Learn about the signs and management options for megaesophagus in dogs, an esophageal condition that causes regurgitation and associated complications.

San Francisco junior handler Tatum Bartlett wins ANC Best Junior with her PBGV, Spotify.

The champion of the 2024 AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, has been crowned! The nation's biggest dog show, with over 5,600...

Kathleen Walker and "Spike," a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, will compete in the 2025 AKC Obedience Classic in Florida.

Hand-stripping is a specialized grooming procedure for wiry-coated dogs. It involves plucking dead strands of hair to retain the coat's coarse texture.

Spaniels go back to at least the 14th century, but their ancestry may be even older. As of 2025, the AKC recognizes 15 types of spaniel breeds.

The original American Water Spaniel history is shrouded in a bit of mystery, but these curly hunting dogs were bred with purpose.

The Standard Schnauzer is described as a friendly and cheerful companion that's particularly good with children. Are they a good fit for your lifestyle?

The Gordon Setter is the largest member of the setter breeds. Learn more about this breed with these Gordon Setter fun facts.

Lilo, an All-American Dog from Anderson, SC, will be competing at the AKC's National Agility Championship. She didn't start competing until she was nine!

Wondering how long dogs are in heat? Learning about the length of the cycle stages will help you provide proper care and prevent unplanned pregnancy.

The 12th annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster has crowned its winner! Border Collie 'Vanish' and Emily Klarman, took home the top prize.

How often you take your dog to the vet depends on their age, breed, lifestyle, and overall health. Here are some guidelines you can follow for most dogs.

AKC Lure Coursing is a sport that takes the instincts of Sighthounds and puts them to the test using a mechanic, white, plastic lure on a 600-yard course.

The Irish Water Spaniel was one of the nine original breeds recognized by the AKC. Learn more about this versatile, water-loving breed's history.

As flames ricocheted throughout the Altadena, California community, Irish Water Spaniel breeder Florence Blecher knew she needed to act.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier has a rich history that stems from the Emerald Isle and joined other AKC-recognized Irish Terriers in 2004.

The Curly-Coated Retriever (Curly) is a large-sized, sturdy, and elegant member of the Sporting Group. Learn more about the breed with these Curly-Coated Retriever fun facts. Curly-Coated Retrievers Are an Old Retriever Breed The Curly may look like a Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle, but they're a breed in their own right. In fact, […]

The AKC currently registers 205 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  (last updated 1/1/26) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

Each of the AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. Current as of June 17, 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Herding Group"] HERDING GROUP The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

[caption id="attachment_197397" align="aligncenter" width="438"] Shih Tzu "Comet" Wins Best in Show at 2023 AKC National Championship[/caption] Press Releases: 2024 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Members Of The Media, Click Here To Apply For Press Credentials"] Members Of The Media, Click Here To Apply For Press Credentials [/accordion_panel] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024 Breeder […]

Dates: October 11 & 12, 2025 Location: Branched Oak State Recreation Area 12000 W Branched Oak Rd, Raymond, NE 68428   News & Updates The 11th AKC National Tracking Invitational was held at the picturesque Branched Oak Recreation Area in Raymond, Nebraska. The American Kennel Club extends its sincere appreciation to the Nebraska Kennel Club and […]

Titles Earned in AKC Activities, Organized by Sport and Title Progression the # symbol behind the title abbreviation indicates that title can be earned multiple times, and will carry a numeric designation [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Agility Titles"] Class Abbrev. Title Name Abbrev. Title Name (Preferred Track) Prefix or Suffix ACT ACT1 Agility Course Test 1 Suffix […]

Congratulations 2022 NLCC Winners! December 11, 2022Weirsdale, FL Best of Breed Winners: NFC FC Kominek’s Fleura At Acires MC LCX BCAT Afghan Hound E. Seward/E. Kominek/S. Kominek FC Kel Simoon Ramisi ‘N Sambala RN MC CA BCAT CGC Azawakh M. Bisbee FC Kinobi Fly Me To The Moon MC LCX DCAT Borzoi B. Schuster GCH DC Via2 Broken Rules D’Lea SC […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Junior Scholarships awarded to those who compete in Companion Events. "These outstanding young individuals have demonstrated an abundance of commitment—not only to their academic studies but also to the sport of dogs,” Doug Ljungren, AKC Executive Vice President […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]