LGBTQIA+ dog owners have always been part of AKC dog sports. For some, the dog world has been a supportive haven, while for others, it has been more challenging.

Celebrating the diversity of our dog sports community is part of helping our sports to thrive, including the AKC LGBTQ community.

Diversity amongst dogs and people makes our dog sports community stronger. Meet some of the LGBTQ+ dog spot handlers and what they do.

What makes a dog smart? Discover how canine intelligence is defined and which dog breeds consistently rank highest.

We often think of concussions as happening to people while they're working or playing competitive sports. But pets are also at risk of brain injury. Concussion in dogs is "a very serious medical problem that can become life-threatening," says Dr. Dottie Hagler, DVM, DACVIM, board-certified veterinary neurologist and medical director at Pet Specialists of Austin. […]

Trazodone is a medication used to treat depression in people, but your veterinarian may suggest Trazodone for dogs to help with behavioral issues.

If your dog's tail is limp, it could be a sign of a sprained tail, known as swimmer's tail or limber tail. What should you do if you suspect swimmer's tail?

When you think of howling, you might think of wolves. But howling is also a common dog behavior, too. So why do dogs howl? Is it a throwback to their wolf ancestry? Or are there different reasons behind the call?

Acupuncture for dogs is a popular complementary therapy. Learn more about the potential benefits of this low-risk treatment along with its limitations.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a fiercely independent dog that has no problem taking charge. This member of the Working Group is a giant breed, weighing up to 150 pounds. Learn more about the breed with these Anatolian Shepherd Dog fun facts. They Were Bred to Guard Flocks From Predators The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is […]

Many AKC-recognized dog breeds were originally bred as hunting dogs. Many of these dogs are retrievers, pointers, or spaniels. These dogs have the skills, instinct, and energy to be our companions in the field, and they have been doing so for hundreds of years. Now, when hunting opportunities are limited, many of these breeds compete in […]

In this section you will find information related to each AKC Delegate Meeting. June 8-9, 2026 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Vote on the proposed amendment to Chapter 3, Section 12 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows Read on the proposed amendment to Article XIV, Section 1 of the Charter and Bylaws of The […]

Here you can access a list of AKC Government Relations resources available to help you be effective advocates for responsible dog ownership and breeding! Be sure to check back often, as we are continuously adding new items.  If you have any questions about these materials, or are dealing with a canine legislation issue, please contact […]

21 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – AB 1382 prohibits the sale and importation of genetically modified pets with cosmetic traits in California, except for modifications that benefit animal health or human interaction, and imposes civil penalties for violations. The bill has […]

(updated 6/1/26 ) 5/11/2026 From the May Board Meeting - one new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Lucas Terrier. 4/13/2026 From the April Board Meeting - three new breeds was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Silken Windhound, Saarloos Wolfhond, Old Danish Pointer. 1/12/26 The Peruvian Inca Orchid […]

The AKC Detection Dog Task Force has launched its AKC Patriotic Puppy Program – an opportunity for breeders and owners to work closely with experts on raising candidates for explosives detection work. The United States has a serious shortage of qualified dogs to perform the much-needed role of explosives detection dogs. As the number of […]

Homegrown terrorism and mass shootings have sadly become everyday news in the United States. As a result, the demand for explosives detection dogs as a deterrent against such crimes is on the increase with one major problem: there are not enough dogs to meet the growing need. The US Government purchases 80 to 90% its […]

As of February 9, 2007, the AKC Board of Directors approved the eligibility of Foundation Stock breeds that meet certain criteria to compete in AKC Performance Events; this will be effective January 1, 2008. Eligible breeds can compete in select Performance events. To become eligible the breeds must have the following: 1.  dogs with three […]

Registration Now Open: 2026 AKC National Detection Dog Conference | August 4–6, 2026, Durham, NC Every day, detection dogs protect our airports, critical infrastructure, and communities. Behind every deployment is a network of professionals working to strengthen America’s detection dog programs. Join us for Unleashing Potential: Building America’s Canine Defense, One Puppy at a Time […]

[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a_juniors_adventure__cristiana_crespo_video-720p.mp4" autoplay="true"][/video] The AKC Patch Program aims to introduce a new generation of young people to purebred dogs and dog sports through a fun, interactive program held at dog shows and events. The AKC Patch Program is open to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and all youth ages 3-18 who attend the event. […]

Animal rights activists continue to collect signatures in Oregon to put an extreme measure on the November 2026 ballot to ban all hunting, criminalize certain dog breeding (including artificial insemination) and recognized training practices, and even significantly impact farmers, ranchers and fishermen. Oregonians should not sign this petition for Initiative Petition 28 (IP 28), even […]

Thanks to the strong response from AKC advocates and sportsmen’s groups—and the strong leadership of House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson—the House Farm bill, H.R. 7567, the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act,” passed by the U.S. House contained positive provisions that support responsible breeding and dog ownership and no provisions that will cause harm. […]

A bill in New York regulating the tethering of dogs has been amended to protect a variety of dog performance events and activities including hunting, tracking, “winter dog sports”, and training for these activities. As mentioned in a previous alert, Assembly Bill 165 provides new requirements regarding tethering dogs outdoors for more than four hours.  […]

Yesterday, the New York Assembly Agriculture Committee considered two bills relating to the tethering of dogs outdoors.  While one did pass committee, another was held, and AKC thanks the many dog owners who responded to our alert and expressed your concerns with the bills. As a result of these efforts, Assembly Bill 6145, which mandated […]

The Performance Events Department is pleased to announce the creation of a $10,000 scholarship fund for students that are active in AKC Performance Events who will be attending an institution of higher education during the 2026-2027 academic year. Definition of Performance Events: Field trials, hunting tests, lure coursing, earthdog, coonhound events, herding, scent work, and […]

Judges' Eligibility Requirements AKC Online Judges Test Judges’ Directory Apprentice Form Affirmation Form AKC Seminar Schedule Advanced Seminar Grant Info Judges Liability Coverage Judges Accidental Coverage Dog Disqualified by a Judge Form Sample Scoresheet Junior Handler Certification Hunt Test Judges Report Disqualification by Event Committee Junior Handler Certification Letter Procedural Checklist Judge's Questionaire

Pointing Breed Hunt Tests - Judges’ Eligibility Current Requirements For all Judges Information please review Chapter 1 of the Regulations for AKC Hunting Tests for Pointing Breeds Prior to Apprenticeship Minimum Age: 18 yrs. Handling Experience: 1 qualifying leg at level to be judged or higher (club’s responsibility to monitor) Prior to Judging Apprenticeship: Twice […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Pointing Breed Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized and FSS Breeds Blue Picardy Spaniel Bracco Italiano Braque du Bourbonnais Braque Francais Pyrenean Braque Saint-Germain Brittanys Drentsche Patrijshond English Setters French Spaniel German Longhaired Pointer German Shorthaired Pointers German Wirehaired Pointers […]

The spotlight shines on a dog representing a breed not seen in agility often – the Cane Corso, a mastiff breed that originated in Italy. Bjorn defies expectations, effortlessly jumping 24-inches and helping his Regulation Freshman win the Winter Season Reserve Championship! He is athletic and loves to please his owner Destanee, who is a […]

The fourth annual AKC Agility League Championship will be held Nov. 6-8 at the James Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh, North Carolina. All League competitors who completed a season during the qualifying periods are eligible to enter: Fall 2025; Winter 2026; and Spring/Summer 2026. The dirt-surface Hunt arena hosts numerous dog agility events, including the […]