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.

How did modern dogs shows get to where they are today? Learn about the histroy of Conformation shows, that began over 150 years ago.

Canine degenerative myelopathy (also known as DM) is a spinal cord disease. DM can result in gradual paralysis in dogs, starting in the hind legs.

If your dog suddenly develops aggressive, bloody diarrhea, they could have hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (also known as acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome).

Nominees in Conformation Michael Canalizo Michael Canalizo has spent many years in the Dog Show World as a Breeder/Owner, Professional Handler, turned Judge. His first exposure to his primary breed: the Afghan Hound came in 1961 as a member of “the typical Hobby Breeder family” with their purchase of “Babu Bamn of Grandeur”. He showed […]

Seborrhea in dogs can cause flaking skin, oily skin and coat, and odor. Learn to recognize and treat this skin condition.

The American Kennel Club® Museum of the Dog is thrilled to announce its newest exhibit, “Outfoxed: Fox Terriers and Friends”, which will run January 24th through April 28th, 2024. The exhibition is sponsored in part by the American Fox Terrier Club. Of all the breeds represented in the collection of the AKC Museum of the […]

Periodontal disease in dogs is a very common health concern. Learn how to spot it and prevent it to protect your dog from potentially serious consequences.

Can dogs with missing tails, ears, or eyes compete in AKC conformations shows? It depends on the missing part and the breed standard.

Whether they're going solo or in a group, dog owners are taking part in AKC FIT DOG challenges to keep themselves and their dogs in shape. One such group is members of the Southwest Obedience Club of Los Angeles, who found their love of fitness together — almost by accident.

The American Kennel Club's 201st recognized breed is the Lancashire Heeler, but where did it come from? Their origins aren't entirely clear.

The Group Winners are chosen to decide who will compete for Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship. See the group winners here.

There are many reasons to change a dog's name, and it only takes a few simple steps to do so. Learn why and how to change your dog's name.

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024"] AKC National Detection Dog Conference, July 23 – 25, 2024  The AKC Detection Dog Task Force (DDTF) is pleased to announce the AKC National Detection Dog Conference will take place July 23 – 25, 2024, at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. This year’s theme is Detection Dogs: Past, Present & Future. The […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, wishes to acknowledge those individuals that have excelled at breeding dogs that have proven to be outstanding in AKC sports. The commitment to preserve, protect and improve a breed represents the very essence of the AKC. […]

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 […]

Luke and Diane Ehricht were presented with the 2023 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Hallmark Jolei Shih Tzu at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 16, 2023.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the […]

Pocket is the winner of the 2023 Award for Canine Excellence in the Search and Rescue Dog category. She isn't just a unique breed for a search and rescue dog, she's also so talented that she can sniff out burial grounds that are thousands of years old.

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Congratulations to these dogs on earning the Agility Grand Champion title: AGCH MACH3 PACH Resq's Dopamine Rush BN RN MXG PAD MJC PJD […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2023 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees.   “We are proud to honor these knowledgeable and responsible breeders,” said Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “Each of these individuals are […]