Braylen Green may be one of the youngest in the ring, but she is all poise and professionalism as a young handler with big dreams.

The Diving Dogs Team Challenge is splashing onto your screens! Learn more about tune-in and broadcast info as it's updated.

The top dog breeds have been crowned nationally for 2024! See the most popular dog breeds by city to see where your favorite breed ranks.

'Samara' the Pyrenean Mastiff Outshines as a Guardian and Therapy Dog

Maggie Hoddick, a thirteen-year-old from Valashia, New York competes in AKC Rally and Obedience with her five-year-old Portuguese Water Dog, "Windy."

It happens fast, and he makes it look easy. "Hit it!" says Bea Page, and with a running start, Hogan the French Bulldog begins his sprint into parkour.

Pug 'Louis' was the first Pug to get his AKC Rally Championship title. He recently competed at the first AKC RACH Invitational in Orlando, Florida.

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Earthdog Events. AKC Recognized Breeds American Hairless Terrier Australian Terrier Bedlington Terrier Border Terrier Cairn Terrier Cesky Terrier Dachshund Dandie Dinmont Terrier Glen of Imaal Terrier Lakeland Terrier Manchester Terrier Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Pinschers Miniature Schnauzer Norfolk […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Retriever Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized and FSS Breeds Airedale Terriers American Water Spaniels Barbet Boykin Spaniels Chesapeake Retrievers Curly-Coated Retrievers English Springer Spaniels Flat-Coated Retrievers German Shorthaired Pointer German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Retrievers Irish Water Spaniels Labrador Retrievers […]

Lure coursing clubs should be aware of the following:  Clubs are reminded to inform the Performance Events Department if they have to cancel their event by calling: 919-816-3908 or sending  an email to:  perfcancel@akc.org. Clubs at their option can now send  copies of  their results including their Secretary Report in PDF format via email to:  performanceresults@akc.org. Clubs will then be contacted to confirm […]

All dogs 9 months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Herding Events. Effective January 1, 2011 all dogs 6 months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Herding Instinct Tests. AKC Recognized Breeds Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Bearded Collie Beauceron Belgian […]

There is so much misinformation passed around about dogs, but to truly know your pet, get to the bottom of these common dog myths.

AKC National Detection Dog Conference Returns to Durham, NC August 14, 2026 The American Kennel Club’s National Detection Dog Conference returned to Durham, North Carolina, August 4–6, 2026. The conference brought together researchers, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, law enforcement professionals, and industry experts to discuss advancements and challenges across the detection dog field. Pre-conference activities began […]

Homegrown terrorism and mass shootings have sadly become everyday news in the United States. As a result, the demand for explosives detection dogs as a deterrent against such crimes is on the increase with one major problem: there are not enough dogs to meet the growing need. The US Government purchases 80 to 90% its […]

AKC Scent Work mimics the task of working detection dogs to locate a scent and communicate that the scent has been found. It’s a positive, challenging activity that gives your dog the opportunity to use his strongest natural sense. AKC Scent Work is open to all dogs, including mixed breeds enrolled in the  AKC Canine […]

11/15/2023 - FAQ Obedience Rankings We’re excited to continue publishing the Obedience Rankings for Novice, Open, Utility classes, and OTCH-titled dogs! Two reports are available: Overall Rankings and Breed Rankings. Novice, Open, and Utility rankings include all dogs in A and/or B classes who haven’t yet earned the OTCH title, while OTCH rankings track points […]

Dear Rally Enthusiasts, We are pleased to announce the launch of a new Rally Ranking System. This system is designed to recognize the accomplishments of our Rally teams by highlighting participants in the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, Master, and Choice classes, as well as dogs who have earned the RACH title. There are two types […]

Dogs enrolled in the AKC Canine Partners™ program can compete for titles and awards in events and programs like Agility, Obedience, Rally, Tracking, Coursing Ability Tests, Fast CAT, Scent Work, Farm Dog Certified, and the Versatile Companion Dog program (recognizes dogs that title in agility, obedience & tracking). There are also training programs that your […]

Thinking about getting a family dog? Discover how dogs can help kids develop empathy, build self-esteem, and learn responsibility.

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="News"] Peruvian Inca Orchid Eligible to Compete in the Hound Group, January 1, 2027 AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rules, Policies & Procedures"] Judging Approval Process - effective January 1, 2018, amended effective November 12, 2025  FAQ's on the Judging Approval Process (PDF) Rules Policies and Guidelines for […]

Bringing home a new dog? Experts explain why taking time off or working from home can help with bonding, training, and veterinary care.

The German Shepherd Dog is always near the top of the most popular breed rankings, and there's good reason for that. However, there's a similar breed you might mistake for a German Shepherd – the Belgian Malinois. The two breeds' close resemblance in appearance and shared herding heritage can lead to some confusion. And similarities […]

As of February 9, 2007, the AKC Board of Directors approved the eligibility of Foundation Stock breeds that meet certain criteria to compete in AKC Performance Events; this will be effective January 1, 2008. Eligible breeds can compete in select Performance events. To become eligible the breeds must have the following: 1.  dogs with three […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Pointing Breed Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized Breeds Bracco Italiano Brittanys English Setters German Shorthaired Pointers German Wirehaired Pointers Gordon Setters Irish Red & White Setters Irish Setters Pointers Spinone Italiano Vizslas Weimaraners Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Wirehaired Vizsla FSS […]

December 10-11, 2026 Delegate Meeting Hotel Information September 14-15, 2026 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Delegate Committee Election Packet Vote on the proposed amendment to Article XIV, Section 1 of the Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club To be voted on as one amendment: Chapter 11 , Section 8 and Chapter 11, Section […]

In this section you will find information related to each AKC Delegate Meeting. December 10-11, 2026 Delegate Meeting Hotel Information September 14-15, 2026 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Delegate Committee Election Packet Vote on the proposed amendment to Article XIV, Section 1 of the Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club To be voted […]

Delegate Handbook Meeting Information and Dates Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes Delegate Meeting Dates Delegate Meeting Information Delegate Meeting Mailings Delegate Meeting Transcripts Delegate Zoom Meetings Additional Meeting Resources Committee Proposal Requesting AKC Actions Delegate Committee Annual Reports Delegate Committee Meeting Rotation Delegate Committee Meeting Schedule Notice September 2024 Delegate Standing Committees Presentations to the Delegate […]

***2026 SCENT WORK MASTER NATIONAL*** 2026 SCENT WORK MASTER NATIONAL OCTOBER 18-20, 2026 *** SEE PREMIUM LIST HERE ********** CHATEAU ON THE LAKE BRANSON, MISSOURI   scentworkmasternational@akc.org or 919-816-3830 [caption id="attachment_208051" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Photo by Monique Krouse[/caption] 2025 AKC Scent Work Master National October 12-14, 2025 in Wilmington, Ohio at the Roberts Centre. DAY THREE […]

  To cancel a show entry you must go to the superintendent or event secretary handling the entries for the show. Date Club Location Event Type Description Saturday & Sunday, August 15 & 16, 2026 West Oahu Kennel Club Waianae, HI All-Breed Both events cancelled due to impending hurricane. Venue unavailable.

The following Field Representatives attend Agility events throughout the year, serving as a liaison between clubs and the AKC. Field Reps provide event committees, exhibitors, breeders, judges and novices with information regarding rules, regulations, policies and procedures. They also assist in judges’ education and the judging approval process. Agility Department - agility@akc.org Agility Director, Michelle […]