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 […]

GCH Lockenhaus' Rumor Has It V Kenlyn, a German Shepherd Dog known as “Rumor,” triumphed over more than 4,000 dogs to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, held this weekend in Orlando, Fla. “Rumor,” owned by Deborah Stern, Pamela Buckles, Patti Dukeman, Pam McElheney […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry, and a leading advocate for dogs, and the New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC), are pleased to announce that they have entered into a mutual cooperation agreement. This partnership strengthens global collaboration around both organizations shared priorities, expanding and enhancing canine events […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry, and a leading advocate for dogs, and the Korea Kennel Federation (KKF), are pleased to announce that they have entered into a mutual cooperation agreement. This agreement strengthens international collaboration around shared priorities, expanding canine exhibitions and registrations, advancing education, promoting […]

The Missouri Legislature has adjourned for the year, with all bills of concern to dog owners and breeders being tabled or significantly amended. AKC thanks all who took the time to contact leadership and their lawmakers regarding two bills that would have had a detrimental effect on hobby and show breeders.  We also extend special […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link Review & FAQ’s on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Inside the Discussion: Comparing Multiple Approaches to Detection Dog Breeding and Training May 19, 2026 The AKC Detection Dog Task Force recently hosted a lively webinar featuring Tim Baird, Bart Rogers, and Stacey West, moderated by Sheila Goffe, on the many approaches to breeding, raising, and training future detection dogs. One […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="American Field Irish Setters (October 1975 Board meeting)"]  Based upon a request from the Irish Setter Club of America, AKC discontinued the registration of Irish Setters based upon pedigrees from the American Field Dog Stud Book. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Auction Policy (July 2003 Board meeting)"]  The Board reviewed its policy on Auctions, considering the […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="All-Breed/Specialty Conflicts (September 2013 Board meeting; amended January 2016)"] If an All-Breed/Limited Breed Conformation, Performance, or Companion Event club refuses to grant permission to accommodate a Parent Club's National Specialty or a Performance or Companion event (which is limited to the Parent Club breed) when held with the National Specialty, a Parent Club regional specialty […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adjunct Approval (April 1994 Board meeting)"] When a new breed becomes eligible for championship competition, there is one six-month window of opportunity for judges to submit applications under the adjunct system. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Household Judges (July 2000 Board meeting)"] A household member of a Board member may submit a judging application […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations (April 2024 Board meeting; amended May 2025)"] As an additional step in creating a safe and respectful sport environment for all, the AKC Board of Directors approved the following educational requirements policy and recommendations.  Effective April 10, 2024: AKC Board of Directors, Inspectors, Field Staff across […]

For the complete requirements for eligibility, download the Special Registry Services booklet on the Rules and Regulations page. You may also find helpful information by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions. Foreign Dogs may be eligible for registration in the AKC Stud Book, provided: The dog is of a breed eligible for individual registration in the […]

The resources below can be used in presentations to educate the public on topics such as purebred dogs, dog sports, safety around dogs, and other related topics. If you are interested in resources on a specific topic, please email publiced@akc.org for assistance. Printable 8.5" x 11" Dog Breed Posters More breed posters will be posted […]

Good breeders breed good dogs, and the best breeders know that education is paramount to their success. In 2023, the AKC launched the AKC Eddy Award program to recognize Parent Clubs who go above and beyond in their breeder education efforts. Despite working towards the same goal, each club took their own approach and produced […]

Learn how to potty train your puppy with these tips. These three tried-and-true methods will help you housetrain your dog.

Bringing a dog into your life is a choice that takes careful consideration. With so many breeds of varying size and temperament, the search to find your perfect companion can be overwhelming. If you're an experienced dog owner with plenty of time to devote to a smart, hard-working breed, consider the Belgian Malinois. The Belgian […]

Looking to add a new dog to your home? If you're considering the Brittany, learn more about the breed and how it suits your lifestyle.

Of all the odd habits our dogs have—drinking toilet water, rolling in dead things, licking their butts— nothing disgusts most dog owners more than knowing that dogs eat poop sometimes. A dog's motivation for eating poop isn't to gross us humans out, but the act of eating poop certainly disgusts us. So much so, in […]

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Spaniel Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized Breeds Airedale Terriers American Water Spaniels Boykin Spaniels Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Clumber Spaniels Cocker Spaniels Curly-Coated Retrievers English Cocker Spaniels English Springer Spaniels Field Spaniels Flat-Coated Retrievers Golden Retrievers Irish Water Spaniels Labrador […]