Each of the AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. Current as of June 1, 2023 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Herding Group"] HERDING GROUP The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. […]

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

Daily Life Smaller dogs don’t necessarily need to work off loads of energy, so they are quite suitable for apartment life. But not all small dogs live to be lap warmers! Certain breeds like Dachshunds or small terriers would also love country life and the opportunity to run around on a farm. If your family […]

  Purebred dogs are purpose-bred dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. The characteristics that make each of these dogs unique also help them perform the function for which they were bred. The physical appearance of the dogs illustrates this, and is also an important part of the breed’s history. For example, the thick […]

Beagles Have Their Year!    Curious and Comedic Breed Overtakes Yorkies to Place Third on Most-Popular List; Lovable Labs Hold Top Spot for 21 Years While Rottweiler Moves Into the Top 10   Look out Lab, the American Kennel Club® (AKC) has announced that the Beagle has overtaken the beloved Yorkshire Terrier to become the third […]

- AKC and CFA Uncover What Your Neighborhood Really Says About You - From the affluent ladies who lunch on the Upper East Side to the authentic Italian culture of Little Italy, the various neighborhoods of New York City have very distinct characteristics. Inspired by New York City’s October 16 & 17 Meet the Breeds […]

-- AKC Celebrates 125th Anniversary with a Look Back at First AKC Registered Breeds in History -- For the 18th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, according to 2008 registration statistics released today by the American Kennel Club® (AKC) But, while more than twice as many Labs were […]

  In honor of start of Movember, we're putting wags and whiskers centerstage. Here are six stately dog breeds that boast some seriously awesome beards.   Airedale Terrier: Look at at those muttonchops! No wonder he's called the "King of Terriers."    Miniature Schnauzer: Who can resist the bushy beard (and, seriously, the EYEBROWS) on […]

Bulldog Makes the List for First Time in Nearly 75 Years; Labrador Retriever Continues to Fetch Top Spot AKC Appears on NBC Today Show to Announce 2007 Registration Statistics - New York, NY – Today the American Kennel Club® announced that the Bulldog, a popular sports team mascot and one of the most recognizable and iconic […]

  The American Kennel Club® is pleased to welcome the seven students participating in the 2007 AKC® Internship Program. The program is geared towards college students with a background and interest in purebred dogs and is designed to further their professional development, as well as help AKC identify potential employees with experience in both AKC […]

-- Tiny Terrier Poised to Overtake the Great Golden Retriever as Second Most Popular Dog in U.S.-- New York, NY — For the 15th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, according to AKC® registration figures released today. The Golden Retriever held onto the number two spot and the […]

  Small dogs—those weighing less than 20 pounds—have held a steady place in the hearts of Americans over the past four years according to American Kennel Club registration statistics. Since 2000, four of the top ten most popular breeds have been small dogs, indicating that while Americans may be gravitating towards bigger cars and appetites […]

Teachers and parents of exceptional learners are always looking for new activities for their students. One of the best way to engage any learner is by pairing learning with something the student finds interesting. What do kids love more than dogs? AKC Public Education offers many lessons and activities that are ideal for exceptional learners. […]