The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

Each of the AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. Current as of June 17, 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Herding Group"] HERDING GROUP The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. […]

Adding a puppy to your family is a big decision that comes with lots of preparation. An interview with your prospective pup's breeder is a big part of that.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]

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!

The 18th annual AKC Agility Invitational, Presented by YuMOVE saw some of the most agile dogs in the country. The competition aired on ESPN2 on Sunday,...

The biggest Conformation event of the year is here, and the results are out! See the group winners of the 2024 AKC National Championship.

GCHG CH Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB, a Giant Schnauzer known as “Monty” triumphed over more than 5,600 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize when they were awarded Best in Show at the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 14-15, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The […]

Hairless dogs may not have fur, but their skin still needs washing and moisturizing to prevent infection, fungal growth, and irritation.

A national symbol of Mexico, the Chihuahua has a lineage going back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times. Learn more about the breed's history.

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 Xoloitzcuintli has long been associated with death in Aztec Society, most recently depicted in the Pixar movie "Coco." Here's the Xolo's breed history.

What makes your dog's coat long, short, straight, curly, wiry or silky? Most coat types are determined by genes at just three genetic locations.

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!

AKC Meet the Breeds is an excellent way to do first-hand research on different dog breeds. Here's what to ask at each breed booth.

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

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 […]

    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 […]

Can dogs sense death? Ask any group of dog lovers, and they can give you example after example. But is it just a coincidence, or can they tell?

"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?

For the most updated statistics, check out the latest rankings of America's most popular dog breeds. Is your dog’s breed winning popularity contests this year? Now you can find out! The most popular dog breeds of 2020 were released on March 16, 2021, based on American Kennel Club registration statistics. America continues its love affair […]

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

Breed Weight Male Weight Female Affenpinschers 7-10 pounds 7-10 pounds Afghan Hounds 50-60 pounds 50-60 pounds Airedale Terriers 50-70 pounds 50-70 pounds Akitas 100-130 pounds 70-100 pounds Alaskan Malamutes 85 pounds 75 pounds American English Coonhounds 45-65 pounds 45-65 pounds American Eskimo Dogs 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 pounds (miniature), 25-35 pounds (standard) 6-10 pounds (toy), […]

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we've rounded up some fascinating facts about Mexico's native dog breeds: the Xoloitzcuintli and the Chihuahua. While only a minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a big deal in the United States. This popular observance is thanks in part to Mexican-American activists in the 1960s, who saw […]

For a lot of new dog owners, it can be difficult to determine how often you should bathe your puppy or adult dog. The truth is, the answer depends on a lot of factors. “How frequently a pet needs a bath greatly varies based upon their breed, lifestyle, length of coat, and how much homework […]

You likely know about the dangers of leaving your dog unattended in a hot car. But, what about when it's cold outside? While you might think it's safe to park your pet during the winter months, the potential for harm, while not as high as in the summer, is still substantial. Your dog may enjoy […]

While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds are better than others for allergy sufferers. By taking an allergy test, you can better determine the best dog for you. There are multiple ways to reduce dog allergens, including grooming and keeping a clean home. Sharing your life with a dog is a special experience. After all, […]

The 2021 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Dec. 18 and 19 hosted more than 5,000 dogs who all competed for the coveted title of Best in Show. The competition began with each dog competing for best in their breed. Best of Breed winners then advanced to compete in the group competitions to […]