By Lyle Johnson, AKC Executive Field Representative In Pointing Breed Field Trials, the gun dog stake is probably one of the most fun stakes for the judges to choose the winners. While the Open All-Age dog might be the prototypical "big running dog," the Gun Dog should be more in tune with the handler and […]

Luis Neves and Betinho do Choupal -- Our Road to Master Hunter -- July 30, 2012 I was born in Portugal and spent my youth hunting with my father and our dogs. It was there that I developed my life-long love of hunting. I moved to America when I was 18 years old. I continued […]

The Pointer is skilled at hunting birds and has adapted with the centuries. Here are some fascinating facts about this historic breed.

German Wirehaired Pointers are loving and enthusiastic gundogs that make versatile hunting partners or eager companions for dog sports. Here are some German Wirehaired Pointer fun facts to help you get to know them better. GWPs Are Members of the Sporting Group Like their fellow breeds in the Sporting Group, they’re likable, energetic, and alert. […]

After two long nights of tough competition, GCH Vjk-Myst Garbonita's California Journey, a German Shorthaired Pointer, was crowned Best In Show at the 2016 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® at Madison Square Garden in New York Feb. 16. Judge Dr. Richard Meen of Toronto selected the 3-year-old, also known as CJ. […]

Some owners think it's funny to watch their dog play with a laser pointer, but this game can be very frustrating for a dog. Here's other activities to try.

The decision to bring a puppy into your life should be made only after the careful consideration of many factors. But that decision is just the beginning. Now comes the process of finding him. It can be joyous, nerve-wracking, time-consuming, and exhilarating. It can also be a little overwhelming. We’re here to walk you through […]

  New York, NY – Whether you're a pooch parent looking for tips on training, grooming and health or are currently considering adding a precious pup to the family, be sure to circle the month of September on your calendar to mark "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day." This month-long celebration involves hundreds of organizations around […]

The 25th annual AKC National Championship holds additional special events, including the second AKC Rally Champion (RACH) Invitational.

The top dogs in the nation were crowned from an overall entry of 132 dogs this past weekend at the AKC Rally Champion (RACH) Invitational. Competitions were held December 11-12, 2025, in conjunction with the 25th AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The winners: AKC […]

Rocco, a Siberian Husky, goes once a month to meet Richard Orea of Homeboy Puppy Fades Pet Grooming Salon for a clean start.

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 […]

The 10th AKC National Tracking Invitational was he ld at the gorgeous Branched Oak Recreation Area in Raymond, Nebraska. The American Kennel Club sincerely appreciates the hard work, and dedication to the sport of Tracking the Nebraska Kennel Club and Cornhusker Kennel Club of Lincoln, Nebraska members showed by hosting this National Tracking Invitational. Results Saturday, September 9, 2023 Judges - Jeanne […]

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. […]

Theodore Joshua Moore competes in dog sports with his German Shorthaired Pointers and is a two-time winner of the AKC Junior Versatility Scholarship.

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. […]

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 […]

Learn about the types and severity of dog burns and how to administer first aid to help with healing and reduce risk of infection or other complications.

Erin Rezmer is an Agility League competitor who fills a special role for her teams – Spirit Captain. You may have seen her posts on the League Facebook Group of the wonderful theme nights that she creates for her teams at For Your K9 in Illinois. The school came up with the idea of a […]

How should you keep your dog safe from bears? The U.S. Forest Service recommends learning about them and avoiding confrontation before hiking with your dog.