The AKC® National Championship presented by Royal Canin has a new record-breaking entry. A grand total of 5,762 dogs will compete for the title of America’s National Champion on December 16 and 17, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Combined with the other weekend events, including the AKC®/Royal Canin National All-Breed […]

America’s largest educational dog extravaganza returns to the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City when The American Kennel Club (AKC®) brings its annual AKC® Meet the Breeds® showcase back to NYC on January 27th and 28th, 2024.  This family-friendly, canine spectacle gives dog lovers the unique opportunity to meet and play with hundreds of adorable […]

16-year-old Caleigh Novak from Castle Rock, Colorado, currently splits her time between home and working for a professional handler in Minnesota.

Loyal, intelligent, and courageous, Rottweilers gives off an air of nobility and self-confidence.  In fact, they've attracted people for millennia.

Luxating patella in dogs is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, diagnosed in 7 percent of puppies. How do you treat it?

Beth Kirven of West Columbia, South Carolina, has always had Sporting dogs — her first dog as an adult was an English Cocker. But once she married and had children, she decided to ditch the grooming and go for some smooth operators: namely, Pointers, acquiring her first from the late Susan Thompson of Solivia Pointers […]

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

If your dog is suffering from ataxia, the most common symptom you might notice is a change in his gait, making him very unsteady.

Will small-but-mighty Boston Terrier Delilah hold her crown as the fastest of her breed at this year's AKC Fastest Dogs USA?

Since diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy was identified in 2018, researchers have linked it to diets with peas, lentils and possibly potatoes.

Sixteen-year-old Izzy Burg of Onalaska, Wisconsin has already become an established owner-handler and has even begun her own breeding program.

Every year, the AKC publishes its list of breed rankings by popularity, based on registration statistics. 2022, the top 10 least popular breeds were: Pyrenean Shepherds (No. 190) Cesky Terriers (No. 191) Sussex Spaniels (No. 192) Harriers (No. 193) Azawakhs (No. 194) Belgian Laekenois (No. 195) American Foxhounds (No. 196) Sloughis (No. 197) Norwegian Lundehunds […]

Warmer weather is here! It’s the season of flowers blooming, BBQs grilling, outdoor adventures, and… fleas and ticks. Breeders often are faced with so many decisions on what products are safe to use on pregnant/breeding dogs and puppies. Several preventatives, including new 3-in-1 flea, tick and heartworm preventatives, state they have not been tested in […]

A typical year for the Towell family means having their kids qualify for Westminster Juniors. Meet this year's participants, Bevin and Fenric Towell.

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Kimberly Rudzik has been hired as an Executive Field Representative based in Utah. Rudzik has worked as a professional dog handler for over 30 years and has bred over 70 AKC Champions. Her involvement in the sport started from a young age, as she was introduced […]

They're adorable. Those small, sturdy dogs with their regal bearing and long, gorgeous coats. But which breed are you admiring? The Shih Tzu (pronounced “sheed-zoo" or “sheet-su") or the Lhasa Apso? To the untrained eye, it can be hard to tell these two dogs apart, especially in full coat. But in fact, although these breeds […]

Eighteen-year-old Dea Godlevsky has just recently aged out of junior showmanship, but she's made her mark on the sport with her achievements as a Junior Handler.

The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot

The 2023 AKC National Agility Championship (NAC) will take place March 16 through March 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The fast-paced sport of dog agility will see plenty of dogs take to the ring to race against the clock while completing a pre-determined obstacle course. But what dog breeds will you be able to see compete […]

From sporting dogs to toy breeds, show dogs must look the part. “Miss America does not just sit on the couch eating potato chips before a pageant,” says Susan Hamil, a veteran of the dog show world. “It’s the same for show dogs.” Hamil, a judge and fancier of Bloodhounds, is one of the four […]

There are dog people and there are cat people — but what about those of us who love both? Can we have a cat and a dog in our household, or are they truly mortal enemies? Rest assured, dogs and cats can become the best of friends, or at least learn to peacefully coexist. If […]

We have some 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. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! Agility Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their […]

As a responsible dog owner, you're always looking to keep your pet in good health. One way to do that is by creating and keeping up a fitness plan. Maintaining appropriate canine exercise levels can help prevent injuries, lessen the impacts of age-related issues like arthritis, and help them stay physically active for longer. Here's […]

From Washington's Foxhounds to Obama's famous Portuguese Water Dogs, presidential dogs are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. Almost all of our presidents have shared the White House with a dog, and often more than one. These presidential dogs became as much a staple of the capitol as the rest of the First Family […]

When it comes to love, dogs offer all of the devotion with none of the guile. They won't sign up for a secret dating profile or see another owner behind your back. And that flirtation with the pet sitter … well, it's harmless. After all, there's a reason dogs have a reputation for being faithful […]

At just 15 years old, Alessandra Wagner is already a veteran in the world of dog shows. Hailing from Seward, Nebraska, Wagner has shown dogs for over a decade, qualified for the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin five times, and won more than 30 Best Junior Handler Awards as part of the AKC […]

There's so much to see and do at an AKC Meet the Breeds event! Whether you want to interact with dogs, watch demos, or shop, it's sure to be a fun weekend.

GCHG CH Cherokee Legend Encore, a Bulldog known as “Star,” triumphed over more than 5,300 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 17-18, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. “Star,” owned by Alaina […]

Cars' sudden and fast movements inspire many dogs' inner prey drive. Alternatively, the sound or movement of the cars can be upsetting, so some dogs may begin lunging at the vehicles or chasing them. Why do certain dogs chase cars? How can you train your dog to prevent them from chasing cars? Why Do Dogs […]

Judith M. Russell was presented with the 2022 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Karnovanda Kennels, Reg. Siberian Huskies at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Sunday, December 18, 2022.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the […]