we know and enjoy today originated in other countries and came to the United States later on. However, there are a number of AKC registered breeds which were developed on American soil, and each has its own unique history and heritage: Alaskan Malamute - […]

1942-2003 AKC Executive Field Representative Carol Hollands, who bred generations of Best in Show Pekingese, died of an apparent heart attack at her home in Enfield, Connecticut, on September 10. She was 61 years old. Hollands, daughter of breeder-handler Horace Hollands, grew up in the sport of dogs and was mentored by the likes of […]

AKC Sets Criteria for Rare Breeds to Compete in Companion Events 18 FSS Breeds Eligible for Competition as of January 1 The American Kennel Club announced that Foundation Stock Service (FSS) breeds meeting certain criteria are eligible to compete in AKC all-breed Companion Events including Obedience, Agility and Tracking, effective January 1, 2004. Inclusion in […]

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, March 17th, the American Kennel Club celebrates seven purebred dogs of Irish heritage that are AKC registrable or are in the AKC miscellaneous class. Additional information, including the full breed standards, links to Parent Club web sites and video clips of each breed, is available a this […]

  The American Kennel Club has announced that effective May 1, 2004, the Black Russian Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff have been granted regular status as AKC-recognized breeds and are eligible for competition in the Working Group, effective July 1, 2004. In addition, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is approved for AKC registration as of […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to welcome the ten students who have been chosen to participate in the AKC Internship Program. The program--open to college students with a background and interest in purebred dogs--is designed to further their professional development as well as help the AKC identify potential employees with experience in […]

While many of the dog breeds we know and enjoy today originated in other countries, there are a number of AKC registered breeds which were developed on American soil, and each has its own unique history and heritage: Alaskan Malamute - The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, was named after the […]

  From Washington's Foxhounds to Bush's "Barney," presidential purebred pups are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. Twenty-two U.S. presidents have owned purebred dogs and most shared the White House with them. While some dogs had jobs - "Millie" authored a book, "Him" and "Her" modeled for Life magazine, and "Laddie Boy" oversaw high-level […]

  In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were established in 1998 to honor our Fancy’s 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 level. […]

  The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards honor those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients are selected by votes cast by AKC member clubs for nominees in the categories of Conformation, Companion Events, and Performance. The awards, engraved Tiffany and Co. sterling silver bowls, […]

Plus, Hairless Breeds: Nothing To Sneeze At  While no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, there are many breeds which the American Kennel Club (AKC®) suggests people with allergies consider. Most of these breeds have non-shedding coats, which produce less dander. It's the dander, not the hair, which causes most pet allergies. For those who can't […]

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce the hiring of William H. Deily, Jr. as the Director of Inspections and Investigations. Deily, who replaces the recently retired Steve Robinson, has joined the staff in Raleigh, NC. Deily has extensive background in both the sport of purebred dogs and law enforcement. […]

  New York, NY – Highlights from the August 2006 meeting of the AKC Board of Directors as follows: The Board appointed members to all of the Trial Boards, effective September 1, 2006. The full list is included in the minutes for the August 2006 meeting. The Nominating Committee, which is to nominate candidates for […]

"As the big hound is, so will the pup be."-- Irish Proverb New York -- It’s no surprise that Ireland has produced many immortal writers, poets and musicians, but did you know there are several dog breeds that hail from the Emerald Isle? In honor of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th, the American Kennel […]

Dog Experts Say Researching Breeds and Finding a Responsible Breeder Puts Your Pet in a Leading Role in Your Family New York, NY — In anticipation of the April 4, 2007 release of the family comedy Firehouse Dog, the American Kennel Club® reminds moviegoers about the importance of making careful, educated decisions when considering adding […]

The American Kennel Club® announced today that Janet DiNitto of Sauquoit, New York has been named a recipient of the AKC® Community Achievement Award. DiNitto, recognized for her longtime dedication to educating her community on the responsibilities of dog ownership, received one of three awards this quarter - Andrew D'Ambrose of Woodbridge, Conn. and the […]

  The American Kennel Club® is pleased to welcome the seven students participating in the 2007 AKC® Internship Program. The program is geared towards college students with a background and interest in purebred dogs and is designed to further their professional development, as well as help AKC identify potential employees with experience in both AKC […]

  DVD To Include Insert With Breed Information New York, NY— The American Kennel Club® and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announce a joint effort to educate potential puppy owners. The DVD of family comedy Firehouse Dog, which is being released on July 31, 2007, will include a supplement from the AKC® that details Irish […]

  Highlights from the October 2007 meeting of the AKC Board of Directors are as follows:               Dates and locations for future AKC Delegate Meetings were set as follows:   June 8-9, 2008 (Sunday/Monday) - Boston, MA area (Quincy, MA)   September 8-9, 2008 (Monday/Tuesday) - New York City Area   December […]

AKC spokesperson Gina Lash appeared live on the Today Show earlier today to celebrate the many dog breeds which hail from Ireland: the Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Wolfhound, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Irish Red & White Setter. Watch the segment. Following the Today segment, the dogs […]

"A dog owns nothing, yet is seldom dissatisfied."-Irish Proverb New York -- It's no surprise that Ireland has produced many immortal writers, poets and musicians, but did you know there are several dog breeds that hail from the Emerald Isle? In honor of St. Patrick's Day on March 17th, the American Kennel Club® celebrates the […]

  New York, NY – From Washington's Foxhounds to Bush's "Barney" and "Miss Beazley" presidential purebred pups are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) reports that 22 U.S. presidents have owned purebred dogs and most shared the White House with them. While some dogs had jobs - "Millie" authored […]

$20,000 Donation to Animal Control That Helped Displaced Animals NEW YORK, NY – The American Kennel Club® and AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) are pleased to announce that the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund has donated $10,000 to the Kirkwood Foundation for the Friends of the Animal Shelter Fund, the non-profit group […]

Three Breeds Gain Full AKC Recognition The American Kennel Club® is pleased to welcome the Irish Red and White Setter, the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Norwegian Buhund as the 159th, 160th, and the 161st AKC® registered breeds. The Irish Red and White Setter will join the Sporting Group while both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the […]

  New York, NY – Highlights from the July 2009 meeting of the AKC® Board of Directors are as follows: The Board retired the kennel name "Danelagh" (Nancy-Carol Draper) for Great Danes. Effective January 1, 2010, all FSS enrolled dogs with three-generation pedigrees will be eligible to compete in all AKC Companion Events. The Lure […]

  – "AKC Breeder of the Year" to be Announced at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship – The American Kennel Club® announced today the seven group recipients of the 2009 AKC® Breeder of the Year Award.  The award honors breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs. "The AKC […]

  -- It’s Time to Make Your Pooch a Prime Priority -- New York, NY – Americans have embraced dog ownership for centuries, and many people today view their dogs as cherished members of the family. Owning a dog is not a right, however, but a privilege that must be respected and nurtured. It’s crucial […]

Award Presented at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Claudia Orlandi, Ph.D. of Essex Junction, Vermont was honored with the 2009 AKC Breeder of the Year Award for her Topsfield Basset Hounds at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Sunday, December 13, 2009.  The annual award honors those breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament […]

  -- Labrador Retriever Remains America’s Most Popular Dog as  German Shepherd Makes A Move For The Top Spot -- -- Breeds That Help Keep Us Safe Dominate the Top 5 -- Photos and Coverage For the 19th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, but could this be […]

  – "AKC Breeder of the Year" to be Announced at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship – The American Kennel Club® announced today the seven group recipients of the 2010 AKC® Breeder of the Year Award.  The award honors breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs. "The AKC […]