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Expert Advice: Health
Vaginitis in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
Just as your puppy is getting used to potty training, they may be urinating more than usual or having accidents. This could be caused by vaginitis in dogs.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/vaginitis-in-dogs/
| April 3, 2025
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025: French Bulldog Holds Top Spot
The American Kennel Club has released registration statistics for 2025. Who will be crowned the most popular breed?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-2025/
| March 18, 2026
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Boston Terrier History: From First American Breed to All-Around Companion
The Boston Terrier, dressed to the nines in a striking tuxedo coat of snow-white and either black, brindle, or seal (which appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in the sun or bright light), turns heads wherever it goes. This intelligent, compact, and jaunty companion has some terrier roots but isn't a […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/boston-terrier-history/
| January 28, 2021
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History of the American Kennel Club
Our Beginnings On September 17, 1884, a group of twelve dedicated sportsmen, responding to a "meeting call" from Messrs. J. M. Taylor and Elliot Smith, met in the rooms of the Philadelphia Kennel Club in that city. Each member of the group was a representative or "delegate" from a dog club that had, in the […]
https://www.akc.org/about/history/
| December 19, 2014
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FSS Breed Domestic Registries
When a Foundation Stock Breed is accepted in the FSS program the clubs may designate a domestic registry or club registry for recording. Eligibility for FSS Recording The dog must be of a breed eligible for FSS Recording. The dog must be born in the United States The dog must first be registered with a […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/foundation-stock-service-program/fss-breed-domestic-registries/
| August 14, 2024
Sports & Events
Titles & Abbreviations
Click below to see titles and abbreviations for: Prefix Titles Suffix Titles Parent Club Titles Working Dog Titles Other Recognized Titles Other Title Lists: Titles Sorted by Sport Titles Sorted in Alphabetic Order Prefix Titles Title Title Name AFC An Amateur Field Trial Champion title can be earned in either Beagle Field Trials, Pointing […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/titles-and-abbreviations/
| November 13, 2017
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Advanced Recognition Breeders of Merit
The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of 7/16/26, last updated 7/17/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-breeder-of-merit-program/advanced-recognition-breeders-merit/
| September 25, 2018
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BOM Insider
Breeder of Merit FAQs [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Prepaid Registrations In Breeder Toolkit"] If you plan to use the prepaid option to register all of the puppies – Do not select the electronic (downloadable) litter kit when you register the litter. That will disable the prepaid option. You are able to send an individual Registration Application for […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-breeder-of-merit-program/inner-circle-newsletter/
| January 9, 2018
Expert Advice: Dog Gear & Accessories
Do Dogs Need Ear Muffs? When They Help and How to Choose Them
A variety of ear muffs designed for dogs are helping to protect canine hearing. Here's why you might consider ear muffs for your dog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/ear-muffs-for-dogs/
| August 23, 2024
Expert Advice: Health
Why Does My Dog’s Fur Turn Pink or Brown?
If you’ve noticed pink, red, or brown staining on your dog’s fur, especially around the eyes, mouth, or paws, you’re not alone. This discoloration is often caused by naturally occurring compounds, but in some cases, it may signal an underlying health issue. Understanding what causes these stains can help you decide when it’s harmless and […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-is-my-dogs-fur-changing-color/
| October 24, 2022
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FSS Breeds In Companion Events
As of July 13, 2009, the AKC Board of Directors approved the eligibility of Foundation Stock breeds that meet the below criteria may compete in AKC Companion Events; this will be effective January 1, 2010. Dogs with three-generation pedigrees recorded in FSS® Breed Standard has been submitted As of February 9, 2007, the AKC Board […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/foundation-stock-service-program/fss-breeds-companion-events/
| November 17, 2017
Expert Advice: General Health
Overheating in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Prevention
It's easy (and dangerous) for dogs to become overheated. Here's how to recognize signs of overheated dogs, how to prevent overheating, and what to do if you think you have an overheated dog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/overheating-in-dogs/
| July 26, 2022
Dog Breeds
French Bulldog
The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible.
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/
| November 6, 2017
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AKC DNA + Health Kit – Included Tests
Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/dna/dna-resource-center/akc-dna-health/akc-dna-health-kit-included-tests/
| March 12, 2024
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
Bulldog Facts You May Not Know
Can Bulldogs swim? What was their original purpose? How many presidents owned them? Here are some interesting facts you may not know about the Bulldog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/fun-facts-bulldog/
| May 27, 2021
Expert Advice: Why does my dog...
Canine Communication: Deciphering Different Dog Sounds
"Wouldn't it be great if our dogs could talk?" says Amanda Nascimento DVM, MSc, PhD. "If you listen closely, they can." In This Article Understanding Why Dogs Bark Why Dogs Whine Understanding the Context Behind a Dog’s Howl Why Some Dogs 'Purr' and What It Means How to Interpret Growling in Different Situations Understanding Why […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/canine-communication-deciphering-different-dog-sounds/
| December 19, 2019
Expert Advice: Grooming
How to Clean Your Dog’s Eyes
Dealing with eye boogers might not be the most pleasant part of pet ownership. However, learning when and how to clean your dog's eyes, especially if they're a breed prone to tear staining or discharge, can help keep them comfortable and prevent problems like eye infections from developing. In This Article When Eye Cleaning Is Needed How […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cleaning-dogs-eyes/
| March 23, 2015
Expert Advice: News
“Surfing Dog Float” Breaks World Record at This Year’s Rose Parade
At this year's Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., a float featuring surfing dogs set the world record for longest and heaviest float in Tournament of Roses Parade history. The float, The Lucy Pet's Gnarly Crankin' K-9 Wave Maker, was 125 feet long and weighted 148,250 pounds, reports the laist. A contributing factor to the massiveness […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/surfing-dogs/
| February 1, 2018
Press Releases
2026 NATIONAL ALL-BREED PUPPY & JUNIOR STAKES JUDGING PANEL NOW AVAILABLE
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2026-national-all-breed-puppy-junior-stakes-judging-panel-now-available/
| May 26, 2026
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Conformation Judges Policies
[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adjunct Approval (April 1994 Board meeting)"] When a new breed becomes eligible for championship competition, there is one six-month window of opportunity for judges to submit applications under the adjunct system. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Household Judges (July 2000 Board meeting)"] A household member of a Board member may submit a judging application […]
https://www.akc.org/rules/policy-manual/akc-conformation-judges-policies/
| November 1, 2017