The top dogs in the nation were crowned from an overall combined entry of more than 640 dogs this past weekend at the AKC National Obedience Championship and AKC Rally® National Championship. Competitions were held July 8th-10th, 2022 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, OH. “It was absolutely incredible to watch these outstanding performances as […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: James (Jim) Crowley (Conformation), Linda Mecklenburg (Companion Events) and Pluis Davern (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung in 1999, are presented […]

Taco does it again!! GCH CH Snapshots Dont Spill The Beans RN FDC CAX24 DCAT SWE SCM SHDN RATO DN CGCA CGCU TKP ATT VHMA, owned and handled by Linda Davis, makes another big mark in the history of AKC Coursing Ability Tests by being the first and only dog to be awarded the CAX24 […]

Most people know a Basset Hound’s distinct look—soulful but droopy eyes, long, floppy ears, and a low-to-the-ground body that moves at a snail’s pace. What you might not know is that they’re also quite stubborn and possess superior scenting abilities – both of which make them incredible hunters! In fact, their innate ability to hunt is […]

What are the age requirements to participate? Puppies must be at least four months of age but under six months on the day of the event. Will my puppy earn points towards his Championship? No, championship points are not awarded in the 4 to 6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition, however, points towards a Certificate of […]

My name is Maximillian Thompson. I’m currently seventeen years old and am from northeastern Minnesota. I started training for Rally, Agility, and Junior Showmanship back in late 2014, when I got my first dog, an energetic field Golden Retriever named Stella. She was one and a half at the time. Her family had given her […]

This program was formulated due to the overwhelming success of the Retriever Hunting Test program. In 1986 Director of Field Trials and Hunting Tests, A. Hamilton (Ham) Rowan, Manager of Performance Events, John Carroll, and AKC Field Representative, Bob Bartel developed the plans for the fledgling Pointing Breed Hunting Test program. The regulations were approved […]

If you’re the owner of a senior dog or have a dog that is losing vision or hearing, you might not think it’s possible to continue doing dog sports. But participating in dog sports can help with both mental stimulation and physical exercise and can help strengthen that human-canine bond. There are plenty of senior dogs who are […]

Deciphering the registered names of show dogs can be a baffling process for the public. "Why are the names so long?" "Is that how they call their dogs?" "What do all those letters mean?" "What language is that?" Those are just some of the comments heard when commentators announce show dogs by their formal names. […]

The AKC Paw of Courage is an award given to show appreciation for the work that dogs do in the service of humankind. This award recognizes dogs who serve their communities, making great impacts in the lives of their human counterparts. Paw of Courage awards can be presented to Police K-9s, Military Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, […]

2020 was a year of pain, sadness, and frustration. For our sport, it has meant many months of doing without the weekly dog shows where we compete and socialize. We’re all familiar with the old saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” That phrase was never truer than in 2020, when fanciers found innovative […]

Are you a canine instructor who works for other training companies? Do you think about working with dogs in a facility that you own and operate? When professional dog trainers imagined running a top-notch canine center, they made a big move.  The result? Two successful, state-of-the-art centers devoted to enriching dogs' relationships with their owners. Here's how […]

When you and your dog reach the Elite Performer level, you'll need not only to perform high-level tricks, but also act out a story together. The same is true for the AKC Virtual Trick Dog Competition. So, is your dog ready to be the star of their own show? As a fiction author turned dog […]

At the 2022 National Agility Championship (NAC) in Ocala, Florida, hundreds of the nation's top canines compete with hopes of being named one of the best Agility dogs. Of the qualifying contenders, it's typical to see dozens of Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. This year, there was even a Bulldog and a Borzoi! But a […]

Recently I helped a breeder friend compile a package of handouts to send to prospective owners. This was her first litter so she was new to the process. I was surprised to learn that her bitch’s breeder had not sent her anything comparable when she was shopping for a puppy. I used to think these […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) Congratulations to these dogs who have earned the […]

2022 | 2019 | 2018 The second AKC US Detection Dog Conference was a success with a capacity attendance. Internationally known subject matter experts delivered thought provoking presentations that covered the breeding, training and deployment of Explosives Detection Canines as well as discussions on the domestic shortage of these amazing dogs. Thank you to the […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – House Bill 485, among other provisions, would have allowed a dog to be confiscated without court authorization if suspected of harassing, harming, or killing livestock. Minor amendments were adopted in committee, and AKC GR advocated for […]

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 1pm the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee is scheduled to hear testimony on SB 368, as amended.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the New Hampshire Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) have significant concerns. New Hampshire residents are strongly encouraged to use the information […]

Lnh's Shot Of Fire FCAT ACT1 CGC TKE owned by Lindsey Hazlett of Mount Horeb, WI “Heisman is a 5-year-old rescue who has spent the last year learning complex tricks and routines for the AKC Trick Dog program,” Lindsey said. He earned his Elite Performer title in December 2021 after performing a routine called Heisman […]