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)  […]

The American Kennel Club is opposed to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukrainian people, judges from the Russian Federation will not be approved to judge at AKC sanctioned events. *UPDATE: Dogs born in Russia that have been exported to other countries, with registries recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and registered in […]

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 […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

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. […]

These policies have been adopted by the AKC Board of Directors, although they have not yet been incorporated into an official publication. This reference will be updated as policies are adopted, revised and published. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Administration Policies"] AKC Charter and Bylaws Article XII Complaints (August 2016 Board meeting) AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations […]

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 […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

San Francisco junior handler Tatum Bartlett wins ANC Best Junior with her PBGV, Spotify.

The champion of the 2024 AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, has been crowned! The nation's biggest dog show, with over 5,600...

Kathleen Walker and "Spike," a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, will compete in the 2025 AKC Obedience Classic in Florida.

Hand-stripping is a specialized grooming procedure for wiry-coated dogs. It involves plucking dead strands of hair to retain the coat's coarse texture.

Giant dogs are some of the hardest-working and most recognizable breeds. But because many of them maintain the strong working instincts and drive they were bred for, they can be a lot to handle. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering adding one to your family. Maturation Giant dogs are giant […]

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.

The original American Water Spaniel history is shrouded in a bit of mystery, but these curly hunting dogs were bred with purpose.

The Standard Schnauzer is described as a friendly and cheerful companion that's particularly good with children. Are they a good fit for your lifestyle?

The Gordon Setter is the largest member of the setter breeds. Learn more about this breed with these Gordon Setter fun facts.

Ever heard the saying, "Let sleeping dogs lie"? Well, it's true — even middle-aged dogs can snooze half the day. But what about senior dogs? Is there such a thing as sleeping too much? Most geriatric dogs require 12 to 15 hours of sleep a day. However, if you notice changes in their slumbering habits, […]

Lilo, an All-American Dog from Anderson, SC, will be competing at the AKC's National Agility Championship. She didn't start competing until she was nine!

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

Wondering how long dogs are in heat? Learning about the length of the cycle stages will help you provide proper care and prevent unplanned pregnancy.

The 12th annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster has crowned its winner! Border Collie 'Vanish' and Emily Klarman, took home the top prize.

How often you take your dog to the vet depends on their age, breed, lifestyle, and overall health. Here are some guidelines you can follow for most dogs.

Dates: October 11 & 12, 2025 Location: Branched Oak State Recreation Area 12000 W Branched Oak Rd, Raymond, NE 68428   News & Updates The 11th AKC National Tracking Invitational was held at the picturesque Branched Oak Recreation Area in Raymond, Nebraska. The American Kennel Club extends its sincere appreciation to the Nebraska Kennel Club and […]

September 2025 The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that the 2026 AKC National Obedience Championship (NOC) and the AKC Rally®️ National Championship (RNC) will be held at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio, on July 16–19, 2026. National Obedience Championship (NOC): July 16–17 Rally National Championship (RNC): July 18–19 The Roberts Centre offers a convenient central location, excellent facilities, and accommodations […]

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 […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Retriever Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized and FSS Breeds Airedale Terriers American Water Spaniels Barbet Boykin Spaniels Chesapeake Retrievers Curly-Coated Retrievers Drentsche Patrijshond (Drent) English Springer Spaniels Flat-Coated Retrievers German Shorthaired Pointer German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Retrievers Irish Water […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Junior Scholarships awarded to those who compete in Companion Events. "These outstanding young individuals have demonstrated an abundance of commitment—not only to their academic studies but also to the sport of dogs,” Doug Ljungren, AKC Executive Vice President […]

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 […]