Standard Poodles are among the most instantly recognizable of all dog breeds. Known largely for their stylish looks, the athletic, eager, and intelligent Standard Poodle has so many more talents besides simply looking pretty. Learn more about this iconic Non-Sporting Group breed with these Standard Poodle fun facts. Standard Poodles Originated in Germany Although it […]

Cranberries and dried cranberries are popular, especially around the holidays. But are cranberries safe for dogs? Can dogs eat cranberries?

The Gordon Setter is the largest member of the setter breeds. Learn more about this breed with these Gordon Setter fun facts.

Dog body language can be confusing. But if you know the signs and signals to look for, it can make it easier to communicate with and understand your pet.

Raising a paw and pointing is a canine instinct. Hunting dogs purpose-bred for generations used the tactic to help owners hunt, find, and capture game.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Junior Scholarships awarded to those who compete in Companion Events. "These outstanding young individuals have demonstrated an abundance of commitment—not only to their academic studies but also to the sport of dogs,” Doug Ljungren, AKC Executive Vice President […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 AKC Junior Scholarships. Scholarships totaling $22,500 were awarded to the following recipients. “AKC encourages Juniors to try different events and expand their involvement,” says Mari-Beth O’Neill, VP […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

Winter Season 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 2 Teams Champion – Naughty Spots - Virginia Reserve Champion – Kit and Kaboodle – New Mexico Individual Dog Placements (1st – 4th) 8-Regular 1-Sundae, Papillon, Naughty Spots 16-Regular 1-Whiskey, Shetland Sheepdog, Let’s Play TAG 2-Missoula, Border Collie, New Mexico Heat 20-Regular 1-Keeper, Border Collie, Naughty Spots 2-Suri, […]

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  4/1/25, last updated 4/15/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

(updated 5/7/25 ) 4/7/2025 The American Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Club is the official parent club for the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and to accept the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier into the AKC Stud Book on December 31, 2025. The breed will be eligible to compete in the Terrier Group beginning December 31, 2025. 2/7/2025 The Basset Fauve […]

Ibizan Hound Learn about Ibizan Hounds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Ibizan Hound Club of the United States [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Icelandic Sheepdog Learn about Icelandic Sheepdogs [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] National Icelandic Sheepdog Rescue Alliance Email: nisrabod@gmail.com Email: isaabod@gmail.com [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Irish Red and White Setter Learn about Irish Red and White Setters [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Irish […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2025"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2024. 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 […]

These policies have been adopted by the AKC Board of Directors, although they have not yet been incorporated into an official publication. This reference will be updated as policies are adopted, revised and published. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Administration Policies"] AKC Charter and Bylaws Article XII Complaints (August 2016 Board meeting) AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations […]

When a new breed is accepted in the American Kennel Club a special type of registration known as Open Registration, is available for a limited time. The American Kennel Club in conjunction with the Parent Club (also known as a national breed club) sets this time frame for the breed. Eligibility for Open Registration In […]

Each of the AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. Current as of June 17, 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Herding Group"] HERDING GROUP The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. […]

Titles Earned in AKC Activities, Organized by Sport and Title Progression the # symbol behind the title abbreviation indicates that title can be earned multiple times, and will carry a numeric designation [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Agility Titles"] Class Abbrev. Title Name Abbrev. Title Name (Preferred Track) Prefix or Suffix ACT ACT1 Agility Course Test 1 Suffix […]

To view other Pee Wee photos click here. If you have a Pee Wee photo you would like to share, please send to: juniors@akc.org [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Procedures and Guidelines"] A Club must submit a Special Attractions Form to conduct the Pee Wee Class Special Attraction. The request must be approved by the Event Operations department. The […]

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 […]

In this section you will find information related to each AKC Delegate Meeting. June 9-10, 2025 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Vote on the proposed amendment to Article XI, Section 9 of the Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club Read on the proposed amendment to Article IV, Section 5 of the Charter and […]

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 […]

July 2025 Delegate Standing Committee Self-Nominations Delegate Committee Self-Nomination Instruction Letter List of Delegate Committee members whose terms expire in September 2025 Delegates that were appointed to fill a vacancy on a committee following the September 2024 Delegate Committee Election are required to self-nominate and be elected to continue as a member of the committee. […]