All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Spaniel Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized Breeds Airedale Terriers American Water Spaniels Boykin Spaniels Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Clumber Spaniels Cocker Spaniels Curly-Coated Retrievers English Cocker Spaniels English Springer Spaniels Field Spaniels Flat-Coated Retrievers Golden Retrievers Irish Water Spaniels Labrador […]

Spaniels by nature are flushing dogs that are well adapted to find, flush and retrieve a variety of upland game in all types of habitat. The American sportsman has been using Spaniels for upland game hunting long before there were Hunting tests and Field trials. There are currently ten different recognized Spaniel breeds that are […]

English Springer Spaniels are energetic, friendly dogs that are game for hours of playtime. Here are some interesting facts about this exuberant breed.

Although one of the earliest breeds to be registered with the AKC, the Field Spaniel almost faded into obscurity prior to the 1960s. And that would be a shame because this is one terrific dog. In the field, he’s known for endurance and energy, equally adept on land or water. But where the Field Spaniel […]

The Clumber Spaniel looks like a more rugged version of the Cocker Spaniel, but the two breeds are very different. The Clumber is a rare breed with mysterious origins. Here are some interesting facts about Clumber Spaniels: 1. No One Is Sure Where They Are From There is a theory that the Clumber Spaniel began […]

The first time you see a Sussex Spaniel, you might think you’re looking at a Cocker Spaniel in a fun house mirror. They have a definite resemblance, but the Sussex is shorter, longer, and heavier, with a muscular and solid build. Here are some interesting facts about the Sussex Spaniel. 1. The Sussex Spaniel is […]

According to an article on Continental Toy Spaniels by Baron Albert Houtart, the spaniel family, regardless of size, belongs to the “braccoid” classification of the canine species, as defined by Pierre Megnin. One distinction that Houtart makes is that all spaniels characteristically have short hair on the skull, muzzle, and fronts of the legs with […]

Originally published in the AKC Gazette. Writing in 1667, Nicholas Cox describes small land spaniels of courageous mettle, “strong, lusty and nimble rangers, of active feet, wanton tails and busy nostrils”—still a good description of the Cocker Spaniel. A less flattering description was given in 1647 by the “Witch-Finder General,” whose dubious job it was […]

  - Same Dog Sweeps both Westminster and AKC/Eukanuba National Championship - Last night the stunning English Springer Spaniel, Ch Felicity's Diamond Jim, known as "James" of Fairfax Station, VA handled by Kellie L. Fitzgerald won the 131st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. James is owned by Mr. & Mrs. Allen Patton, R. Dehmel and […]

Dogs are renowned for their ability to read humans. But a study shows that the type of breed influences their level of human communication.

The 13th annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster has crowned its 2026 winners. The event is part of Westminster Week.

Vision plays a crucial role in your dog's quality of life. How often should you get your dog's eyes checked to prevent problems?

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is thrilled to announce the winners of the AKC Agility League’s fall season. The AKC Agility League recently concluded its 11th season of competition and honored […]

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. […]

The 20th annual AKC® Agility Invitational took place December 13-14, 2025 in Orlando, FL in conjunction with the 25th AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, demonstrating the highest level of training and teamwork between dog and handler. The top five dogs in each breed received an invitation to compete in this prestigious event. Agility […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to announce the top Juniors in AKC Sports for 2025. The American Kennel Club recognizes and appreciates the participation of Junior handlers across all […]

Fitness Training Basics This month’s tip is contributed by Courtney Holscher, a rehabilitation and acupuncture veterinarian in South Carolina. Courtney is also an agility competitor, who started in the sport in 2003 at the age of 11 with her Cocker Spaniel. She has also run an Australian Shepherd and currently competes with her All American […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs - and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is thrilled to announce the winners of the third annual AKC Agility League Championship. The championship took place September 26th through September 28th at T. […]

Snoopy is turning 75 in 2025! This famous cartoon dog is one of the most iconic members of the Peanuts gang, and he's

The AKC Agility League recently concluded its 10th season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. The AKC Agility League is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan. Team champions were named in each of the 10 divisions. In addition, the League introduced a new award for the Most Improved Teams and Dogs in each division. […]

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! AGILITY New AGCH (Agility Grand Champion) AGCH MACH4 Gorman's Athena MXB2 PDS MJS2 PJS MFG TQX T2B6 owned by Diane Fairfax Gorman of St. […]

From contract obligations and health updates to training support and sharing milestones, staying in touch with your puppy’s breeder can benefit you both.

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]

For the first three to four weeks of puppies’ lives, meal time is not a hard job for breeders. But once those puppy teeth erupt, many Moms avoid nursing, plus growing puppies need more nutrition. Breeders must decide when to start weaning litters and what to feed them during the transition from Mom’s milk to […]

Whether we're young or old, dogs are great company. Seniors deciding what breed dog to add to their life, should consider lifestyle and physical ability.

According to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity (APOP), a whopping 59% of US dogs are overweight or obese.

The 2025 AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup was held in collaboration with North American Diving Dogs on April 5, in Mississippi at Mississippi State University.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]

Rat Terrier "Shazam!" is a godsend to the Pautlers. He's also taking the Agility world by storm, competing at the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship.

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!