The world of dog shows, or conformation, has a unique set of language and terminology. Learn what some of the words you hear at dog shows actually mean.

New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of […]

Do all dogs need a winter coat? If so, what are the best winter coats for dogs? We break down our favorites for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Dry skin on dogs is frustrating for dogs and owners alike. If dry, itchy, or flaky skin is making your dog uncomfortable, here is what you need to know.

Should dogs go trick-or-treating? Halloween can be a scary and stressful time for dogs. Here's what dogs really think about Halloween.

Finding the right dog match for you from 202 breeds can be daunting. That's one of the best reasons to attend AKC Meet the Breeds!

When you mention the "Siberian Husky," many envision sled dogs racing across vast ice fields. But these dogs have grown to be great pets and performance event dogs.

Hiking is an ideal outdoor activity enjoyed by all types of people and dogs, but some breeds are better suited to hiking and life on the trail than others.

Game of Thrones may be over, but dogs and dog lovers around the world are still feeling the show's repercussions. For eight years, more than 30 million viewers watched dire wolves protect the Stark family. For many viewers, Ghost, Summer, Nymeria and pack's intelligence, fierce loyalty, and imposing stature were more than entertaining: it inspired them […]

Tails probably come in as many varieties as dogs do. While these 10 breeds are great in many ways, their curly tails certainly help with the cute factor.

Each AKC-recognized breed is assigned to one of seven groups. We're taking a closer look at the Working Group to see what these 32 breeds were bred to do.

Nordic spitz-type breeds can thrive and even excel in frigid conditions. Here's why these breed types are so well adapted to arctic-like weather.

If the luxurious coat of your plush-coated breed is gradually becoming dull and sparse, but they appear otherwise healthy, this could relate to Alopecia X.

Every dog owner wants their pet to be healthy and live a long life. Whether you're new to owning a dog or planning to add another companion to your...

Renal dysplasia (RD), also known as renal malformation, refers to a type of congenital chronic kidney disease. Learn more about renal dysplasia in dogs.

If modern dogs were required to have resumés, most would list their job description as “companion." But from the badger-battling Dachshund to the sled-pulling Alaskan Malamute, dogs' bodies – not to mention their brains – still reflect the original purposes for which they were bred. Indeed, dog breeds display a tremendous variety of not just […]

Why do dogs crawl under the covers? For some dogs, it's a burrowing instinct. For others, it's a fear and anxiety-driven behavior.

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!

From double to single, long to hairless, and curly to wiry, dogs' coats come in different textures, lengths, and colors. So what's a double coat?

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of the Year group […]

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®) 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 […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2024 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2024. The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and 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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

As we look to the future of purebred dogs, we must recognize the growing challenges posed by legislation that could endanger the breeds we love. In recent months, we’ve witnessed firsthand how local laws and regulations can impact breeders and enthusiasts. From Cathy Pike's experience with the endangered Lagotto Romagnolo breed in Washington, to the […]

By Jessica Acito, AKC Government Relations The Delaware House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bill to make the Golden Retriever Delaware’s state dog.  Eleven states currently have official state dog breeds, often recognizing those that are indigenous to a state. Pending approval by the Delaware Senate, the Golden Retriever will join the ranks of […]