The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 205 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 3/10/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

Two bills will be considered this week impacting Illinois dog owners. Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 10), a bill will be considered amending the laws regarding forfeiture of seized dogs when cruelty is suspected. On Thursday, March 12, the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee will hear Senate Bill 2990, which would place extensive new requirements on those licensed […]

One of the oldest herding dogs bred in France, the Berger Picard has a rich history. Learn more about the breed with these Berger Picard fun facts.

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.

When seasons change, your dog is likely to shed more. You can clean up pet hair, but airborne dander is harder to control, unless you use something like an air purifier.

Grooming is an important piece of the puzzle to consider when owning a fluffy dog. Whether your dog is short-haired or long-haired, it's important to maintain a healthy coat by regularly brushing, grooming, and bathing to control shedding. This is especially important for dogs with fluffy coats. Grooming routines for some dogs can be done at home, while others may […]

Rebecca Stern grew up surrounded by dogs. But when she found herself in New York City after college with no pets in her life, she started looking for a way to spend more time with animals. At the same time, she was looking to explore new ideas for a documentary film. From the very beginning, […]

Can dogs eat sticks safely? What about stones? Here's why both sticks and stones aren't good options for your pet to gnaw on.

Through the years, many different breeds have won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, including the 2024 winner, "Sage" the Miniature Poodle.

Meet Hungary’s russet-coated dog-of-all-trades: the Vizsla. While talking with the breed’s American fanciers, it seems the exclamation point and the Vizsla were made for each other. If this breed could talk (one of the few things it can’t do—yet) it would say things like “Yes I can!,” “Go for it!” and other such interjections that […]

AKC Meet the Breeds events are a fun and educational way to spend a day with the whole family, and maybe even figure out which dog breed is right for you! If you are attending an AKC Meet the Breeds event, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can find out […]

When you see a little dog with a long white coat sweeping down the sidewalk, do you know which breed you're about to meet? Is it the playful Maltese or the happy-go-lucky Coton de Tulear (pronounced KO-Tone Dih TOO-Lay-ARE)? Both breeds are adorable and charming, but their history and personality are different. Read on to […]

If you're looking for a bright, lovable lapdog with a no-shed coat, consider the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka.

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)  […]

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka History: From Russia with Love to Sweet Lapdog

Fun facts about the newest AKC recognized breed

Meet the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, AKC's Three Newly Recognized Dog Breeds in 2026.

These champion show dogs took the top prize in conformation at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin.

Alexis Chism and German Wirehaired Pointer "Greta" won National Owner-Handled Series Best in Show at 2025 AKC National Championship.

The AKC® National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show honors went to GCHG CH Wirewick Afterhours Feels Like A Regret BN RN JH FDC CGCA CGCU TKA ATT VHMA VSWB, a German Wirehaired Pointer known affectionately as “Greta” owned by R Wickes & M Hancock & A Chism & A Chism, handled by Alexis […]