When it comes to the dog sports of AKC Rally® and Obedience, both are thrilling sights to behold. Obedience is like a silent, choreographed routine in which the dogs show a willingness and enjoyment to be working with their handlers, who use very few verbal commands, creating a rather awe-inspiring presentation. Though many dogs have […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  12/5/24, last updated 12/6/24) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

QUESTION: I own an American Staffordshire Terrier and live in the Midwest where it can get extremely cold. I generally put him in a sweater or jacket for walks on cold days. Recently, a passerby asked why my large and strong dog was wearing a sweater. Of course, I did not listen to this virtual […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2019 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2019. The 2019 event will showcase the top national and international canine athletes […]

In a typical day, Ryan Arens sees one dozen dogs along his Bozeman, Montana route. There are office dogs in the morning, and ranch dogs in the afternoon — sometimes as many as five or six dogs on one property. After 14 years with UPS and six years on this route, he knows them all […]

AKC registration continues to expand for the sixth year in a row. The most popular dog breeds of 2018 were released on March 20, 2019, according to AKC registration statistics. Registration is not only beneficial for your dog, but for dogs everywhere. The American Kennel Club and its affiliates have donated over $38 million to canine […]

  Breed Rank Retrievers (Labrador) 1 German Shepherd Dogs 2 Retrievers (Golden) 3 French Bulldogs 4 Bulldogs 5 Beagles 6 Poodles 7 Rottweilers 8 Pointers (German Shorthaired) 9 Yorkshire Terriers 10 Boxers 11 Dachshunds 12 Pembroke Welsh Corgis 13 Siberian Huskies 14 Australian Shepherds 15 Great Danes 16 Doberman Pinschers 17 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels […]

Breed 2018 Rank 2017 Rank 2016 Rank 2015 Rank 2014 Rank Labrador Retrievers 1 1 1 1 1 German Shepherd Dogs 2 2 2 2 2 Golden Retrievers 3 3 3 3 3 French Bulldogs 4 4 6 6 9 Bulldogs 5 5 4 4 4 Beagles 6 6 5 5 5 Poodles 7 7 […]

Learning Objectives Students will learn about the impacts of group behavior on animals, specifically dogs.    Grade Levels 9-12   Next Generation Science Standards HS-LS2-8: Evaluate evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce.   Materials Needed Computer with Internet Access Microsoft Power Point AKC Article- Meet […]

He’s almost 1½ years old but you should see his social calendar already. And managing it resembles a command central operation. Dubs is a 75-pound Alaskan Malamute who just happens to be the University of Washington’s mascot and a conformation show dog in the Pacific Northwest. The university explains why it chose an Alaskan Malamute […]

When Caroline Myers moved from New York City to Nashville a few years ago, meeting new people was a priority. "As a military spouse, moving to a new location is always a challenge," the 26-year-old social worker explains. Little did she know that Riley Tucker Myers, her Labrador Retriever, would play a major role in […]

Game of Thrones may be over, but dogs and dog lovers around the world are still feeling the show's repercussions. For eight years, more than 30 million viewers watched dire wolves protect the Stark family. For many viewers, Ghost, Summer, Nymeria and pack's intelligence, fierce loyalty, and imposing stature were more than entertaining: it inspired them […]

The AKC currently registers 201 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  (last updated 11/20/24) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  […]

Many dog owners have an active lifestyle, and many people are looking for breeds that are well-suited for adventure. When it comes to hiking with your dog, physical characteristics are as important as personality. There are many dog breeds that have been bred for long hours of work outdoors during any and all weather conditions, […]

College football season is once again upon us, and that means it's time to get your jerseys out and start planning your tailgate parties. College football is already great, but one thing that makes it even better? Live dog mascots on the sidelines. Even if you're not a football fan, you'll be sure to find […]

If modern dogs were required to have resumés, most would list their job description as “companion." But from the badger-battling Dachshund to the sled-pulling Alaskan Malamute, dogs' bodies – not to mention their brains – still reflect the original purposes for which they were bred. Indeed, dog breeds display a tremendous variety of not just […]

Digging is such a source of joy for so many dogs. Has your dog filled your yard with holes? Does your garden look like gophers had a wild party? Digging is a common problem behavior in dogs, and many dog owners suffer the consequences at some point. It can be challenging to prevent, and dangerous […]

Hoping to meet a specific dog breed (or cat breed), or do you just want to meet all 150+ breeds? Find your favorites on our list of breeds so you won't miss a single wag, whisker, or woof! They'll all be there to meet you at the January 25-26, 2020 AKC Meet the Breeds event. […]

Hoping to meet a specific dog breed when you visit AKC Meet the Breeds during AKC National Championship in Orlando? Or maybe you just want to meet them all! Don't miss a single wag or woof with this list of breeds that will be in attendance at the 2019 show. Get your tickets now. Dog Breeds […]