The big, strong dogs of the Working Group always stand out in a crowd. Which dog sports are best to channel their energy, depending on the breed?

Luke and Diane Ehricht were presented with the 2023 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Hallmark Jolei Shih Tzu at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 16, 2023.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2023 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees.   “We are proud to honor these knowledgeable and responsible breeders,” said Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “Each of these individuals are […]

    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 […]

"Primitive," "aboriginal," "village," and "landrace" are a few of the terms archaeologists use to describe the world's oldest canine breeds. But what does it mean if a dog breed is primitive?

Like people, dogs may experience health issues that affect their mobility. Alongside traditional medicine, your vet might suggest a chiropractic.

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 […]

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 […]

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

Agility is a fast-growing dog sport that showcases the power of the human-canine bond. As the handler directs the dog through a predetermined obstacle course, the team races against the clock to finish the agility course with as few mistakes as possible. The 2024 AKC National Agility Championship took place March 14 through 17 in […]

You say to-MAY-to, and I say to-MAH-to. But Xoloitzcuintli? Let's call the whole thing off. As more dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club, dog lovers are confronted with some real tongue twisters. In the past, there was a tendency to anglicize challenging breed names, such as the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, which in its […]

Finding the right dog match for you from 201 breeds can be daunting. That's one of the best reasons to attend AKC Meet the Breeds!

If you've never been to a dog show, get ready for a culture shock. These gatherings of the dog-obsessed started in the 19th century, and much of the terminology from long ago still persists today. Some of the verbiage also evolved from the idiosyncrasies of this close-knit community, where the endless focus is purebred dogs […]

The time when the unexpected happens to your pet is scary, stressful, and panic-inducing. While it can be hard to stay calm in these situations, one thing you can do ahead of time is to find an after-hours emergency vet before you have an emergency. But if you need one now, here's what to do: […]

Do you suspect your dog is having vision trouble? Perhaps they're nervous in dimly lit spaces or bumping into things in unfamiliar environments. Although many conditions could be responsible for your dog's vision loss, one possible cause is progressive retinal atrophy, also known as PRA. This is a genetic disease of the retina in the […]

If you've got the time to provide the training and exercise these smart, high-energy wolf-like dog breeds need, they might be worth researching further.

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.

If you have a dog, chances are you have a lot of dog hair in your car. Here's how to clean your vehicle to remove excess hair and keep your vehicle clean.

The title of Master Groomer is hard-earned through years of consistency, integrity, and support of our best friends. Yet we all have to start somewhere. We encourage you to begin the Master Groomer journey wherever you're comfortable. Are you a pro with Bichons? Then get started with the Curly coat type! It's up to you. […]

Parent Club Best Practices Mission Statement Welcome to the Best Practices resource documents and links created by the Parent Club Best Practices Committee. Our committee was formed in the early months of 2020 and represents the collective efforts of nearly a dozen AKC Delegates, Parent Club Presidents or Officers and AKC Staff. Our overarching goal […]