NEW YORK, NY– The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to welcome nine students chosen to participate in the 2006 AKC Internship Program. The program isopen to college students primarily with a background and interest in purebred dogs but  qualified applicants from any background will be considered. The program is designed to further […]

Can dogs be albino? Yes, and certain breeds are more prone to the gene than others. Read about albino dog history, and what to do to keep them healthy.

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 […]

The AKC currently registers 200 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  1878 – Setter […]

You may have seen the beautiful Lhasa Apso's stunning coat without even realizing what breed it is. Get to know them with these fun facts.

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.

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 […]

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  1/22/24, last updated 1/24/24) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

Shih Tzu "Comet" has won Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship. Meet handler and co-owner Luke Ehrict, who also won Breeder of the Year with his wife for Hallmark Jolei Dogs.

Although its precise origins are unknown, the Shih Tzu is undoubtedly descended from lion-like Tibetan holy dogs and have existed for centuries.