The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

We have big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Master Agility Champion (MACH) MACH Viking Conqueror Of My Heart FDC MXB MJB owned by Carol Brown of Hailey, ID In December 2019, a […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Tracking and Trick Dog, including the first and second All-American Dogs to become AKC Rally® Champions and two new AKC Champion Trackers! And many All-American Dogs had big success at the 2019 AKC National […]

Here’s everything you’ll need prior to joining the Breeder of Merit program:  Have a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events  Can demonstrate a commitment to individually registering 100 percent of the puppies you’ve bred Have earned either AKC Conformation, Performance, or Companion event titles on at least four dogs from AKC […]

AKC Virtual Programs: Opportunities Grow for At-Home Titles AKC’s Virtual Title program offers opportunities to earn titles during the pandemic, and many owners have successfully taken advantage of them. Just added to the line-up is Virtual Home Manners. When you get a puppy or new adult dog, this program can get you started on practical skills before you attend a training class. […]

What’s better than owning a top-winning show dog? Simple: Breeding one. In theory, anyone can purchase a canine competitor: All you need is a checking account with enough zeroes in it. But it’s far more challenging to produce quality purebred dogs that are consistently sound, well tempered and typey — that is to say, that […]

Each month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) profiles breeders to hear how they got started and learn about their breeding program and experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with Cathy Lewandowski of SoftMaple Curly-Coated Retrievers in Croghan, N.Y. Lewandowski is an AKC Breeder of Merit who has produced versatile, top-winning dogs. Lewandowski's love for […]

Motorized trucks may have replaced horses and Dalmatians in fire stations decades ago, but nine Dalmatians recently showed that spotted loyalty to...

Natalia Backos, a 14-year-old from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has never known a time when she didn't spend her weekends at dog shows. A proud third-generation breeder/owner/handler, Backos is following in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother, alongside her sister. Her dogs include her Parson Russell Terriers BISS GCH Panther Creek Stone Cold Sober "Boozer" and […]

Ozzy had tough beginnings at a shelter, but owner Kelly Halloran saw potential. The now-senior dog is an accomplished agility dog.

To borrow a popular phrase, Eli isn’t a one-trick Poodle, nor does he hide a thing. Right now, the Miniature Poodle and his 68-year-old owner, Leslie Gelesh, of Akron, Ohio, are at the top of their game after winning the 2021 American Kennel Club Trick Dog Competition with a dazzling six-minute routine called “Batman Furever.” […]

This speedy game hunter and loving companion has delighted Italian Greyhound owners for more than 2000 years. Learn more about Italian Greyhound history.

If you’re the owner of a senior dog, there are many dog sports that are suited to dogs of any age so long as your veterinarian approves.

Saint Bernard 'Shayna' may not be the most agile dog, but she is competing in both the AKC Obedience Classic and the AKC Agility Invitational.

The AKC FIT DOG program began in 2022 and is designed to encourage dogs and people to be more active with their dogs to support their health and fitness.

***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Trick Dog Title Application! Try the new - Title Application Portal (TAP) System.  From the 1920’s and 1940’s when trick dogs such as Rin Tin Tin and Lassie won peoples’ hearts, trick dog training has become one of the most exciting new areas […]

AKC Junior Event Opportunities There are many fun events offered by the AKC in which juniors may compete. Most often juniors choose to compete in just Breed and Junior Showmanship classes. There are, however, companion events that are often held in conjunction with the breed shows that rarely have any juniors competing. These companion events […]

  Performance Events Scholarship 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. New AKC Performance Scholarship Program Announced! - Jan 2020 More information regarding the program can be found here.     When most people think of Juniors they […]

This program allows for the recognition of breed-specific Parent Club Performance Programs. Approved Parent Club titles are recognized on AKC records after title application is submitted. These performance programs allow breeds to be acknowledged for successfully performing the functions for which they were developed. A Parent Club will administer their own program in which their […]

***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Trick Dog Title Application! Try the new - Title Application Portal (TAP) System.  Our Trick Dog Program is officially underway and we have begun to process titles. The response has been amazing! Thank you for your interest in the new AKC Trick Dog […]