Below Are Links To The AKC Rules And Regulations That Are Available. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Board Policy Manual"] AKC Board Policy Manual [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Clubs"] Charter and Bylaws of the AKC (PDF) Const and Bylaws: All-Breed; Specialty (PDF) Const and Bylaws: Performance Clubs (PDF) Formation of Dog Clubs (PDF) Working it Out -- AKC® Guidelines for Resolving Dog Club Issues […]

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, […]

Each year, the AKC Humane Fund gives out six awards to hardworking dogs for making significant contributions to an individual or entire community. Winners will be highlighted in a made-for-tv special created by AKC productions. The AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence are proudly sponsored by Eukanuba™! Nominations are open NOW! SUBMIT A NOMINATION […]

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails. The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. AKC celebrates Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 17th each year, […]

Though she's barely taller than the tips of her Great Dane's ears, Junior Handler Olivia Betancourt shines in the conformation ring.

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program teaches your dog fundamental skills, while you can learn what's involved in being a responsible puppy owner.

"Sitting pretty" is a cute trick also often referred to as “beg.” Here's how you can teach your dog to sit pretty.

These Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs mean business, both in the AKC Rally ring and at the Mountain Dog Cookie Bakery.

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

Every year, football fans look forward to seeing the year's Super Bowl commercials. But when dogs join the most significant sports event of the season, the clever canines always blitz the views. For this big-time contest, two breeds will appear for the first time in a major pigskin promotion. "Saz" Ch de Rafale Reve de […]

"Guppy" may be a Bulldog, but in AKC Scent Work, she's got the nose of a Bloodhound. She pulls to the starting line, and at the judge's go-ahead, she methodically zigzags between rows of small boxes in search of odor. Guppy's handler, Evelyn Cunningham, follows behind, coolly observing her stout little dog's behavior. Guppy smooshes […]

A presidential name, a passion for rounding up rodents, and short legs powering a long, muscular body, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is an American breed...

Along with its short legs, sweet expression, and cheerful disposition, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a bold, rugged, and old hunting hound with ties...

San Francisco junior handler Tatum Bartlett wins ANC Best Junior with her PBGV, Spotify.

The champion of the 2024 AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, has been crowned! The nation's biggest dog show, with over 5,600...

Here are ways to set dog training goals for the new year and how to go about keeping these resolutions and achieving these attainable goals.

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 […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is thrilled to announce the AKC Publications and AKC Digital Content stories and authors that received awards at the 2025 Dog Writer’s Association of America Awards. […]

47 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – SB 1462 mandates comprehensive, standardized training for Arizona animal control officers, focusing on legal and animal welfare topics. The bill has been referred to the Senate Government Committee. AKC is monitoring this […]

Twenty legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Delaware – HB 131 This Act prohibits retail pet stores from selling dogs or cats. It further authorizes retail pet stores to collaborate with animal shelters and animal rescue organizations to offer space […]

Click below to see titles and abbreviations for: Prefix Titles Suffix Titles Parent Club Titles Working Dog Titles Other Recognized Titles Other Title Lists: Titles Sorted by Sport Titles Sorted in Alphabetic Order   Prefix Titles Title Title Name AFC An Amateur Field Trial Champion title can be earned in either Beagle Field Trials, Pointing […]

Dear Rally Enthusiasts, We are pleased to announce the launch of a new Rally Ranking System. This system is designed to recognize the accomplishments of our Rally teams by highlighting participants in the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, Master, and Choice classes, as well as dogs who have earned the RACH title. There are two types […]

Athleticism. Stamina. Courage. An instinct to go, go, go. These qualities are the essence of the Pointing breed, and why they’re naturally superior hunters. As a dog owner, it’s important to consistently find new ways to stimulate your dog’s natural’s instincts. If you have a Pointing breed, training for and participating in a Pointing Field Trial […]

Disc Dog is an exciting, fast-paced, fun sport that all dogs and people can enjoy. UpDog has taken the basic game of fetch with a flying disc and expanded it into a whole bunch of fun games! Dogs of any breed, type, size or shape can play and be successful. If your dog can fetch, […]

In January 1999, the AKC embarked on a journey to recognize Juniors who obtain titles on dogs in the Companion and Performance Events.  We are pleased to announce the continued growth of the program.  AKC will now be awarding points to Juniors who have competed in Junior Showmanship, Companion and Performance Events.  The Juniors number […]

To earn an AKC Therapy Dog™ title, you and your dog must meet the following criteria: Certified/registered by an AKC recognized therapy dog organization. Perform the required number of visits for the title for which you are applying. For your convenience in helping you track your visits, you can use the Therapy Dog Record of Visits […]

***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Farm Dog Title Application! Submit your application now here. Your dog responds well to commands at home and in public, but how would he respond in a farm environment? There’s an easy way to find out: Sign him up for a Farm Dog Certified test. […]

last updated 1/9/2026 How do I join the AKC National Junior Organization? Everyone who has a Junior Showmanship number is automatically entered in the AKC National Junior Organization. How do I get a Junior Showmanship number? E-mail: juniors@akc.org or download form. What is a Junior Showmanship number and do I need to have one to […]

2026 AKC National Obedience Championship Thursday & Friday, July 16-17, 2026       News and Updates: The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that the 2026 AKC National Obedience Championship (NOC) and the AKC Rally®️ National Championship (RNC) will be held at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio, on July 16–19, 2026. National Obedience Championship (NOC): July 16–17 Rally National […]

Luce Carter BN RE FDC ACT1 SWN SINE SENE SBNE SEA CGCA TKE FITB owned by Jennifer Carter of Louisa, VA Luce, a 9 ½ year old hound/herding dog mix, was 12 weeks old when she was adopted by Jennifer. “Her journey is one of resilience and determination,” Jennifer said. “Luce is the kind of […]