The AKC DNA Program is proud to announce the official launch of a new DNA test, AKC DNA + Health. This test combines the original AKC DNA profile with genetic health and traits testing for a powerful breeder tool. The goal of this new test is to satisfy all the needs of breeders with just […]

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!

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2025"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2024. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link Review & FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2024 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2024. The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

Over their lifetime, cancer affects one in three dogs. Understand this high risk and life threatening disease so you know the signs and treatments.

It's easy to panic when you see something on your dog's eye, especially if it's a large pink or reddish bump, which could be cherry eye in dogs.

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 […]

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 in 2024, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can […]

Can dogs with missing tails, ears, or eyes compete in AKC conformations shows? It depends on the missing part and the breed standard.

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 […]

When you compete at a national level in any dog sport, it takes a special kind of passion, but being an emergency vet on top of that is dedication.

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 […]

The AKC Museum of the Dog is pleased to announce the opening of their new exhibit “Fashionable Dogs”, which will run from September 7th, 2023, through December 31st, 2023. This exciting exhibition is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor […]

Ever wonder if you can go from watching dog shows on TV to competing at big shows yourself? Well that's exactly what Junior Handler Ashlyn Navis did.

Some of the fastest dogs in the country dashed after the coveted "bunny" lure in a 100-yard Fast CAT dash, in hopes of being named the fastest dog at the 2023 AKC Fastest Dogs USA competition, which aired on ESPN.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce that AKC Fastest Dogs USA presented by The Farmer’s Dog, is set to premiere on ESPN on July 29th at 3pm ET. This invitational event was held on May 19, 2023 at […]

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

At 10 years old, Olivia Merrill is an active Junior Handler of over eight years. After a house fire, the dog show community helped her family rebuild.

Since diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy was identified in 2018, researchers have linked it to diets with peas, lentils and possibly potatoes.

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 Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their […]

Blue eyes in Siberian Huskies are caused by a different genetic mutation than other dog breeds.

The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot

The 2023 AKC National Agility Championship (NAC) will take place March 16 through March 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The fast-paced sport of dog agility will see plenty of dogs take to the ring to race against the clock while completing a pre-determined obstacle course. But what dog breeds will you be able to see compete […]

It's no wonder we describe dogs as "man's best friend." As the oldest domesticated animals, dogs are smart and social, just like their wolf ancestors. Dogs and wolves are part of the diverse biological family of animals called Canidae. But what makes an animal a "canid," and more importantly, what specifically makes a domestic dog […]

From Washington's Foxhounds to Obama's famous Portuguese Water Dogs, presidential dogs are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. Almost all of our presidents have shared the White House with a dog, and often more than one. These presidential dogs became as much a staple of the capitol as the rest of the First Family […]

AKC Meet the Breeds is an excellent way to do first-hand research on different dog breeds. Here's what to ask at each breed booth.

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 […]

Lethargy in dogs is a sign of many possible conditions in your dog. Learn about the possible causes and what to do if your dog is showing signs of lethargy.