On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Committee) is scheduled to accept public testimony on LD 1771, “An Act to Strengthen Oversight of Kennels by Changing the Licensing Authority from Municipalities to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry”. The bill would require a hobby kennel owner to: […]

There are 37 days remaining in the 89th Texas Legislative Session, and several dog bills are under consideration. Below are status updates for bills the AKC continues to track this session: House Bill 2806- Dangerous Dogs Status: Hearing on Monday, April 28 at 8:00am in the House Public Health Committee. The hearing will be held […]

Tomorrow, Tuesday April 8, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners of Marion County, Florida, will consider adopting animal-related changes to the County’s Land Development Code.  Should these amendments be adopted, they will impact those who reside in unincorporated areas of the county.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (FAKC) […]

Alabama House Bill 149 seeks to require certain methods be used for tethering or providing outdoor confinement for a dog, with exceptions for dog sports and other legal activities.  HB149 will be heard by the Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee tomorrow, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 3PM.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is urging […]

A West Virginia House subcommittee has advanced two pieces of legislation regarding the care of dogs.  The first would provide increased protections for the welfare of domestic animals in the care of animal shelters and private individuals.  The second would specify minimum levels of care to be provided by commercial dog breeders and consumer protection […]

Purebred dogs are symbols of the people and places that brought them into being. Every year, they're celebrated on National Purebred Dog Day.

Here are fun facts you may not know about the Black and Tan Coonhound including their breed history, notable and famous owners, and more.

Loyal, courageous, and always up for a good game, Boxers never shy away from showing off their silly side. Learn more about Boxer history.

Hiking is an ideal outdoor activity enjoyed by all types of people and dogs, but some breeds are better suited to hiking and life on the trail than others.

The Dogo Argentino's history goes back to mid-1920s when a teenager had a vision of the ultimate big-game hunting dog. Learn more about the breed's origins.

English Springer Spaniels were originally bred to flush game from the brush. Today they are tireless in the field but happy to relax after a long day out.

The Afghan Hound was a hunting dog that originated in Afghanistan. Now, they're still prey-driven, independent, but loving and sweet dogs. Learn more about the breed with these Afghan Hound fun facts.

Whippets are playful, affectionate dogs suited for a variety of households. These medium-sized dogs don't require much exercise and seldom bark.

There are so many reasons to fall in love with a Boxer. Consider that powerful body, expressive face, clownish sense of humor, innate intelligence, and intense attachment to their owners. If you haven’t fallen in love yet, some of these interesting Boxer facts may do the trick. Even seasoned Boxer owners may learn a few […]

Beagles are not only great family dogs, but excellent hunters as well. Beagles have also had some mighty interesting jobs. How well do you know the Beagle?

These Dachshund facts tell the story of a fascinating and hard-working dog breed. Learn all about this German dog with a hunting past.

Standard Poodles are among the most instantly recognizable of all dog breeds. Known largely for their stylish looks, the athletic, eager, and intelligent Standard Poodle has so many more talents besides simply looking pretty. Learn more about this iconic Non-Sporting Group breed with these Standard Poodle fun facts. Standard Poodles Originated in Germany Although it […]

Golden Retrievers are called "America's sweethearts" by some, and have been among the most popular breeds for decades. Learn more about Goldens Retrievers.

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!

Labrador Retrievers are wildly popular, as the boisterous breed is equally at home on the job or the couch. Learn more about these athletic, happy dogs.

This formidable, protective, and loyal dog is the perfect companion for the right owner. Learn more about the Cane Corso with our fun facts.

Thirty-seven state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Alabama – HB 249 would specifically prohibit animal abandonment in Alabama.  The bill is currently at second reading in the Alabama House of Representatives.  Click here for more information.  Arizona – Senate […]

Forty-six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Alabama – HB 249 would specifically prohibit animal abandonment in Alabama.  The bill is currently at second reading in the Alabama House of Representatives.  Click here for more information. Arizona – Senate […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="All-Breed Clubs Committee"] Report of the Delegate All-Breed Clubs Committee Best Practices Subcommittee March 2015 AKC Government Relations Update for Delegate All-Breed Clubs Committee June 2021 Delegate Subcommittee Report for Show Cancellations September 2024 Be Prepared and Plan Ahead for Your Pets December 2024 All-Breed Clubs Committee Recommended Best Practices: Club Finances March […]

Athleticism. Stamina. Courage. An instinct to go, go, go. These qualities are the essence of the Pointing breed, and why they’re naturally superior hunters. As a dog owner, it’s important to consistently find new ways to stimulate your dog’s natural’s instincts. If you have a Pointing breed, training for and participating in a Pointing Field Trial […]

AKC National Agility Championship Champion Teams 2025 - Tulsa, OK AKC National Agility Champions 08" - NAC MACH5 Aerilee's Songbird MXB2 PDS MJS2 PJD DCAT, a Papillon known as Lark, handled by Betsey Lynch of Delaware, OH 12" - MACH3 Trinity Run Like You Stole It MXC PAD MJC PJD OF CGC TKN, a Shetland […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Retriever Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized and FSS Breeds Airedale Terriers American Water Spaniels Barbet Boykin Spaniels Chesapeake Retrievers Curly-Coated Retrievers Drentsche Patrijshond (Drent) English Springer Spaniels Flat-Coated Retrievers German Shorthaired Pointer German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Retrievers Irish Water […]

  The Performance Events Department is pleased to announce the creation of a $10,000 scholarship fund for students that are active in AKC Performance Events who will be attending an institution of higher education during the 2025-2026 academic year. Definition of Performance Events: Field trials, hunting tests, lure coursing, earthdog, coonhound events, herding, scent work, […]

We love all dogs, but it's a fact that specific breeds are naturally better at performing certain functions than others. Some purpose-bred dogs have innate skills as hunting companions; others assist in the herding of livestock; and others serve as guardians of people and property. When you and your dog participate in a performance sport, […]

The AKC Raccoon Hound Events Program consists of Nite Hunts, Hunt Tests, Field Trials, Water Races and Bench Shows.  Nite Hunts are the most popular of the events and are one of the only competitive sports where dogs hunt in natural areas where native game must be trailed and tracked and has not been planted. […]