Here at the AKC, we believe in honoring responsible breeders who have gone above and beyond on health issues, temperament, and genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in responsible homes. That’s why we started the AKC Breeder of Merit Program: To give breeders a way to prove [...]

Update: Season 4 is coming soon! In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, 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 footage, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show […]

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 […]

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Everywhere we turn, there is a three-in-one product out there. Now you can add a championship Flat-Coated Retriever to the mix. Meet sweet, goofy...

Loyal, intelligent, and courageous, Rottweilers gives off an air of nobility and self-confidence.  In fact, they've attracted people for millennia.

  The American Kennel Club created the Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®) to answer the needs of today's rare breed fanciers. The Foundation Stock Service® is an optional record-keeping service for all purebred breeds not currently registrable with the American Kennel Club. Originally the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program was used to bring in breeds such […]

A plethora of canine DNA health tests and genetic testing providers are on the market today, and it can be difficult for breeders to determine which tests are applicable and useful. Tests vary from one single test for a specific genetic variant related to a disease to multiplex panels that provide results for hundreds of […]

Below you’ll find additional information on the AKC’s dog and litter registration. If you have any questions, you can visit our Help Center. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Dog Registration"] Registration Certificate When you register your dog with us, you will receive your official AKC certificate. This certificate will contain detailed information about your dog. You’ll also gain […]