We all know that spring and summer are seasons to be on high alert for ticks. Dogs are particularly susceptible to tick bites and can also carry ticks into the house. Tick-borne diseases—such as Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and canine anaplasmosis—can affect both humans and dogs. And although ticks are common throughout […]

Removing ticks from your dog may not be pleasant, but it’s important to do it promptly and correctly. Once you know how to remove a tick, it will be a fairly easy process. Because they can carry infectious organisms, ticks infect thousands of animals and people with illnesses like Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis every year. […]

Adding a new puppy to the family can be a fun and memorable experience. But not all members of your household might share your enthusiasm. Perhaps you have a senior dog at home with different needs from a younger dog. Plus, some dogs are considered a senior at 6 years old, while smaller breeds, like […]

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, […]

When a dog's behavior doesn't match the situation, it's known as displacement behavior. Learn how to spot it and what it means for your dog's emotions.

If your dog is lost, the first 48 hours are crucial to finding them. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do if your dog is lost.

Can dogs eat avocado? Here's why these fruits aren't safe for dogs to eat.

Registering with the AKC connects dog owners to a community that values purebred pride, offering them lifetime benefits and carrying on the legacy of your beloved breed. As a breeder and exhibitor, you understand the value of AKC support. But puppy buyers don’t always understand the importance of AKC registration, so we have gathered some […]

Need new ways to get moving with your dog? Explore 11 fun activities that boost fitness and bonding, indoors or out

What makes a dog smart? Discover how canine intelligence is defined and which dog breeds consistently rank highest.

You may have heard of a "breed standard" in relation to purebred dogs. But what does it mean? It's not just for conformation dog shows. Learn more!

The Irish Wolfhound is the gentle giant - the largest dog breed. Learn more about the breed with these Irish Wolfhound fun facts.

Want to teach your dog to walk on a leash without pulling? Here's a step-by-step guide on leash training for both dogs and puppies.

Canine Good Citizen®, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® and/or AKC Community Canine℠ An AKC club near you can provide you and your dog with training classes and testing for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC and AKC Community Canine. You will be able to earn official AKC titles in Canine Good Citizen (the "CGC" title) and AKC Community Canine […]

The American Kennel Club is excited to announce the Regional Junior Showmanship Events! AKC Sport & Events is excited to announce Regional Junior Showmanship Events.  The AKC will approve up to eight all-breed clubs the honor of holding Junior Showmanship Regional Events throughout the calendar year. Regional Junior Showmanship events will be structured and judges […]

  To cancel a show entry you must go to the superintendent or event secretary handling the entries for the show. Date Club Location Event Type Description April 11 & 12, 2026 Windward Hawaiian Dog Fanciers Association Waimanalo, HI All Breed Both events cancelled this weekend due to weather. Facility is unavailable, due to state […]

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]

Stewarding Webster's Dictionary defines a steward to be, among other things, either "one employed to manage domestic concerns, supervise servants, collect rents, keep accounts, etc.," or "one who actively directs affairs, a manager." Dog Show Stewards Individuals should be selected for stewarding who are familiar with the most current judging procedures, breed classifications, and the […]

Delegate Handbook Meeting Information and Dates Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes Delegate Meeting Dates Delegate Meeting Information Delegate Meeting Mailings Delegate Meeting Transcripts Delegate Zoom Meetings Additional Meeting Resources Committee Proposal Requesting AKC Actions Delegate Committee Annual Reports Delegate Committee Meeting Rotation Delegate Committee Meeting Schedule Notice September 2024 Delegate Standing Committees Presentations to the Delegate […]

The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through March 31, 2026.  These and other victories have been won in cooperation with AKC federations, clubs, and responsible dog owners and breeders around the country who continue to work tirelessly to promote positive canine legislation in their state and community. […]