With their wagging tails and friendly temperament, the Cocker Spaniel has long been one of the most popular dog breeds. Learn more about this merry breed.

At AKC shows, dogs are organized into 7 groups: Hound, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Learn about what makes each group unique.

What Does it Take to be an AKC Registered Breed?  The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, and currently registers 200 breeds, representing a wide variety of sizes, colors, coats, temperaments and heritages.  A dog that has full registration with the AKC is eligible to […]

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 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina® Pro Plan® has crowned hundreds of Best in Show winners in its history. Though any breed can win the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, some breeds have taken home the Best in Show ribbon more than others. But breeds don't win based on popularity: some of the […]

The temptation to reach into our medicine cabinets to treat our pets can be dangerous. Humans and dogs react very differently to medications, which is why veterinarians caution dog owners against making independent decisions about how to medicate their animals. However, some human medications are safe for use with dogs, as long as they are […]

Virtual monthly webinar learning experiences created by breeders for breeders. Join renowned experts in these educational opportunities for breeders! 2024 Schedule Tuesday, May 21th, 2024 6:00pm – 7:00pm (EST) - Dr. Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM “AKC DNA + Health Kit” Sign up here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6410663401800794971 at no cost to join the May 21, 2024 webinar with […]

If you know your dog drank coffee or ate coffee grounds or beans, you need to monitor them for toxicity. Here's what to do if your dog drinks coffee.

In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, now in Season Four, host Bud Boccone tells the tales of breeds, dogs, and personalities who’ve shaped America (and Americans) over generations. Using the American Kennel Club's historical records, archival material, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show brings dog […]

Traveling on the subway with your pup? Here's how to prepare your dog for a safe ride and where to look for public transit rules and regulations.

Bailey’s Book Club, an American Kennel Club® program, is designed to provide dog-themed books and related resources to K-12 schools around the country that qualify as Title 1 or have at least 40% of students enrolled qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The program also provides children with an opportunity to learn about the importance […]

During a reverse sneeze, the dog will suddenly stand still, extend its head, and produce a loud snorting sound. Here's why your dog reverse sneezes.

Give these summer dog sports a go during the hotter months, as they're perfect for bonding and working with your dog outside.

2024 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL December 14 & 15, 2024 All Sporting, Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting Breeds and Junior Showmanship Competition  will be Judged on Saturday All Working, Terrier, Herding Breeds, Miscellaneous and Best in Show will be Judged on Sunday The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes […]

Canine physical therapy, known as canine rehabilitation therapy, is a growing field of alternative veterinary treatment that can be beneficial for dogs.

Scheduling Conformation Events General Questions Points Schedule Formulation Specialties Held With All-Breed and Group Shows Classes and Entries Submitting Results Awards and Titles Judges and Judging Junior Showmanship Sweepstakes Trophies, Prizes, and Ribbons Club Membership Upload Tool Scheduling Conformation Events AKC recommended Best Practices to hire and assign judges, leading to an efficient schedule. General […]

Good dogs come from good breeders. Good breeders strive to improve their breeds while considering canine health, temperament, training and promoting responsible dog ownership. Part art, part science, and total devotion, breeding is exciting and challenging. Breeder education is key. The American Kennel Club will be honoring Parent Clubs which provide outstanding breeder education materials […]

The 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show takes place in the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in NYC from May 11-14. Here's how to watch.

The AKC maintains one of the largest libraries devoted to dogs in the world, containing approximately 15,000 volumes, and the only national repository dedicated to the sport and enjoyment of the purebred dog. It has been providing internal and external reference on all manners of dog-related inquiries since 1934. Bookplate designed by original library committee chair […]

This sleek, silver-gray breed originated in the 19th century, developed to hunt bear, boar, and other large game. Here's what else makes Weimaraners unique.