Everywhere we turn, there is a three-in-one product out there. Now you can add a championship Flat-Coated Retriever to the mix. Meet sweet, goofy...

There are two kinds of pointers at dog shows. The first type is the Pointer, an elegant dog with a dished face, tail shaped like a bee stinger, and the hard-wired instinct to signal the location of camouflaged birds with the slow-motion lift of a front paw. The other pointers, by contrast, are found in […]

AKC Meet the Breeds is an excellent way to do first-hand research on different dog breeds. Here's what to ask at each breed booth.

Tucked inside a plush beanbag-filled playhouse in South Salem Elementary School's media center is everyone's favorite staff member: Mr. Booker T. Pug. It's where he makes a difference in the lives of 900 students every day. The students who read aloud to nonjudgemental Booker and become better readers. The students who come into the media […]

What do you do if your dog simply won't sit still or concentrate on tasks? New research shows that owners of hyperactive or inattentive dogs can learn a lot from understanding ADHD in humans. Not Just Disobedient: How Understanding ADHD Can Help Dog Owners Once upon a time, children who struggled to sit still and […]

Have you ever wondered what it means to be AKC-recognized? How does a dog become AKC-recognized? Learn about the entire breed recognition process.

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs are small, compact dogs, but they come with a big attitude and a passion for a job and a challenge.

The Tibetan Spaniel, or Tibbie, as they are affectionately called, is sometimes described as a large dog in the body of a small dog. Tibbies are active, alert, and eager to please. Most importantly, they love to spend time with their owners. Here are some more interesting facts about the Tibetan Spaniel. 1. They Aren't […]

Meet the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, AKC's Three Newly Recognized Dog Breeds in 2026.

A passion for terriers and dog shows led 17-year-old Royal Miller, from Pennsylvania, to become ranked as #7 Junior Handler in the Terrier group. "I never expected to be in the top 10 in my group because of COVID-19," Royal explains. "Yet there I was, winning in juniors and moving up to #7 in the […]

Watch a dog show, and the routine looks so easy. But handling a dog in the conformation ring is harder than it looks, and takes practice.

Interested in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel history? Here's how the breed began, how it's related to the King Charles Spaniel, and more.

For John Buddie, owner-breeder of the prolifically successful Tartanside Collies and the 2015 AKC Breeder of the Year, there was never any doubt about his breed of choice. “My grandparents emigrated from Scotland and Ireland and Collies were the only dog they’d have,” he recalled. “Then one day, when I was about 12, I was […]

In the ring, Addict the Portuguese Podengo is the center of attention. The 36-pound dog displays both substance and splash while...

The Rat Terrier is a relatively new breed that has experienced some highs and lows during its history. Let's take a look at how Rat Terriers became the energetic, loyal, family dogs they are today. Here are six interesting facts about the Rat Terrier: 1. They Used to Be Wildly Popular With Farmers In the […]

The American Kennel Club has officially recognized over 200 breeds. Take a look at these AKC breed recognition fun facts to learn more!

Last month in Breeder News, we provided an overview of canine hip dysplasia (HD). This article is a continuation with more in-depth information about recent genetic discoveries. HD is a developmental disorder in which the hip joint does not fit properly into the socket, leading to joint instability, inflammation, and eventually arthritis. The condition varies […]

In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, now in Season Four, host Bud Boccone tells the tales of breeds, dogs, and personalities who’ve shaped America (and Americans) over generations. Using the American Kennel Club's historical records, archival material, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show brings dog […]

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

Scheduling Conformation Events General Questions Points Schedule Formulation Specialties Held With All-Breed and Group Shows Classes and Entries Submitting Results Awards and Titles Judges and Judging Junior Showmanship Sweepstakes Trophies, Prizes, and Ribbons Club Membership Upload Tool Scheduling Conformation Events AKC recommended Best Practices to hire and assign judges, leading to an efficient schedule. General […]