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.

We all want our dogs to live for as long as possible, so it can be scary to think of them developing an illness like heart disease, which affects their daily functioning and life expectancy. Heart disease is a condition that dogs are either born with (congenital) or develop (acquired) through a combination of factors […]

Merle in dogs is one of the most intriguing coat patterns in the dog world, both in its appearance and its genetics. Also known as dapple, merle is characterized by irregular blotches of fur set on a lighter background of the same pigment, such as solid black on gray (called blue merle) or solid brown […]

What is your name? Autumn Maine How old are you? 13 years old. What state do you live in? Virginia What breed(s) do you compete with? Boston Terrier. Labrador Retriever. I have also worked with many breeds as a volunteer. What sport(s) do you compete in with your dog(s)? Conformation, CAT, Fast CAT, Obedience and […]

For humans, peas are wholesome, nutritious vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals, rich in fiber and protein. But are they healthy options to include in dog food? Are Peas Good for Dogs? Used as a snack or a small part of your dog’s regular diet, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden (or English) peas […]

Keep an eye out for physical, behavioral, and mental changes in your older dog. These might be signs of aging in dogs, and being aware of them is the first step to ensuring continued quality of life for senior dogs.

Can your dog eat blackberries? In short, yes. This sweet, juicy berry can be as much of a treat for your dog as it is for humans. The key word here is “treat.” A dog’s nutritional needs should be met by their regular food, and treats should only comprise ten percent of their diet. And, […]

Consuming too much salt is dangerous for dogs and can lead to hypernatremia or salt toxicosis. Although it's rare, the condition is potentially deadly.

Season 6 - Winter 2024 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Winter Season Finals – Extended Ph.D. – Teams & Dogs Congratulations to all teams & dogs that completed the Winter Season! Great job! Here are the top placers for Season 6: Top Teams Champion – Happy Dog Sports Team 1 – Texas Reserve Champion – New […]

If you've spent any time on social media chances are you've come across the phrase "pet all the dogs" or "I just want to pet all the dogs." this memable...

Canine athletes come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of physical abilities. When people think of dog sports, they often think of the highest energy...

From the day she was born almost seven years ago, Pieces has served up a mix master of surprises. First, it was blindness—which wasn’t ascertained immediately—then a propensity for Scent Work, and lastly, a perfect psychological pathway. The result? A sightless Belgian Malinois puppy with a keen sense of smell and uncanny ability to find […]

Although giant breeds aren't necessarily what people first think of when it comes to canine athletes, these biggest dogs love having a job to do. Most...

Training dogs has been a way of life for Roxane Dutson since she was a teen. She taught the family dogs tricks and then became involved in competition through an obedience training group. “My love for working with dogs became stronger as my husband and I got our first Labrador in 1996,” Dutson says. “From […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2022 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and 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 NOHS Finals will be held […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Amanda Ciaravino of Crete, IL has been hired as an Executive Field Representative. Ciaravino’s career in the sport of dogs spans 35 years, starting as a Junior Handler. Since 2005, she has worked as an All-Breed Professional Handler, responsible for the day-to-day training, conditioning, and showing […]