Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also requires a lot of hard work. Learn tips for bonding with your new puppy to set them up for success.

Having trouble deciding on what to name your new dog? Check out our list of the 150 most popular puppy names that are unique but never go out of style!

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

Learn how to calculate dog years into human years with this helpful chart, and find out how researchers came up with the numbers.

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

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

The dog community is a big place, but so is the LGBTQ+ community! Make an effort to be kind to others, and stand up for others when you can.

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.

Editor’s Note: The American Kennel Club has had a long history of inclusion across our sport for exhibitors and spectators from all walks of life. We are sharing the stories and voices of LGBTQ community members. Here, Sassafras Lowrey shares tips on how to be more inclusive as dog owners and handlers. You can read […]

As a child, Dresden Graff remembers being terrified. First, there was the fear that loomed over him in Baptist school: What if I'm gay? What will my parents think if they find out? Then, there was the scarier question: How would my parents handle me coming out as transgender? Coming into his own identity as a teen was […]

Bringing a dog into your life can be deeply rewarding, but it also requires planning, patience, and long-term responsibility. While many people imagine playtime, companionship, and affection, thinking about the realities of what dog ownership actually involves is the best first step you can take. Once the right dog for your family comes along, you […]

Danish-Swedish Farmdog 'Atreyu' and owner Dae Grodin are flying to the 2026 Diving Dogs Challenge. Learn more about this team!

15-year-old Sophie Weaver, from Parrish, Florida, is one of the brightest young talents on the US competitive agility circuit. Despite this, she remains remarkably humble about everything she and “Violet,” her 4-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, have achieved together. At the AKC Agility Premier Cup in Philadelphia this June, the teenager will stand out for being the […]

To view the economic impact of AKC Events in a particular state, please click on that state. AKC Above And Beyond: A one page summary highlighting the good things AKC does 2025 AKC Impact by State Full Report  2025 AKC Impact by State Cover Letter/Overview The Economic Benefits of AKC Dog Events  The Economic Benefits […]

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 […]

You may search several different ways in order to find the seminars you may be interested in. Please choose the way you wish to see the seminars presented in order to proceed: State Breed Seminar Type Presenter All Seminars Schedule of Future Advanced Judging Institutes (PDF) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Judges Education Webinars"] Judging Operations in collaboration […]

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 American Kennel Club To be read/voted on as one amendment: Chapter 11 , […]

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 […]

Virtual monthly webinar learning experiences created by breeders for breeders. Join renowned experts in these educational opportunities for breeders! 2026 Schedule Wednesday, June 17, 2026 7:00 pm (EST) - Dr. Marty Greer, DVM, JD “Canine Infertility In Males: The Other Half Of The Equation” Join Dr. Marty Greer for a discussion focusing on infertility in stud […]

The December 2026 AKC National Championship will be held in Orlando, FL, on December 12-13, 2026 at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center. Eligibility to enter the event is based on the Junior's accomplishments in the show ring and in the classroom. The requirements are: Juniors must have 5 first place wins in an Open Class, […]