What is a conflict of interest? The Rules, Policies, and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges provides “A conflict of interest exists when a judge is influenced by any relationship or factor other than the merit of the dogs.” Essentially, a conflict of interest exists when the presence of an exhibitor or their dogs gives the impression […]

The world of dog agility is fast-paced and exciting, but the terminology can be intimidating. Learn the language of dog agility so you can jump right in.

In its ongoing 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 very 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 […]

While many dog owners and their partners gladly share their sleeping space with their dogs, others may disagree about having a dog in the bed.

“Love me, because I’m beautiful,” Floppybear seems to be telling breed judge Judy Daniel at the 2015 Conejo Kennel Club Dog Show in City of Industry, Calif.  He’s a show dog—and he knows it! When Floppybear struts his stuff with swagger and verve—the wow factor kicks in! At last month’s Kennel Club of Beverly Hills […]

There's a risk involved any time your dog is under anesthesia for surgery. Here's what you need to know about potential dog anesthesia complications.

Nominees in Conformation Michael Canalizo Michael Canalizo has spent many years in the Dog Show World as a Breeder/Owner, Professional Handler, turned Judge. His first exposure to his primary breed: the Afghan Hound came in 1961 as a member of “the typical Hobby Breeder family” with their purchase of “Babu Bamn of Grandeur”. He showed […]

For years her Vizslas’ successes in dog sports have produced many smiles and good vibes for Cathy Cline, of North Hollywood, Calif., but those memories don’t compare to the unshakable happiness triggered by Friends and Vets Helping Pets (FVHP), the foundation she started in 2012. Yes, there have been plenty of hand-wringing, frustrating moments, too, […]

Never mind the Mouse. In December, Orlando is all about the dog. Actually, make that plural: Dogs–thousands of them, from tiny Chihuahuas to ginormous Great Danes–stream into Florida to compete in the American Kennel Club's annual flagship event, the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. But if you're never attended before, you might just […]

Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (GRPU) is an inflammatory disease of the eye recognized in Golden Retrievers throughout the United States and Canada. It was first described in the scientific literature in 1996 and is now recognized as common in Golden Retrievers more than 8 years of age in the United States. Despite ongoing research to […]

In November, a 2-year-old black Labrador Retriever named Hatty made headlines as the first facility dog to be employed by the Cook County State Attorney’s Office in Illinois. Specifically, Hatty has been tasked with providing courtroom comfort to child victims of violence and sexual assault. Trained and provided by the St. Louis-based organization Duo Dogs, […]

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 […]

The AKC® Humane Fund is proud to announce the winners of the 21st annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). These awards celebrate five loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly improved the lives of their owners and communities. The five winners were carefully chosen from a pool of more than 800 impressive nominations. […]

Photo Coverage Day 1 -- April 1, 2014 The first day of the Championship began under mainly cloudy skies and a very chilly 20 degrees. There was a strong north wind. As the day progressed the temperatures rose into the 50's, the skies cleared, and the winds diminished making for pleasant conditions. Humidity was very […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="American Field Irish Setters (October 1975 Board meeting)"]  Based upon a request from the Irish Setter Club of America, AKC discontinued the registration of Irish Setters based upon pedigrees from the American Field Dog Stud Book. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Auction Policy (July 2003 Board meeting)"]  The Board reviewed its policy on Auctions, considering the […]

Discover expert tips from the AKC on how to cope with frequent vet visits for dogs with chronic health conditions. Learn how to support your pet, reduce stress, and maintain emotional well-being.

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 […]

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 […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adding Junior Membership to AKC Member Club Bylaws (November 2022 Board meeting)"] The Board VOTED to permit existing clubs to add “Junior” as a membership option to their club Bylaws without AKC reviewing and approving each club’s Bylaws. The Board will receive notice from Club Relations of the clubs that have added “Junior […]

  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 […]

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 […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adjunct Approval (April 1994 Board meeting)"] When a new breed becomes eligible for championship competition, there is one six-month window of opportunity for judges to submit applications under the adjunct system. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Household Judges (July 2000 Board meeting)"] A household member of a Board member may submit a judging application […]

(updated 5/11/26 ) 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 Club of the United States is the official parent club for the Peruvian Inca Orchid and to accept the Peruvian Inca […]

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 […]

[AKC Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship]   Gun Dog Homepage Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7  |  Photo Coverage Day 8  |  Day 9  |  Day 10  |  Final Day  |  In Conclusion  |  Photo Coverage   Day 1 – AKC Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship The 2013 AKC Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship returns to Branched Oak Lake near Lincoln, NE for the 20th […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

Non Retrieving Stake -- By Bonnie Hidalgo Photo Coverage Retrieving Stake -- By Tom Maneely Photo Coverage   Day 1 -- Non Retrieving Stake This prestigious all breed Championship kicked off on Tuesday morning, May 6. The site is the Red Rocks BLM field trial area outside of Reno, NV. It is a big, beautiful […]

Season 12 - Winter Season 2026 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 3 Teams Champion – WestRover’s Speed Squad – Alabama Reserve Champion – Let’s Play TAG – North Carolina Third – Rock City Jumpers – Arkansas Individual Dog Placements 8-Inch Regular 1st – Driver, Papillon, WestRover’s Speed Squad 2nd – Gigi, Poodle, Free For All 3rd – Mabel, […]