Each AKC-recognized breed is assigned to one of seven groups. We're taking a closer look at the Working Group to see what these 32 breeds were bred to do.

Consider bringing an arguably perfect companion into your home: the Beagle is an energetic, easygoing, loyal dog that's a great choice for families.

Finding the perfect dog can sometimes be difficult. With so many options, how do you know which is right for you? The American Foxhound is described as an independent, easy-going, and sweet-tempered dog. George Washington owned many of this dog breed, and was a key player in the breed's development to what it is today.  […]

Finding a dog for your family is a hard decision. Why not consider the Labrador Retriever, one of the most popular breeds in the US?

English Springer Spaniels are energetic, friendly dogs that are game for hours of playtime. Here are some interesting facts about this exuberant breed.

With their fluffy white coats and classic “Sammy smile,” it’s easy to see how one could miss the Samoyed's true nature. Learn more about the breed's history.

Tails probably come in as many varieties as dogs do. While these 10 breeds are great in many ways, their curly tails certainly help with the cute factor.

The original Norwegian Elkhound history involves a cross-country journey to full recognition from the American Kennel Club.

Bringing Dog Lovers Together Since 1884 For 140 years, the American Kennel Club has been the country’s leading authority on all things dogs, acting as the premier resource for dog lovers, from the fancier to the everyday owner. Along with our affiliated organizations, we encourage dogs as family companions; advance canine health and well-being; advocate […]

When a new breed is accepted in the American Kennel Club a special type of registration known as Open Registration, is available for a limited time. The American Kennel Club in conjunction with the Parent Club (also known as a national breed club) sets this time frame for the breed. Eligibility for Open Registration In […]

Giving all purebred dogs a chance to compete The AKC, PAL and You Many people have discovered the fun of teaming up with their dogs and competing in AKC Events. But, not all of those wonderful canine athletes that you see at these events are registered with the AKC. Some might be enrolled in the […]

We have big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) AGCH MACH5 Zoey Woofta Crow MXB2 PAD MJB2 PJD MFB TQX MFPS T2B3 T2BP FCAT2 TKN owned by Anjie Crow […]

March 10-11, 2025 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Vote on the proposed amendment to Chapter 11, Section 8-A of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows To be voted on as one amendment: Chapter 11 , Section 8 and Chapter 6, Section 2 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows Vote on the proposed amendment to […]

In this section you will find information related to each AKC Delegate Meeting. March 10-11, 2025 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Vote on the proposed amendment to Chapter 11, Section 8-A of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows To be voted on as one amendment: Chapter 11 , Section 8 and Chapter 6, Section 2 […]

Forty-seven legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:  Arizona – Senate Bill 1457 would establish a new Office of Domestic Companion Animal Health within the Office of the State Veterinarian.  It would, in part require “all backyard breeders and hobby breeders […]

No matter what your interest in dogs, the chances are good that there’s a dog club near you where you can meet people who share your interests. AKC recognizes fifteen (15) different types of clubs: Parent Specialty, All-Breed, Specialty (single breed), Group (limited breed), Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Rally, Field Trial, Hunting Test, Herding, Coonhound, Lure […]

[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 […]

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 […]

If you have a small terrier or a Dachshund, you’ve undoubtedly already discovered their penchant to dig, stick their face underground, and emerge with something in his mouth, be it a mouse, a squirrel or some other creature. After you stop screaming in fright, your first instinct might be to reprimand him for catching that […]

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. […]

Judges' Eligibility Requirements AKC Online Judges Test Judges’ Directory Apprentice Form Affirmation Form AKC Seminar Schedule Advanced Seminar Grant Info Judges Liability Coverage Judges Accidental Coverage Dog Disqualified by a Judge Form Sample Scoresheet Junior Handler Certification Hunt Test Judges Report Disqualification by Event Committee Junior Handler Certification Letter Procedural Checklist Judge's Questionaire

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 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, […]

On February 27, the Abilene City Council is holding its second hearing on an animal ordinance that would significantly impact pet owners in the city. The ordinance includes two key problematic provisions: Mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats over six months old. An exemption only for those who obtain a commercial breeder permit – even […]

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Land Development Regulation Commission of Marion County, Florida, will hold  a public hearing on “Limitations on Ownership and Possession of Dogs and Cats for unincorporated areas of the county”.  The proposal includes updated, restrictive definitions impacting dog ownership in the county, including commercial breeder (new), high volume breeder (new), […]

The Abilene City Council decided to pull the proposed mandatory spay and neuter ordinance from its February 27 agenda following significant community feedback. An amended version of the ordinance is expected to be discussed at the March 13, 2025, council meeting at the same location: March 13, 2025 8:30 AM 2nd Floor Council Chambers 555 […]

Yesterday, the Colorado House of Representatives passed a bill regulating the sale and transfer of dogs on public property.  The bill contains amendments requested by the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs (CFDC) to ensure no unintended consequences for those competing in events. The bill as amended now goes to the Senate for further consideration. Summary: […]

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 […]

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 […]

Canine Good Citizen®, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® and/or AKC Community Canine℠ An AKC club near you can provide you and your dog with training classes and testing for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC and AKC Community Canine. You will be able to earn official AKC titles in Canine Good Citizen (the "CGC" title) and AKC Community Canine […]