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, […]

Sled dog breeds have helped humans survive in the Arctic for millennia. Learn more about the work these breeds have done and the sports they participate in today.

Reputable breeders don’t just breed in the moment: They are thinking years, even decades ahead, thoughtfully breeding dogs that are typey, healthy, and sound enough to continue to benefit the breed long after they are gone. And that philosophy of paying it forward is even more satisfying when a second generation decides to plunk itself […]

The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot

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

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, […]

Blue eyes in Siberian Huskies are caused by a different genetic mutation than the one seen in other blue-eyed dog breeds. So what makes them blue?

More Dogs Needed for Project to Improve Canine Lifespan The Dog Aging Project is a national effort to improve dogs’ health and longevity. Meet two owners and their mixed-breeds who participate in the project and learn how you can help. A road trip gave Colleen Sweeney a lot more than souvenirs and photographs of pretty […]

If the luxurious coat of your plush-coated breed is gradually becoming dull and sparse, but they appear otherwise healthy, this could relate to Alopecia X.

By Cheri Rankin It all started when my daughter, Erin, wanted a "sled dog" for her fourth birthday (because she was enamored of sled-dog movies like Iron Will and Balto). I've been a dog lover all my life and had always had a dog growing up, but at that point we had not had a […]