All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

Know the signs of IBD and IBS and how to diagnose and treat them. IBS is less common in dogs than IBD, but can have many different causes.

There’s a new top dog in town! The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, announced this morning that the ever-popular Labrador Retriever’s record-breaking reign has ended. The playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the first time. While it […]

The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot

There are dog people and there are cat people — but what about those of us who love both? Can we have a cat and a dog in our household, or are they truly mortal enemies? Rest assured, dogs and cats can become the best of friends, or at least learn to peacefully coexist. If […]

You say to-MAY-to, and I say to-MAH-to. But Xoloitzcuintli? Let's call the whole thing off. As more dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club, dog lovers are confronted with some real tongue twisters. In the past, there was a tendency to anglicize challenging breed names, such as the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, which in its […]

Finding the right dog match for you from 201 breeds can be daunting. That's one of the best reasons to attend AKC Meet the Breeds!

They may not be able to talk, but dogs can use many other methods of communication to interact with us. Sometimes, whining is one of those methods. Whining can be cute, but if it goes on for long periods, or becomes a regular habit, it can get aggravating. If you want to stop your dog […]

The 2022 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin took place on December 18 and 19 in Orlando, Florida. Thousand of dogs competed for Best of Breed; the winner of each breed then went on to Group competitions. The winners of each of the seven Groups then competed for the coveted title of Best in […]

The AKC® Humane Fund is proud to announce the winners of the 23rd annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). These awards celebrate five loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly improved the lives of their owners and communities. The five winners were carefully chosen from a pool of over 600 impressive nominations. The […]

After the airing of the popular special AKC Heroes: 2022 Awards for Canine Excellence on ESPN2, the AKC is excited to share the winners of this year’s AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). These annual awards celebrate loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly improved the lives of their owners and/or communities. Five remarkable dogs […]

Armed with keen knowledge and many years of hands-on experience, judges enter the dog show ring with the challenging task of selecting one winner. And when you're on one of the biggest dog show stages, the stakes are higher. A judge must select a single winner out of a great group of dogs, work within […]

The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin has a new record-breaking entry. Five thousand three hundred eighty-five (5,376) dogs will compete for the title of America’s National Champion on December 17 and 18, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Combined with the other weekend events, including the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, the […]

When a celebrity dog or trending dog breed begins to get a lot of attention, it isn't always a good thing. Too often, people might like the look of a dog and decide they want to add one to their family without researching what that breed is like to live with. As a result, they […]

If you're a dog owner, you probably spend a lot of time dealing with dog poop. Not only do you need to pick up after your dog on your walks, but chances are you also spend time thinking about how consistent and regular your dog's poop is. But how often should dogs do their business? […]

When it comes to the dog flu, it’s important to always be prepared. Here's an overview of the symptoms and treatment options for canine influenza.

Dogs rely on their owners for everything from food and veterinary care to grooming and exercise. When you see a friend or family member falling short in caring for their dog in one or more of these areas, it's only natural to have concerns. If someone is dealing with depression, they might be neglecting their […]

Dogs have evolved alongside people to eat a variety of foods including meat, grain, fruits, and vegetables. So, it's not surprising that when people...

Dog costumes are increasingly popular options for Halloween. Here's how to make wearing a dog costume a pleasant experience for your pet.

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); […]