Puppies present a variety of challenges as they develop. First, they’re sweet babies, following us around, looking to us for every cue. Then, just when you think you’ve got a handle on house-training, basic obedience commands, and confidence building (in both of you), baby teeth and brains seem to go right out the window, simultaneously. […]

If you own a dog, you have probably found yourself wondering how much exercise a dog needs daily. Depending on your schedule, that question might sometimes sound more like “How much exercise does a dog really need every day?” In This Article Daily Exercise Needs for Puppies Exercise Guidelines for Adult Dogs Exercise Guidelines for […]

Bergamasco (AKC recognition January 1, 2015) The breed’s traffic-stopping dreadlocks are called flocks. (For the Puli and Komondor, they’re called cords.) The flocks begin to form naturally, but during the first year, owners have to be vigilant about separating the mats. Once grown, they’re easy to maintain. At the AKC’s 2015 Meet The Breeds, the Bergamasco […]

The resources below can be used in presentations to educate the public on topics such as purebred dogs, dog sports, safety around dogs, and other related topics. If you are interested in resources on a specific topic, please email publiced@akc.org for assistance. Printable 8.5" x 11" Dog Breed Posters More breed posters will be posted […]

Below are some frequently asked questions about finding information on the new AKC.org website. If you have a moment, we encourage you to read the step-by-step instructions or watch the video to familiarize yourself with the structure of the new site to help you during future visits. Select your device: Desktop Instructions Mobile Instructions Full Video Webinar […]

For the complete requirements for eligibility, download the Special Registry Services booklet on the Rules and Regulations page. You may also find helpful information by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions. Foreign Dogs may be eligible for registration in the AKC Stud Book, provided: The dog is of a breed eligible for individual registration in the […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations (April 2024 Board meeting; amended May 2025)"] As an additional step in creating a safe and respectful sport environment for all, the AKC Board of Directors approved the following educational requirements policy and recommendations.  Effective April 10, 2024: AKC Board of Directors, Inspectors, Field Staff across […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adding Junior Membership to AKC Member Club Bylaws (November 2022 Board meeting)"] The Board VOTED to permit existing clubs to add “Junior” as a membership option to their club Bylaws without AKC reviewing and approving each club’s Bylaws. The Board will receive notice from Club Relations of the clubs that have added “Junior […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adjunct Approval (April 1994 Board meeting)"] When a new breed becomes eligible for championship competition, there is one six-month window of opportunity for judges to submit applications under the adjunct system. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Household Judges (July 2000 Board meeting)"] A household member of a Board member may submit a judging application […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="All-Breed/Specialty Conflicts (September 2013 Board meeting; amended January 2016)"] If an All-Breed/Limited Breed Conformation, Performance, or Companion Event club refuses to grant permission to accommodate a Parent Club's National Specialty or a Performance or Companion event (which is limited to the Parent Club breed) when held with the National Specialty, a Parent Club regional specialty […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Companion and Performance Event Status for the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) Breeds (February 2007 Board meeting)"]  Effective immediately, FSS Breeds meeting the following criteria may compete in AKC Companion and Performance Events: National Breed Club has been established Breed has been established in the AKC/FSS® system Breed Standard exists [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="ILP's (May […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="American Field Irish Setters (October 1975 Board meeting)"]  Based upon a request from the Irish Setter Club of America, AKC discontinued the registration of Irish Setters based upon pedigrees from the American Field Dog Stud Book. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Auction Policy (July 2003 Board meeting)"]  The Board reviewed its policy on Auctions, considering the […]

The American Kennel Club offers breeders the Registered Kennel Name Program to protect the use of their kennel's name in the naming of AKC registered dogs. The use of a registered kennel name allows breeders to name dogs of their breeding in an identifiable manner creating a prominent familial foundation in the breed. Application for […]

[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a_juniors_adventure__cristiana_crespo_video-720p.mp4" autoplay="true"][/video] The AKC Patch Program aims to introduce a new generation of young people to purebred dogs and dog sports through a fun, interactive program held at dog shows and events. The AKC Patch Program is open to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and all youth ages 3-18 who attend the event. […]

About the Award AKC Public Education seeks to recognize AKC- licensed and member clubs that have made positive contributions to educating the public about AKC dog sports and events, purebred dogs, responsible dog ownership, and safety around dogs. By highlighting these efforts, AKC Public Education aims to support the club’s ongoing outreach and inspire others […]

The AKC Education Webinar Series provides an opportunity for club members, judges, breeders, trainers and the general dog-owning public to learn more about topics that are of interest to them. Do you have an idea for a topic you would like covered as part of the AKC Education Webinar Series? Tell us about it here. […]

We love all dogs, but it's a fact that specific breeds are naturally better at performing certain functions than others. Some purpose-bred dogs have innate skills as hunting companions; others assist in the herding of livestock; and others serve as guardians of people and property. When you and your dog participate in a performance sport, […]

Consistent with the AKC’s ongoing efforts to grow the AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) program and the sport overall, the American Kennel Club (AKC®) has launched the AKC National Owner-Handled Series Levels of Achievement that offers Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum recognition to exhibits obtaining a predetermined number of NOHS points for each level of […]

The AKC Club Development Department supports AKC clubs. Our dedicated team has extensive dog sport and club experience and acts as a resource for clubs to tap into to receive guidance on holding successful events and growing membership.  Whether through sharing best practices and educational materials, providing event planning support or directing clubs to AKC […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry, and a leading advocate for dogs, and the New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC), are pleased to announce that they have entered into a mutual cooperation agreement. This partnership strengthens global collaboration around both organizations shared priorities, expanding and enhancing canine events […]