Mia Alvare is a thirteen-year-old Junior Handler who competes in Agility with her 3-year-old All- American dog Honey. Mia competes with the Antelope...

Roberta Hill and her Treeing Walker Coonhound "Toddie" came into each others' lives by accident. But their bond has been nothing short of exceptional since.

The pathway to becoming a full-fledged detective has had its challenges for Rocco and Rider but it has never been a mystery to either, or their Midwest owner/handlers. The AKC Scent Work® Detective title, considered the pinnacle of success in the popular sport, went unclaimed since its inception on Oct. 1, 2017, until July 14 […]

The 2020 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Dec. 12 and 13 hosted 3,680 dogs who all competed for the coveted title of Best in Show. The competition began with each dog competing for best in their breed. Best in Group Best of Breed winners then advanced to compete in the group competitions. Each […]

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

Karen Moureaux, of Contact Point Border Collies in Fillmore, CA, is the first and only AKC Breeder of Merit- Platinum in Border Collies and was named the AKC Breeder of the Year for Agility in 2014. She is a Southern California native who started in dog sports in 1989 with her first Border Collie, Dallas. After competing […]

Thanks to technological advances and a robust economy in the years following the second world war, the modern media took off like a rocket—and the Westminster Kennel Club dog show took off with it. Of course, the big event at Madison Square Garden had been America’s most prestigious dog show since it began in 1877. […]

We break down the basics of AKC Rally, a sport centered around teamwork that requires a handler and their dog to complete a series of specific skills.

A relatively rare breed, the Chinook is an all-purpose sled dog developed for drafting and sled dog racing. This is an athletic breed that is equally at home on the trail or cuddling on the couch with his human family. Here are seven interesting facts about this dignified and affectionate dog. 1. The official state […]

Lisa Mallory's Doberman, Kelly, does an exterior search for birch and anise oil.   We've all heard about the incredible power of a dog's nose. Search and rescue dogs locate victims trapped under feet of rubble; K-9s track down fleeing suspects; and detection dogs alert to the presence of explosives, drugs, or other materials. But […]

The most popular dog breeds of the 1880s were led by sporting and gundog breeds, with the English Setter holding the top spot.

Tricks are a great way to keep your dog's mind and body conditioned. Here's how to prepare and train for an AKC Trick Dog Competition.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the ideal combination of a warmth and gentleness and the athleticism and spirit of a hunter. All in a toy-sized package!

Thousands of dogs compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show. Check out some statistics on the breeds and groups who've taken the trophy.

Back-to-school schedule changes can be challenging for dogs. Learn how to keep your dog active, engaged, and happy throughout the school year.

A new study shows that core strength training and conditioning may help dogs, especially canine athletes avoid knee injuries. Here's how to do it at home.

Fun facts about a lesser known terrier breed, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Terriers are feisty and spirited. Sporting dogs are active and happy-go-lucky. Hound dogs have great instincts and their noses won't lead them wrong. Non-Sporting dogs are a unique bunch with a wide range of personalities. Working dogs are hardworking and reliable. Herding dogs love to please. And Toy dogs have famously big personalities in small packages. Find out which pack you run with.  

When Leah Graham, 9 years old, commented on the AKC's TikTok asking them to find her showing her Chihuahua in a bright lime green outfit during the 2021 AKC National Championship, she never imagined it would actually happen. Or that the video of her showing would be seen by more than 250,000 people on the […]

Many AKC-recognized dog breeds were originally bred as hunting dogs. Many of these dogs are retrievers, pointers, or spaniels. These dogs have the skills, instinct, and energy to be our companions in the field, and they have been doing so for hundreds of years. Now, when hunting opportunities are limited, many of these breeds compete in […]

Wondering why your dog jumps on furniture? Learn the common reasons behind this behavior and training tips to curb couch and counter surfing.

Bloodhounds were brought out to aid in the hunt for the two convicted killers who broke out of Dannemora state prison. For at least a century and a half, the breed has played a major role in law enforcement. Name a high-profile fugitive, and there’s likely to have been a Bloodhound on his trail. Perhaps […]

While Lassie made the Collie breed famous, Collies have been treasured for over a century for their legendary herding and guarding talents. Working in the Scottish Highlands and Northern England, this herding breed is fast, strong, and smart. Queen Victoria made the breed fashionable, and the unique traits of the Collie have made him a […]

ESPN is going straight to the dogs in the best way possible. On August 26, the American Kennel Club is proud to participate in ESPN Dog Day for the second time, with dog sports broadcast live on ESPN2 and the ESPN app. What better way to spend a hot August day than by watching dogs […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and Royal Canin are pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2016 National Championship to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2016. The 2016 event will showcase the top national and international dogs and will also […]

German Wirehaired Pointers are loving and enthusiastic gundogs that make versatile hunting partners or eager companions for dog sports. Here are some German Wirehaired Pointer fun facts to help you get to know them better. GWPs Are Members of the Sporting Group Like their fellow breeds in the Sporting Group, they’re likable, energetic, and alert. […]

Though she's 10 years old, "DD" the All American Dog shows no signs of slowing down. She's competing in the 2024 AKC Diving Dogs Challenge in Arizona.

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

There are several required steps to becoming an AKC Tracking Judge. Please review all the material and links below. Once you have read the information, if you have additional questions please email tracking@akc.org To qualify as an applicant to judge TD/TDU or TDX Tests — you must have: TD/TDU - Personally owned, trained, and handled two (2) […]

If you would like to join the fun of retriever hunt tests, this introduction will help you get started. What does your dog have to do? Retriever hunt tests are offered at three test levels. Junior, Senior and Master. Beginner handlers and dogs should start at the junior test level. Any dog that is an […]