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Expert Advice: Events
AKC National Championship Winners Through the Years
These champion show dogs took the top prize in conformation at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/akc-national-championship-winners-roundup/
| December 12, 2022
Expert Advice: Feature
Lhasa Apso ‘JJ’ Wins Best in Show at 2025 AKC National Championship
The champion of the 2024 AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, has been crowned! The nation's biggest dog show, with over 5,600...
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/akc-national-championship-best-in-show-2025/
| December 29, 2025
Expert Advice: Puppy Information
Which Dog Toys Are Right for Your Puppy?
Puppies explore the world through their mouths, so they'll chew anything they can sink their teeth into. By providing them with toys that indulge their teething instincts, you're more likely to spare your shoes and socks from destruction
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/best-puppy-toys/
| September 2, 2021
Expert Advice: Health
Megaesophagus in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
Learn about the signs and management options for megaesophagus in dogs, an esophageal condition that causes regurgitation and associated complications.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/megaesophagus-in-dogs/
| January 22, 2026
Expert Advice: Fun With Your Dog
9 Ways to Make Valentine’s Day Special for Your Dog
Valentine's Day is a perfect time to show love to those in your life, including your dogs. Here are some ways to give your dog a special Valentine's Day.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/doggie-valentines-day/
| January 27, 2023
Expert Advice: Juniors
Meet 2026 Westminster Best Junior Hadrian Towell
As part of the 2026 Westminster week, Junior Showmanship took place to crown Best Junior. See the winner and runner-ups.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/westminster-best-junior-2026/
| February 3, 2026
Expert Advice: Events
Meet the Winners of the 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Masters Agility Championship
The 13th annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster has crowned its 2026 winners. The event is part of Westminster Week.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/westminster-agility-winners-2026/
| February 1, 2026
Expert Advice: Studies
Does Breed Influence How Dogs Communicate With Humans?
Dogs are renowned for their ability to read humans. But a study shows that the type of breed influences their level of human communication.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/breed-selection-human-communication/
| February 11, 2026
Expert Advice: Natural & Whole Foods
Can Dogs Eat Salmon?
Can dogs eat salmon? Find out how feed your pup a bit of this tasty and nutritious fish on occasion in a way that is safe for them.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-salmon/
| September 1, 2022
Expert Advice: Feature
Miniature Schnauzer ‘Baby Joe’ Reaches 100 Best in Show Wins
Not many dogs can say they've won Best in Show. A few dogs, like "Baby Joe," are part of the unofficial 100 BIS wins club.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/miniature-schnauzer-baby-joe/
| February 17, 2026
Expert Advice: Home & Living
How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Your Yard
There may be things in your yard that are potential hazards to dogs. Know what can be harmful to keep your dog safe.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/yard-safety/
| July 10, 2017
Expert Advice: Health
Is the Weather Too Hot For Your Dog? Watch For These Signs
It was a warm spring day, and a neighbor and I were watching some dogs charging around playfully in a fenced, dog-park area, seemingly oblivious to the heat. My neighbor commented, “You know, if we were running around like that we would be drenched in sweat. Dogs must be marvelously adapted to handle the heat.” […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/weather-too-hot-to-handle-signs/
| July 22, 2022
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
The 7 AKC Dog Breed Groups Explained
At AKC shows, dogs are organized into 7 groups: Hound, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Learn about what makes each group unique.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-akc-dog-breed-groups-explained/
| September 26, 2019
Expert Advice: Lifestyle
75 Ways to Be a Responsible Dog Owner
Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails. The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. AKC celebrates Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 17th each year, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/responsible-dog-owner/
| August 30, 2022
Press Releases
2025 ANC Winners
GCHP CH Ta Sen Westgate Jingle Juice, a Lhasa Apso known as “JJ” triumphed over more than 5,500 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize when they were awarded Best in Show at the 25th AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 13-14, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2025-anc-winners/
| December 29, 2025
Pages
Breeds by Year Recognized
The AKC currently registers 205 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC. (last updated 1/1/26) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer 1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay) 1878 – Spaniel (Clumber) 1878 – Spaniel (Cocker) 1878 – Setter (English) 1878 – Setter (Gordon) […]
https://www.akc.org/press-center/articles-resources/facts-and-stats/breeds-year-recognized/
| August 12, 2019
Pages
Open Registration
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/register/information/open-registration/
| December 19, 2014
Clubs & Delegates
American Kennel Club Centennial Clubs
The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to recognize its affiliated dog clubs which have been holding AKC events for over 100 years and are an essential part of the sport of dogs. Airedale Terrier Club of America Japanese Chin Club of America Airedale Terrier Club of New England Kennel Club of Buffalo American Chesapeake […]
https://www.akc.org/clubs-delegates/clubs/centennial-clubs/
| December 30, 2022
Sports & Events
What Dog Breeds Can I Meet at AKC Meet the Breeds?
AKC Meet the Breeds events are a fun and educational way to spend a day with the whole family, and maybe even figure out which dog breed is right for you! If you are attending an AKC Meet the Breeds event, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can find out […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-meet-the-breeds/dog-breeds-attending/
| January 13, 2024
Sports & Events
AKC Agility League Spotlight: Meet Keavy the Flying Setter
The spotlight shines on a beautiful young red dog who loves agility. Keavy is an Irish Setter who competes in the 20-Preferred class in the Agility League division of Regulation Sophomore and often is the top scoring Preferred Tall dog when League rankings come out. Her owner, Cheryl, has shared life with Irish Setters […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/in-the-zone/akc-agility-league-spotlight-meet-keavy-flying-setter/
| February 20, 2026