What are the nuances of this breed? What should I notice when evaluating my dog’s structure, or his movement? What do I need to know when considering breeding? How can I bring out the best in my dog at a dog show?  To those with “an abiding interest in dogs,” questions like these are just the […]

Long-time educator Crystal Dennis loves teaching, whether it is in her classroom or in the dog show ring. And teaching two sisters from Alaska to do agility is just one way she's giving back.

You love training and competing in dog sports, and chances are, your dog enjoys them even more. But at some point, they can't move like they used to.

Around the country, dogs and their humans are gearing up for the event of the year: the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. This means rigorous training as dogs nail those jumps, weave poles, and tire jumps—all while following a diet carefully designed for peak performance. We spoke to Dr. Catherine Lenox (DVM, DACVN), […]

Every dog sport has a different vibe, so if it's your first one, you'll want to make sure to dress appropriately. Check out our guide on what to wear!

If you and your dog are adventurous and fit, and your dog loves to run, then bikejoring might be a good fit for you. Already well-established in Europe, dog-powered mountain biking is growing in popularity in the U.S too. In its infancy, sled dog racers created bikejoring. It was an ideal way to train and […]

The Azawakh is one of the AKC's newest recognized breeds, becoming officially AKC-recognized in 2019. These tall and elegant sighthounds — known for their athleticism — are the passion of Kayley Paylor of In Stride Azawakh & Training. Paylor has fallen in love with the breed and she has been breaking records with her pack of […]

The cancellation of swaths of AKC events as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has left many of us wistful and impatient for their return. With no shows to enter and plenty of absence to make the heart grow fonder, I found myself pondering what I got out of them in the first place. 1. […]

Are you inspired to figure out which sport you should do with your dog? When your dog participates in sports, they will improve and maintain their physical fitness level, sharpen their mental acuity, and build their bond with you. Doing sports with your dog also has benefits for you! Dog sports can help you improve […]

Jupiter Piquet, from Pinellas Park, Florida, is competing in the 2025 AKC Rally National Championship at Purina Farms in St. Louis, MO. When Piquet was...

The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most versatile creatures on earth. There’s not much these strong, agile, fearless dogs can’t do. Ancestors of today’s German Shepherds earned their keep by tending enormous flocks of sheep, as many as 1,000 of them. The AKC has assigned them to the Herding Group, a reflection of […]

The letters at the beginning and end of a dog's registered name are titles which are accomplishments the dog has earned. Learn more about what titles mean.

There are so many different ways to go if you want to give your dog a sports-related name. You can honor a favorite athlete or a team. Perhaps you're a rabid fan of a particular sport. Sometimes, a dog's appearance, talents, or personality suggest just the right name. Or maybe you just like the sound […]

Celebrating the diversity of our dog sports community is part of helping our sports to thrive, including the AKC LGBTQ community.

Do you have a blind or visually impaired dog at home? Although these dogs can have some challenges getting around at first most dogs adjust quite well...

Dog agility's roots go back to the United Kingdom and the legendary Crufts Dog Show in 1978 but the AKC's first trial wasn't until 1994.

Competing in dog sports allows you to bond with your four-legged friend and gives you the opportunity to create friendships with other dog owners. Your canine companion will also sharpen their mental abilities and stay physically active. Dog sports are a deeply rewarding endeavor — and they're quite fun! Today, hundreds of people with various […]

Dog sports offer herding breeds a fun outlet to redirect their instincts, expend physical energy, challenge their intellect, and bond with their owner.

Canine athletes come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of physical abilities. When people think of dog sports, they often think of the highest energy...

The world of dog sports has grown rapidly over the past few decades. Training for dog sports can create a great bond between an owner and their dog through improved communication and trust.  As a bonus, puppies can learn to channel their excessive energy into something useful, rather than into unwanted behaviors. As a breeder, […]

  Learning Objectives After an introduction to energy terminology, students will complete research on energy and how it relates to various dog breeds and the dog sports that they can compete in.  Students will create a bar graph in groups and present to the class on their findings. Grade Levels 6-8 Next Generation Science Standards […]

AKC Library Vertical Files Sports Illustrated Library News Clippings files 1950-1993 Processed by Brynn White, 2016 Click here to the view complete inventory and/or to search all AKC archival collections   The Sports Illustrated Library News Clippings files are comprised of dog-centered subject files originally assembled as a reference resource for journalists working for the […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) wishes to acknowledge the participation of Juniors in all AKC Sports. Top juniors are determined by a point system for participation, handling dogs to qualifying scores or legs for the event, placements and wins. “We at the American Kennel Club are thrilled to recognize these juniors,” said Mari-Beth O’Neill, Vice […]

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 […]

MACH Sir Tucker MXB MJG MXF MFB T2B3 CGC owned by Scott & Denise Beaumont of Granite Falls, WA In November 2010, Scott & Denise helped “socialize” a litter of 8-week-old Aussie mix puppies at Lil’ Waif Puppy Rescue, not intending to bring one home. “But Tucker chose us that day.  Thankfully he did,” Denise […]

CT H.E.L.P.Er. VCD1 BN RM2 RAE2 FDC MX MXJ MJB OF SWN SCA SEA SBA SHDN CGCA TKP ATT TD owned by Alyson L. Deines-Schartz and Tim J. Schartz of San Diego, CA   Helper was 34 points and two triple Q’s away from her Rally Championship when COVID brought rally trials to a halt, so she […]

MACH Jesse’s Girl CDX RE MX MXB MXJ MXB XF T2B CA SWN CGC THDA owned by Christine and Robert Ballenger of Wheaton, IL “There hasn’t been much that’s been good about 2020 but I can say my good dog, Jesse, made it good for me,” Christine said. Nine years ago, Jesse was a 12-week-old […]

Rio Grassle Rozzi TD CA DCAT SWM CGC TKI owned by Mariana & Cory Rozzi of Westfield, IN The Rozzis rescued Rio in November of 2021 and at the time, they knew nothing about dog performance sports. They began private lessons with their dog trainer, John Krasich, shortly after getting Rio. “Starting those lessons turned […]

Eek’s formal name is MACH Ellie Ellis Kim MXB MJB, and she is owned, loved and trained by Narae Kim and Ron Ellis of Concord, CA, who operate an agility training center. Her housemate and friend, Fergie, is flying high in agility this week too, with her own set of wings as she works the […]

Mischief Managed RN CAX CGC owned by Shaylyn Kelleher of Hampton, VA Lily is a 3 year old lab mix who was adopted from a shelter in South Carolina. “Once we started taking obedience classes, we thought it'd be fun to try some dog sports,” Shaylyn said. “Coursing Ability Tests are her all-time favorite. Lily […]