Dash, a 10-year-old Silky Terrier and lifesaving cardiac alert dog, will compete at the 2025 AKC Agility Invitational in Orlando.

Even if you can't say their name, the Nederlandse Kooikerhonje is a breed you may consider adding to your household.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is hard-working, affectionate, and gentle. Learn more about this this beautiful breed with Bernese Mountain Dog fun facts.

Does your terrier or Dachshund love to dig in the dirt? Maybe he squirms his way into animal tunnels and comes out with a surprise in his mouth. What is he thinking? Well, there's a reason Dachshunds and small terriers are classified as earthdogs. Rather than trying to stop this “bad” behavior, channel the go-to-ground […]

The outdoor temperature where you live affects your dog's comfort level. If you live in a warm or tropical climate, what are the best breeds for hot...

Header photo courtesy of Christina Phillips, AKC Breeder of Merit The Irish Red and White Setter is not as well known as his dazzling cousin, the Irish Setter, with only about 500 dogs in North America. Even in Ireland, the breed nearly went extinct during World War I. It took the dedication of a handful […]

AKC Breeder of Merit Debarah Billings hails from Bristol, Tennessee. Her breeding program and Windsong Biewer Terriers began in 2009. Her goal was and continues to be breeding for improvement as well as promoting the Biewer Terrier.   AKC: How did you get started in breeding dogs? Debarah: After retiring in 2008, I started my […]

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, […]

Graceful, elegant gun dog or sweet and loving family companion? The English Setter is both! Sometimes called the "gentlemen of the dog world," they're an ideal combination of versatile hunting partner and gentle, affectionate pet. One look into those soulful eyes and you may be hooked for life. Their Coat Coloring Is Distinctive The English […]

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are true companion dogs. Good for families and a friend to all.

The Biewer Terrier is a playful dog, recognized by the AKC in 2021. Learn more about the breed with these Biewer Terrier fun facts.

With a dark, long silky coat, the Belgian Tervuren always draws attention. They are not only attractive, but also intelligent and hardworking. Here are some interesting facts about the Belgian Tervuren. They Were Bred To Be Herding and Guard Dogs The Belgian Tervuren was originally developed as a versatile farm dog that could herd livestock […]

There's much more to this breed that meets the eye! Learn more about the breed with these Chinese Crested fun facts, and become an expert.

Looking to add the Havanese to your family? Learn more about this member of the toy group and if they're a good fit for you.

When you see dogs with cloudy eyes, it may be a natural part of the aging process. But cloudy eyes in dogs can also be a symptom of eye problems.

The short-legged but muscular Cesky Terrier is relatively rare in the United States, with less than 600 dogs to be found in the country. These fairly small terriers are sensitive and full of energy, but are not quite as excitable as some other terrier breeds. Cesky is pronounced "chess-key" after the breed’s country of origin, […]

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!

Swarms of setters, hordes of herders, oodles of Poodles— with the seemingly endless variety of dogs gaiting around AKC show rings, you might assume every breed in creation is represented. Actually, hundreds of breeds from around the world are outside the AKC orbit. Here are just a few:   ESTRELA MOUNTAIN DOG Birthplace: northern Portugal Job […]

The Westminster Kennel Club recently announced that Mr. Thomas H. Bradley III is scheduled to judge Best in Show at the club’s 141st dog show Feb. 13–14, 2017. A lifetime participant in the dog sport, Mr. Bradley competed in his first dog show as a teenager in 1955, showing his German Shorthaired Pointer at the […]

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

Best known for being active and affectionate, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a unique hunting breed. Here are some fun facts about its history and function.

If you want a dog but experience allergy symptoms around them, you are not alone. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, some purebred breeds are often a better fit for allergy sufferers because they have predictable, low-shedding coats that may spread less dander. Combined with good household allergy management, these breeds can make dog ownership […]

Did you know that the Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel are two different breeds? Learn more about the breed with these Cocker Spaniel fun facts.

The breed standard for the Maltese sums it up: “The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair.” But words can't really convey the flashy visual drama and glamour of a Maltese in full show coat. When a stunningly groomed Maltese champion enters the show […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and Royal Canin are pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2016 National Championship to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2016. The 2016 event will showcase the top national and international dogs and will also […]

Puppyhood is a lot like human childhood. There are phases and stages, and some youngsters seem to mature faster than others. We can set some parameters for puppies. For instance, as a rule, smaller dogs tend to mature more quickly than larger breeds. Small breeds reach their adult size at about 12 months old, while […]

If your apartment seems to be missing something — such as an adorable furry friend to meet you at the door at night — then maybe a dog is in your future. But is your home truly worthy of a pooch? If your quarters are tight and you lack a yard where your canine could […]

Bernese Mountain Dogs are active, intelligent, and loving. They can make great family dogs, but are they the right breed for you?

Breed 2018 Rank 2017 Rank 2016 Rank 2015 Rank 2014 Rank Labrador Retrievers 1 1 1 1 1 German Shepherd Dogs 2 2 2 2 2 Golden Retrievers 3 3 3 3 3 French Bulldogs 4 4 6 6 9 Bulldogs 5 5 4 4 4 Beagles 6 6 5 5 5 Poodles 7 7 […]

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.