Antonia Rotelle is no stranger to handling many dogs. This December, she's running six of her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels at the 2023 AKC Agility Invitational, part of the AKC National Championship week.

Jennifer Myers wanted a dog who could do everything — cuddle on the couch while watching TV but also go hiking, play at the beach, or run competitive agility. Are you picturing a big, athletic-type dog? Think again. Jennifer owns a two-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Ruby Rose. In fact, Agility is Ruby Rose's […]

Interested in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel history? Here's how the breed began, how it's related to the King Charles Spaniel, and more.

  Many people get involved in the dog world because they grew up around conformation, or competed in Juniors, or a family member or friend convinced them to try it out. But ultimately, it doesn't matter how you get involved, everyone is welcome and it's never too late to start. We had the opportunity to […]

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Atlanta’s top spot in the 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the #1 pup in Denver, Boston, and Seattle, among others. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have climbed the ranks in Atlanta, increasing from eighth to fifth. Boxers, […]

Once again, the French Bulldog took San Francisco’s top spot in the 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The French Bulldog was also recognized as the #1 pup in New York City and West Palm Beach. New to San Francisco’s top 10 in 2016 was the Cavalier King Charles […]

Calm dog breeds can make great companions and therapy dogs. While any dog can be easy going, these breeds are known to be laid-back.

“Oh my gosh, that little dog can jump 14 feet?" It's a question owner Angela Crawford is familiar with. After all, not many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels participate in Dock Diving, and 14 feet is an impressive distance to jump. But getting questions like this, and watching the excitement of the crowds at any Dock […]

When their perky, 18-pound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, J.B. (James Bond), enters the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show breed ring at 12:30 p.m. Monday, owners Lynnette and Randy Bragg’s focus will be in two directions. Yes, that’s right! Their attention, of course, will be directed on this special young champion, but their eyes will be […]

Some of the fastest dogs in the country dashed after the coveted "bunny" lure in a 100-yard Fast CAT dash, in hopes of being named the fastest dog in the country. Fastest Dogs USA was held on September 16 in Kannapolis, North Carolina, at the Atrium Health Ballpark where breeds of all sizes raced across […]

Though we share the same mother tongue, Americans have plenty of linguistic differences with our friends across the pond. In Great Britain, you live in a flat, not an apartment. You go on holiday, not vacation. And you cuddle your King Charles Spaniel, not your English Toy Spaniel. In a nod to these verbal variances, […]

Many of us originally selected our breeds based on general appearance, compatible temperament, and acceptable grooming and exercise requirements. While we each remain staunchly faithful to our breeds of choice, the time may come when downsizing, for whatever reason, becomes a desired option. Perhaps it’s a move to smaller living space or the inability to […]

The top dog breeds have been crowned nationally for 2024! See the most popular dog breeds by city to see where your favorite breed ranks.

Spaniels go back to at least the 14th century, but their ancestry may be even older. As of 2025, the AKC recognizes 15 types of spaniel breeds.

Every dog likes to be king of the castle, but some breeds have been favorites of royalty for hundreds of years with a rich tradition of sitting beside the throne. Here are six breeds known for their association with kings, queens, emperors, and pharaohs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel With a name like the Cavalier King […]

The French Bulldog is the most popular dog breed in New York City for 2015, according to AKC registration data. While the family-friendly Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in the United States, the adaptable French Bulldog holds the No. 1 spot in the nation's largest city.  However, the Frenchie isn't top dog in every […]

As the American Kennel Club announced, the Labrador Retriever was the most popular dog breed in the United States in 2021 — for the 31st year in a row, no less! (It usurped the Cocker Spaniel in 1991, and hasn’t let go of the No. 1 spot since.) But when looking at the most popular […]

As a child and young adult, Laura Haas helped her family breed German Shepherd Dogs. But it wasn't until an encounter later in life with a whole new breed that re-ignited Haas's love of producing beautiful purebred dogs. “In 2008 while at an AKC conformation show, I met a Black Russian Terrier for the first time," […]

The English Toy Spaniel is the quintessential lap dog. Loyal and loving, they always want to be with their owners. Here are some interesting facts about this cuddly breed: 1. They Are Believed to Have Come From Japan Although no one is sure exactly where the English Toy Spaniel originated, experts agree the breed likely […]

From Atlanta to West Palm Beach, here are the most popular dog breeds in each city based on the 2022 rankings from the American Kennel Club.

Searching for your first-ever dog? Once you've determined you're ready for a puppy, one of the breeds below might be perfect for you and your family. Find a responsible breeder and discuss what you're looking for in a pet. This will help you figure out if the breed is a good fit for you. Cavalier King […]

On a sunny morning in Walnut, California, private investigator Stephanie Hart received an urgent phone call. “Can you and your partner go on a stakeout in Tustin, California?” asked the defense attorney. “My client thinks her ex-husband is taking their son to his girlfriend’s house, and if the man’s mother or sister isn’t accompanying them […]

Find dog breeds that get along with cats. Explore top choices for multi-pet homes and tips for smoother introductions.

The AKC Agility League recently concluded its eighth season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. Team champions were named in each of the 10 divisions, including the League’s new division of Elementary for beginner dogs. The AKC Agility League is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan, YuMove and AKC Pet Insurance. The League […]

Cheering on your hometown team is a true American tradition. So, what better way for the American Kennel Club to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than with the introduction of an agility event featuring teams that represent major US cities. The six teams faced off June 7 at an exciting competition held in the historic city of […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 205 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 3/10/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

For the complete requirements for eligibility, download the Special Registry Services booklet on the Rules and Regulations page. You may also find helpful information by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions. Foreign Dogs may be eligible for registration in the AKC Stud Book, provided: The dog is of a breed eligible for individual registration in the […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link Review & FAQ’s on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

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. […]

  This is part of a series spotlighting All American Dogs competing in the national AKC Junior Agility Competition held on Dec. 14 in Orlando, FL, in conjunction with the AKC Agility Invitational. The competition is for youth 18 and under. Name: Dharma Karma Coolidge NA NAJ NF OA OAJ CGC Call Name: Dharma Age: […]