This year, the German Shepherd Dog took Miami’s top spot in the 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The German Shepherd Dog was also recognized as the #1 pup in Detroit and Albany (NY). The German Shepherd Dog took the top spot back from the French Bulldog this year, […]

The Labrador Retriever does it again! In a press conference today at its new pet care space, AKC Canine Retreat, the American Kennel Club (AKC®), the nation’s largest purebred dog registry, is announcing that the intelligent, family friendly Lab firmly holds on to the number one spot on the most popular list for a record-breaking […]

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Chicago’s top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the #1 pup in Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Boston, among others. The Labrador Retriever held strongly to the #1 spot in Chicago, […]

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Washington, D.C.’s top spot in the 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Lab was also recognized as the #1 pup in Dallas, Chicago, and Portland. Shakeups were evident in Washington, D.C.’s top 10 most popular breeds. The Golden Retriever jumped from 9th […]

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

Accepted in 1908, the German Shepherd Dog overtook the Boston Terrier in 1925 and became the number-one dog of the 1920s. The breed then disappeared from the top ten until after World War II, when it reemerged as the number-six dog of the 1950s and has remained among the most popular breeds to the present […]

Here at the AKC we have an amazing art collection that we would like all of you to see. We couldn't think of a better way to show it than with our favorite art loving French Bulldog, Miss Pickle, from @PickleBeholding. This is Pickle, a five-year-old local of Brooklyn, New York. She loves art and sharing […]

The 1930s marked a pivotal turning point for the United States, as the Great Depression reshaped American life. Here is a look back at the top ten dog breeds that captured the heart of a resilient nation.

For purposes of imposing a consistent format at dog shows, the AKC family of breeds is divided into seven groups. The hounds, terriers, and toy dogs each have their own group. The herding dogs that move livestock are grouped together, and so are the big working dogs that pull, protect, patrol, and do other heavy work. Likewise, sporting dogs, […]

Each year, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the men and women who dedicate their lives to improving the health, temperament, and quality of purebred dogs. These breeders are the heart of our organizations and they deserve to be recognized for their incredible work. One breeder is chosen from each of the seven groups […]

Happy Father's Day! To celebrate all things paternal, we are featuring eight great sires in AKC history. These studly champions did some of their best work outside of the show ring. Standard Poodle: Ch. Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace of Blakeen Ch. Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace of Blakeen, the 1935 Westminster Best in Show […]

Ask AKC  All dog owners need expert advice from time to time to meet the challenges of caring for their canines. The American Kennel Club aims to provide you and your purebred dog with the help you asked for. Dear AKC: I have a new Bulldog I rescued from a shelter about two months ago. […]

There was a time not long ago that nearly every advertisement featuring a child with a dog seemed to include a Lab or a Golden Retriever, consistently among the most popular dog breeds in America. Today, there’s a bit more variety in the breeds being photographed with children for commercial advertising. Perhaps the public perception […]

Generally speaking, smaller dog breeds can make good companion dogs for apartments or condominiums. They adapt well in confined spaces, and they don't need a tremendous amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. But there are many dog breeds that make good choices for apartments, some of which you may not expect! Bulldog […]

Which breeds make the best family dogs? What are the best dog breeds for kids? We've compiled some of the best dog breeds for families and kids.

Isn’t it always best to get a dog from its country of origin? I mean, you can’t get more authentic than a German Shepherd Dog from Germany, or an Italian Greyhound from Italy, or a Chinese Shar-Pei from China – right? Well, not so fast. That answer is highly breed dependent. And in the case […]

The Boston Terrier, dressed to the nines in a striking tuxedo coat of snow-white and either black, brindle, or seal (which appears black except it has a red cast when viewed in the sun or bright light), turns heads wherever it goes. This intelligent, compact, and jaunty companion has some terrier roots but isn't a […]

ASK AKC  Dear AKC: Our family is searching for the right breed of dog for our family. We have two sons at home, 12 and 13 years old, and are looking for a small family pet of 35 lb. or less in weight fully grown. Any advice you can give would be appreciated. -- Looking […]

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Seattle’s top spot in the 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Lab was also recognized as the #1 pup in Raleigh, Washington, D.C., and Dallas. The big movers and shaker in Seattle for 2016 was the Havanese, jumping from 12th to 5th, […]

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to recognize its affiliated dog clubs which have been holding AKC events for over 100 years and are an essential part of the sport of dogs. Airedale Terrier Club of America Japanese Chin Club of America Airedale Terrier Club of New England Kennel Club of Buffalo American Chesapeake […]

If you have ever seen the fast sport of Flyball, you probably spotted many Border Collies and Australian Shepherds streaking down the lanes. But all dogs can play in this team relay race. Just ask Olive, a French Bulldog mix, who recently earned the prestigious ONYX award from the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) for […]

- German Shorthaired Pointer Continues its Ascent Up the List - The Labrador Retriever once again breaks records! The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced at a press conference today at the AKC Museum of the Dog that the loveable Lab remains the number one most popular breed in the United States. Additionally, AKC registration continues […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2017 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “The breeders honored with this award are truly committed to excellence, consistency, breed standard and type,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO.  “They […]

After each AKC Board and Delegate meeting, we’ll update you with the new Rules, Regulations and Policies adopted by the American Kennel Club. To view the updates from the April Board Meeting, see below. NOHS Changes (effective for events held on or after October 9, 2014): The AKC National Owner-Handled Series will be a required […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Junior Versatility Scholarships. The program honors Juniors who actively compete across a range of sports. Participants earn […]

  -- Labrador Retriever Remains America’s Most Popular Dog as  German Shepherd Makes A Move For The Top Spot -- -- Breeds That Help Keep Us Safe Dominate the Top 5 -- Photos and Coverage For the 19th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, but could this be […]

Sunday’s Judging Panels View Sunday’s judging panels for the all-breed show and specialty judging by breed. All-Breed Panel Specialty PanelsAustralian ShepherdFrench BulldogGolden RetrieverPomeranianRottweiler

Friday’s Judging Panels View Friday’s judging panels for the all-breed show and specialty judging by breed. All-Breed Panel Specialty PanelsAmerican Cocker SpanielStaffordshire TerrierBeagleBulldogSiberian Husky

-- Defending Our Rights -- New York, NY – For years, animal rights extremists have focused on attacking the health of purebred dogs based on what they determined were improper breeding programs, and have indiscriminately discredited dog breeders with unsupported anecdotal stories as opposed to facts. We all know the unsubstantiated accusations all too well. Unfortunately, […]