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Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
The Rarest Dog Breeds of 2025
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, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/rarest-dog-breeds-2025/
| April 15, 2026
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Get to Know the Spitz Breeds
Ever heard the word spitz to describe a dog? Learn about these fascinating breeds, which are characterized by their wolf-like appearance.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/spitz-dog-breeds/
| June 14, 2021
Expert Advice: Why does my dog...
Why Do Dogs Dig? Common Reasons and How to Manage the Behavior
Digging is such a source of joy for so many dogs. Has your dog filled your yard with holes? Does your garden look like gophers had a wild party? Digging is a common problem behavior in dogs, and many dog owners suffer the consequences at some point. It can be challenging to prevent, and dangerous […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-is-my-dog-digging/
| October 25, 2019
Sports & Events
AKC Agility League Spotlight: Meet the Chinook a True American Breed
The spotlight shines on a rare breed that was developed in America – the Chinook. Junie represents this working breed in League this season, running on an Elementary team in Alaska where she puts her sled dog genes to good use, as well as running agility. The Chinook is the state dog of New Hampshire; […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/in-the-zone/akc-agility-league-spotlight-meet-chinook-true-american-breed/
| March 24, 2026
Expert Advice: Health
How Long Can You Keep Your Dog Outside?
How long can you keep your dog outside? Here we explore just how to determine when it's time to call your dog back inside after a day of outdoor fun.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-long-can-dogs-be-outside/
| May 25, 2021
Expert Advice: Breed History
Sled Dog Breeds: From Arctic Exploration to the Iditarod
Sled dog breeds have helped humans survive in the Arctic for millennia. Learn more about the work these breeds have done and the sports they participate in today.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/sled-dog-breeds-history-future/
| November 22, 2020
Expert Advice: General Nutrition
Best Dog Food for Large Breeds: What to Know
Owning a large breed dog comes with large responsibilities, especially when it comes to choosing the best large breed dog food. After all, you want your dog to live a long, healthy, active life, and that starts with good nutrition. Feeding a properly formulated, high-quality diet is one of the most important things you can […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/large-breed-dog-food/
| June 1, 2020
Expert Advice: Grooming
It’s Bath Time! Towels, Brushes, Dog Shampoo, and More
Any pet owner knows that dogs don't mind being smelly and dirty. In fact, many dogs delight in rolling around in all sorts of substances we may think of as disgusting, or tearing through brush and mud puddles. At some point, your dog is going to need a bath. How to bathe your dog, and […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/its-bath-time-towels-brushes-dog-shampoo-and-more/
| August 15, 2016
Pages
AKC Breeds Broken Out By Group
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, […]
https://www.akc.org/akc-breeds-by-group/
| December 23, 2024
Expert Advice: Studies
Does Breed Influence How Dogs Communicate With Humans?
Dogs are renowned for their ability to read humans. But a study shows that the type of breed influences their level of human communication.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/breed-selection-human-communication/
| February 11, 2026