Every dog benefits from training, but it can feel overwhelming to figure out where to get started. The first step to training your dog is finding the...

Watch a dog show, and the routine looks so easy. But handling a dog in the conformation ring is harder than it looks, and takes practice.

Dog training comes with its own lingo. Learn the definitions for common dog training terminology so you can train your dog with confidence.

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 French Bulldog reigns supreme! The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, announced this morning that the playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the second consecutive year, according to AKC registration statistics. Since overtaking the loveable Labrador Retriever […]

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_panel title="2024"] 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. Review and FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies and Guidelines Tuesday, January 16, 2024 View […]

Every dog owner thinks their dog is intelligent. In flashes of brilliance, your dog lets you know what time it is because he wants dinner and runs to...

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, not everything available. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. Although the AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, not all genetic variants have been validated […]

Home sweet home may mean peace and quiet to you. But to your dog, the same home could sound like a marching band. Dogs hear many high-frequency noises...

Your dog's eye and vision evolved to emphasize the vision needed for hunting at night. Yours evolved for picking berries during the day. Here's how.

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 […]

Get to Know the four dogs that are setter breeds: the English Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, and the Gordon Setter.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of the AKC Junior Versatility Scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to the top 10 Juniors who competed in a minimum of three different competitive AKC Events. The dates of eligibility were […]

In the words of Robert Frost, "Good fences make good neighbors." But when it comes to dogs, fences make safe outdoor spaces to run, play, sniff, and...

Imagine stepping into the ring but not being able to see the dog at the end of your leash. This is what dog shows are like for Lexie Lanier.

How did modern dogs shows get to where they are today? Learn about the histroy of Conformation shows, that began over 150 years ago.

Colitis in dogs is an inflammation of the colon, which is the large bowel or large intestine. If you think your dog has colitis, here's what to know.

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 […]

GCHP CH Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World, a Shih Tzu known as “Comet” triumphed over more than 5,700 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 16-17, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. […]

The Group Winners are chosen to decide who will compete for Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship. See the group winners here.

The 18th annual AKC® Agility Invitational Presented by YuMOVE® took place December 16-17, 2023 in Orlando, FL in conjunction with the 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 […]

Winners of the 2023 AKC Agility Invitational were crowned! The event was broadcast on ESPN2 on December 24. See winners in all divisions here.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, wishes to acknowledge those individuals that have excelled at breeding dogs that have proven to be outstanding in AKC sports. The commitment to preserve, protect and improve a breed represents the very essence of the AKC. […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce that Frank Murphy has been hired as an AKC Executive Field Representative. He will start January 2nd, 2024. Murphy has over forty years of experience in handling various breeds. He has handled top winning dogs in almost every group, such as the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, […]

A special Master Hunter Excellent (MHX) Test, hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC Performance Events Department took place on November 4-5, 2023 in Oxford, NC.  This event was the first Master Hunter Excellent test to be held and consisted of two series, one each day. The purpose of this MHX test is […]

    2023 AKC Fast CAT Invitational Best of Breed Winners Results as of 12/15/23 3:11PM ***All official and final results will be posted following the conclusion of the event*** Breed Call Name Owner Final Time Airedale Terrier Oliver Lauren Combs 7.754 Alaskan Klee Kai Isla Cheryl Simpson 8.746 Alaskan Malamute McKinley Nadaga Poist 8.645 […]

October 2023 Breeding and training dogs for detection dog programs can be an intimidating feat.  Add the stress of having someone else evaluate those same dogs…well, it can be downright overwhelming! Recently, a group of Patriotic Puppy Program participants attended a hands-on seminar at K2 Solutions in Jackson Springs, NC to learn how K2 evaluates […]