If you're looking for a dog to add to your home, consider the Doberman Pinscher. Here's what to know before bringing this breed home.

When you already have a cozy bed for your pup, you might ask if dogs need blankets. Learn why dog blankets can be beneficial and how to choose one.

Some breeds at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® seem destined for stardom — and prove it by winning Best in Show repeatedly. Since the very first Westminster Best in Show in 1907, many of the winners have all come from the same breed groups, if not the same breed. […]

When it comes to choosing the right dog breed for you and your family, there are a lot of different things to consider. Temperament, exercise needs, size, and maintenance are all important aspects of your decision. Some people prefer a lower-maintenance breed, which often means that the dogs require little grooming. Of course, regular baths […]

The highest prize in the world of conformation dog shows is Best in Show at the AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin. Out of the 5,500 dogs that competed in the competition's 25th year, only one was crowed Best in Show. After an intense weekend of breed, group, and Best in Show competition on […]

Dash, a 10-year-old Silky Terrier and lifesaving cardiac alert dog, will compete at the 2025 AKC Agility Invitational in Orlando.

Parvo in puppies is unfortunately a common disease with deadly consequences. Here's what to know about parvo in puppies and protecting your dog.

The sight of fur on your clothes and furniture is inevitable when you have a dog. Shedding is part of your dog's normal cycle of hair growth.

Curious about the Doberman Pinscher? Learn about the breed's German roots, their incredible intelligence, and which activities they excel in.

Laural Harris, DMD, of Omnia Paratus Doberman, has owned Doberman Pinschers for over 40 years. She loves their intelligence and versatility.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to recognize its affiliated dog clubs which have been holding AKC events for over 100 years and are an essential part of the sport of dogs. Airedale Terrier Club of America Japanese Chin Club of America Airedale Terrier Club of New England Kennel Club of Buffalo American Chesapeake […]

Fall is a busy time with many shows, national specialties, and other events scheduled around the country.  It’s important to remember that all those expenses – from facility rentals to last-minute Wal-Mart runs – can translate to a significant economic impact for those local communities. Reminding community leaders about the local benefits of dog events […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC)®  and our 5,000 dog clubs are a vital part of communities across the country. One of the most compelling ways we can tell the story of our impact is through the  “AKC Impact By State” report, which provides a detailed look at the economic benefits of AKC events, clubs, AKC […]

The AKC currently registers 205 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  (last updated 1/1/26) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Masters Agility Championship (MACH) MACH Racing On Arrows Edge MXB MJB MXF T2B2 owned by Nicole Shaffer of Colorado Springs, CO  In 2018, […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY New AGCH (Agility Grand Champion) AGCH MACH4 Gorman's Athena MXB2 PDS MJS2 PJS MFG TQX T2B6 owned by Diane Fairfax Gorman of St. […]

Agility Journey Continues with a Friend’s Help When her friend Ron’s last agility dog passed, Heather Eckenrode stepped in and offered her young All American Dog, Franco, as his new partner. Ron was recuperating from losing his leg and learning to handle from a motorized scooter. The two quickly bonded and became an agility team. […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2025"] Save the Date: AKC Patriotic Puppy Program Regional Seminar, August 2-3, 2025, Waterbury, CT The AKC Patriotic Puppy Program (PPP) is headed to CT State Community College Naugatuck Valley! The next In Person Regional Seminar will take place on Saturday, August 2nd & Sunday, August 3rd in Waterbury, CT.  This unique dog […]

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 […]

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. […]

Tim Baird Director of Bomb Dog Operations, Arete Canine 30 years’ experience in working dogs 36 years of raising and training dogs Patent holder on Vapor Wake K9s Trained the first IDD detection dogs for USMC Supplied canines to federal agencies and law enforcement around the world. Exceptionally diverse canine team trainer with a successful […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

GCHP CH Ta Sen Westgate Jingle Juice, a Lhasa Apso known as “JJ” triumphed over more than 5,500 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize when they were awarded Best in Show at the 25th AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 13-14, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. […]

Susan S. Giles was presented with the 2025 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos at the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 13, 2025.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the […]

The top dogs in the nation were crowned from an overall entry of 132 dogs this past weekend at the AKC Rally Champion (RACH) Invitational. Competitions were held December 11-12, 2025, in conjunction with the 25th AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The winners: AKC […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that serves as the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs and a leading advocate for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is excited to announce the new season of its popular dog-centric lifestyle show, AKC Good Dog TV premiering the weekend of September 13th. The fourth season of […]

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 […]

In September 2024, the Los Angeles Times published an extensive report on the market for dog importation into California. The investigative report described a market filled with unscrupulous brokers masquerading as animal rescues; these actors often sold sick puppies while fraudulently masking their origin; in some cases, these puppies were falsely advertised as being AKC-registered. […]

AKC has just learned that a bill seeking to address overcrowding in animal shelters by regulating hobby breeders, will be considered in committee TOMORROW (Tuesday, April 29). The proposal, sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns, and, therefore, should […]

Titles Earned in AKC Activities, Organized by Sport and Title Progression the # symbol behind the title abbreviation indicates that title can be earned multiple times, and will carry a numeric designation [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Agility Titles"] Class Abbrev. Title Name Abbrev. Title Name (Preferred Track) Prefix or Suffix ACT ACT1 Agility Course Test 1 Suffix […]