Click the links below to learn about AKC's Foundation Stock Service® Program. Foundation Stock Service® Program Home FSS Checklist - updated September 2025 (PDF) FSS Acceptable Domestic Registries FSS Pamphlet - Updated September 2025 (PDF) FSS FAQs FSS News Parent Club Best Practices First Certificate of Merit Earned for Miscellaneous Breeds How to Count Certificate […]

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

What is a conflict of interest? The Rules, Policies, and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges provides “A conflict of interest exists when a judge is influenced by any relationship or factor other than the merit of the dogs.” Essentially, a conflict of interest exists when the presence of an exhibitor or their dogs gives the impression […]

Puppies are exciting. However, any experienced breeder will tell you they're also a lot of work. A responsible breeder prepares long in advance—to identify the purpose of the breeding; to carefully plan and research the breed, the standard, the health history, and available healthy males of good temperament; to form partnerships with their veterinarians and […]

Never mind the Mouse. In December, Orlando is all about the dog. Actually, make that plural: Dogs–thousands of them, from tiny Chihuahuas to ginormous Great Danes–stream into Florida to compete in the American Kennel Club's annual flagship event, the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. But if you're never attended before, you might just […]

The Belgian Sheepdog history stems from a split of the Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, and the Belgian Malinois into separate breeds.

The world of dog agility is fast-paced and exciting, but the terminology can be intimidating. Learn the language of dog agility so you can jump right in.

Breeder of Merit FAQs [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Prepaid Registrations In Breeder Toolkit"] If you plan to use the prepaid option to register all of the puppies – Do not select the electronic (downloadable) litter kit when you register the litter. That will disable the prepaid option. You are able to send an individual Registration Application for […]

Breeder of Merit Application (PDF) Use this form to apply for Breeder of Merit or for additional breeds Breeder of Merit Advanced Recognition Application (PDF) Use this form if you are currently an enrolled Breeder of Merit and wish to apply for an advanced level of Breeder of Merit Breeder of Merit Titles Report Order […]

You might have a dog you've dreamed of showing in a conformation event, but how do you know when they're ready to compete for the first time? In This Article Try a Beginner Conformation Course Consider Handling Classes Training in Public Spaces Enter a 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition Practice Through Match Shows Assessing Your […]