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

If you are unfamiliar with the spunky, sturdy breed known as the Havanese, you might make the mistake of thinking it is some sort of Poodle. Or, you might think it is related to the Bichon Frise. If you guessed any of these well-known breeds, you’d be on the right track, because all of them […]

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 […]

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a bone cancer that is common in dogs, but rare in children. Studies found that the OS in canines shares genetic and genomic similarities to OS in kids. Comparative oncology helps doctors use dog OS as a means to unlock answers for OS in children. The bone cancer known as osteosarcoma is […]

As she prepares for what she believes will be her final Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with perky 12-year-old Hector, Loren Marino is reminded of the television commercial saying, “There’s no expiration date stamped on the bottom of your foot.” The 42-year-old Toms River, New Jersey, owner-handler is a retired Navy veteran and is fighting […]

The Foundation Stock Service (FSS®) program was developed in 1995 to assist the needs of rare breeds fanciers. Mari-Beth O’Neill, Vice President of Sport Services, and Christine Weisse, Senior Subject Matter Expert, assist these breeds through the process of becoming a fully recognized AKC breed. There are three major steps of the FSS® program: Acceptance […]

For Thy CavagnaroFor Thy Cavagnaro, Meet the Breeds isn't just a fun yearly event. Over the decade that she's volunteered, she's seen her breed's community blossom.

Parvo is every new puppy and dog owner’s worst nightmare. In a matter of days, a perfectly healthy puppy can go from playful and active to fatally ill. Parvo in dogs is a preventable disease, however, all new puppy owners and breeders need to be aware of the risks of parvo, how to prevent it, […]

A good temperament is often top of the list of desirable attributes for a pet, but what does temperament in dogs mean, and how can it be measured?

By Karissa Groves, age 14 Hi! I’m Karissa Groves, and I love dogs, all sorts of dogs—but I really love Bloodhounds! About four years ago, I went to a dog show with my grandma. When I saw kids there showing dogs, I asked her if I could start showing too. [gallery columns="2" size="medium" link="none" ids="28350,28351"] […]

Never underestimate what terriers are capable of is a theme for this team! Jan Moller and her Irish Terrier Griffin (GCH CH Bay-Lei's MacGryphon BN RA...

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- The following is an interview with AKC's federal government relations consultant Jim Holt in response to dog owners' questions about PAWS. The article originally appeared in Dog News June 10th, 2005. Who is regulated under current law and how would PAWS change that? In simple terms, […]

Last week, the New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee amended the controversial “cost of care” bill, Assembly Bill 2354, and voted to forward it to the full Assembly for further consideration.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes amended A.2354 still fails to both adequately protect the rights of bona fide co-owners and address the constitutional issues […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- To help dog owners better understand the recently introduced PAWS legislation, please see the bill analysis below as prepared by Dr. James Holt, AKC's federal government relations consultant. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS OF S. 1139/H.R. 2669, THE "PET ANIMAL WELFARE STATUTE" (PAWS) INTRODUCED MAY 26, 2005. […]

General 1. What is the purpose of the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? To recognize and showcase the quality dogs being exhibited by owner/handlers and to provide a venue for the owner/handlers to compete against their peers. The determination of the awards in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series is based solely on the quality of the […]

By AKC Field Representative Jim Odle Bassett Hound Field Trials are exciting and a lot fun for the hound and huntsman. These events date back to the 1930's. Basset field trials are designed and conducted for the purpose of selecting those hounds that display sound quality and ability to the best advantage. Shortly after the […]

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 […]

New York, NY –Trap Falls Kennel Club (TFKC), Northwest Obedience Club, Inc. (NOCI) and Black Hills Dog Training Club (BHDTC) have each been honored with an AKC Community Achievement Award for the fourth quarter of 2013 for hosting exceptional AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events. The AKC Community Achievement Awards support and recognize outstanding public […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations (April 2024 Board meeting; amended May 2025)"] As an additional step in creating a safe and respectful sport environment for all, the AKC Board of Directors approved the following educational requirements policy and recommendations.  Effective April 10, 2024: AKC Board of Directors, Inspectors, Field Staff across […]

CANINE PARTNERS SPOTLIGHT - CONGRATULATIONS TO FIRST ALL-AMERICAN DOGS TO EARN AKC SCENT WORK TITLES The American Kennel Club’s newest sport, AKC Scent Work, launched Oct. 1, 2017, but it kicked off in September with the first AKC Scent Work trial. The sport mimics the work of detection dogs to locate a scent and alert […]