(AKC Breeder of Merit Buffy Stamm was co-breeder of the 2010 Westminster Best in Show winner, GCh. Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot. In 2008, She was named AKC Terrier Breeder of the Year.) A few years ago, our most promising young stud dog had already sired the Best of Winners at two national specialties. One of […]

Got a minute? If so, you can learn the essentials of any breed. Not enough to call yourself an expert, of course. But in the time it takes to watch a TV commercial, you can pick up just enough breed knowledge to bluff your way through a conversation at the dog park. The average adult […]

Smith, the 2012 AKC Breeder of the Year, attended his first dog show with a Dalmatian in 1956 and has been involved in the sport ever since. He quickly gravitated to the terrier rings and acquired a Wire Fox Terrier in 1957. His first Smooth came in 1962. The AKC delegate from the Dalmatian Club of America for […]

Ask AKC   Dear AKC: My question deals with how Yorkshire Terriers socialize. Do "Yorkie" females get along better with other females or with male Yorkies? We have been told varying opinions and need to know, as we are in the process of purchasing another Yorkie and need to pick the correct gender to get […]

Understanding the genetic modes of inheritance is vital for dog breeders, as it helps them predict the likelihood of traits or genetic disorders appearing in offspring. This article provides simplified explanations of different modes of inheritance, which will be expanded on in coming articles.   Genetic Building Blocks: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the molecule that […]

The 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which took place in Queens, New York, on May 11-14, has picked its Group Winners to move on to Best in Show.

Lacey and Luisma Benítez, of LBK American Staffordshire Terriers, are the first and only Platinum Breeders of Merit of the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are a married couple, navigating life between Spain and St. Augustine, Florida, and have been deeply involved in this breed for 20 years. Luisma, who is from Spain, is a software […]

What makes your dog's coat long, short, straight, curly, wiry or silky? Most coat types are determined by genes at just three genetic locations.

Step aside Dorothy and Toto! A new girl in ruby red slippers and a Cairn Terrier is here. Her yellow brick road? The conformation ring.

If your puppy has been wobbly since birth, they could have a non-progressive, non-curable neurological condition known as cerebellar hypoplasia.

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 […]

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!

The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC Member Clubs for nominees in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance Events. The American Kennel Club […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: Michael Canalizo (Conformation), Curt Curtis (Companion Events) and Laurie Soutar (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung in 1999, are presented 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 […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed, not everything available. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. Although the AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, not all genetic variants have been validated […]

Small or large, with solidly built, wide bodies, and short coats, Bully breeds share some of the same characteristics. Meet the Bully breeds!

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 […]

At 17-years-old, Junior Handler Bebe Mathews is already ranked high in dog sports, even though she only got started in 2021.

The American Staffordshire is a breed that's had many names, but that's not the only interesting thing about the dog breed. Read to learn more.