The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC Member Clubs for nominees in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance Events. The American Kennel Club […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: Michael Canalizo (Conformation), Curt Curtis (Companion Events) and Laurie Soutar (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung in 1999, are presented in […]

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 Agility Grand Championship (AGCH) AGCH MACH6 Mister Tedley MXS2 PDS MJS2 PJD PJDP MFG TQX T2B6 ACT2 TKA owned by Kathy Crain of […]

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...

2024 Schedule Hair vs. Fur. Thu, Apr 25, 2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT "Jenkins splits hairs on the core differences of coat types" Sign up here to join the April 25, 2024 webinar with Jennifer Bishop. Jennifer Bishop Jennifer has been a Certified Master Groomer since 1985. Jennifer's passion and mission is the […]

Yesterday, the Indiana Governor signed House Bill 1412, which allows pet stores to continue to operate in the state so long as they and the breeders sourcing to them meet certain standards and comply with consumer protection requirements. In addition, the new law would require all rescues transporting more than 12 dogs through the state […]

Pica is a condition where your dog eats non-food items like stones or dirt. Learn about the many causes and treatments for this dangerous behavior.

Small or large, with solidly built, wide bodies, and short coats, Bully breeds share some of the same characteristics. Meet the Bully breeds!

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.

Forty-four state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors.  It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  For dogs that primarily […]

Tomorrow, February 13, is the last day in the State of Washington for bills introduced to be voted out of their original chamber. AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in Washington state. Below are the latest updates, along with contact information if you wish to comment on any of these measures. AKC […]

You may have seen dog shows on TV, but what exactly happens at a Conformation event? How are dogs judged, and how do they win?

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.

14-year-old junior handler Adam Kucera and 2-year-old Irish Setter "Stryker" already have some impressive titles under their belt, including NOHS BIS.

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

Nominees in Conformation Michael Canalizo Michael Canalizo has spent many years in the Dog Show World as a Breeder/Owner, Professional Handler, turned Judge. His first exposure to his primary breed: the Afghan Hound came in 1961 as a member of “the typical Hobby Breeder family” with their purchase of “Babu Bamn of Grandeur”. He showed […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,500 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights of current legislation around the […]

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. […]

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.

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.

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024"] AKC National Detection Dog Conference, July 23 – 25, 2024  The AKC Detection Dog Task Force (DDTF) is pleased to announce the AKC National Detection Dog Conference will take place July 23 – 25, 2024, at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. This year’s theme is Detection Dogs: Past, Present & Future. The […]

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 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show winners were crowned on December 16 in Orlando Florida.

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 AKC® National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show honors went to GCHB CH Kinloch So There!, an Irish Setter known affectionately as “Stryker” owned and handled by 14-year-old Adam Kucera and bred by Patty Fanelli and Mike Fanelli. Adam and Stryker beat out 874 other dogs to take highest honor. Additionally, 15-year-old Savanna […]

CH Von Hawes Forever Forward, a Rottweiler known as “Granger” triumphed over 1,717 dogs ages six months to 18 months to become the AKC® Royal Canin National All-Breed Junior of the Year, held today in Orlando, Fla in conjunction with the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. “Granger,” owned and bred by Peter Hawes […]

Meet "Granger" the Rottweiler, 12.5 month-old winner of the 2023 AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes.

Rhodesian Ridgeback 'Thorin' may not be the first to come to mind when you think of obedience breeds. But he's the only Ridgeback competing at the AKC Obedience Classic

Pocket is the winner of the 2023 Award for Canine Excellence in the Search and Rescue Dog category. She isn't just a unique breed for a search and rescue dog, she's also so talented that she can sniff out burial grounds that are thousands of years old.