They are two of the most well-known and beloved breeds – the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. In fact, the active Labrador is the most popular breed based on AKC registration statistics, an honor they've held since 1991. And devoted Goldens aren't far behind, ranking number four in 2020. You might be familiar with […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Pointing Breed Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized and FSS Breeds Blue Picardy Spaniel Bracco Italiano Braque du Bourbonnais Braque Francais Pyrenean Braque Saint-Germain Brittanys Drentsche Patrijshond English Setters French Spaniel German Longhaired Pointer German Shorthaired Pointers German Wirehaired Pointers […]

Below Are Links To The AKC Rules And Regulations That Are Available. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Board Policy Manual"] AKC Board Policy Manual [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Clubs"] Charter and Bylaws of the AKC (PDF) Const and Bylaws: All-Breed; Specialty (PDF) Const and Bylaws: Performance Clubs (PDF) Formation of Dog Clubs (PDF) Working it Out -- AKC® Guidelines for Resolving Dog Club Issues […]

The outdoor temperature where you live affects your dog's comfort level. If you live in a warm or tropical climate, what are the best breeds for hot...

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2024 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, 2024. The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

The American Kennel Club met for the first time on September 17th 1884 in Philadelphia. 140 years later, we've become the trusted experts on all things dog.

Children and teenagers are the future of the sport of dogs and responsible dog ownership. The more they learn, the more they will grow in dog sports and as a person. The values, attitudes, and responsibility learned while competing as Juniors serve children throughout their entire lives. Junior Showmanship Junior Showmanship offers children between the […]

The Basenji is arguably more unique than most breeds, from its yodel-like vocalizations to its lack of a distinctive doggie odor.

Most AKC forms and applications can be downloaded from this page. For best results, select a form and save it to your computer, then print a copy. MOST FREQUENTLY DOWNLOADED FORMS Additional Signature Form - Used when there are more than two signatures required AKC Canine Partners Listing Application AKC Code of Sportsmanship AKC Official […]

A second and enacting vote is likely to be held Monday, September 23, 2024, on a proposed Fairfield County ordinance that seeks to establish problematic requirements and numerous new fees for dog and cat owners, exhibitors, breeders, and sportsmen. What you can do:  Concerned dog owners are urged to immediately contact county council members to […]

Six Various Clarifications (Oct 2024) Talking to Dog in Junior (Jul 2023) English Springer Spaniels Eligible (Nov 2022) Clarifications -Amateurs / Blind Retrieves (Oct 2022) Wirehaired Vizsla Eligible / Two Hunt Tests Per Yr. for Parent Clubs (May 2022) Clubs Allowed to Use Waiting Lists (Aug 2021) Reduction of Mileage Conflict / Entry Set Aside For Amateurs (Nov 2020)   Hunting […]

Much of the Clumber’s early history is lost in a tangled web of folklore and conflicting information. Here's what we know about this amiable breed.

Six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – AB-2042 is an amended version of AB 742 from 2023 and would have directed the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), on or before January July 1, 2026, […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="All-Breed Clubs Committee"] AKC Government Relations Update for Delegate All-Breed Clubs Committee June 2021 [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Bylaws Committee"] [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Canine Health Committee"] Four Factors Portend the Future of the Conformation Sport Health Promotion and Infection Control Recommendations Applying to Dog Shows [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Companion Events Committee"] […]

The Finnish Lapphund was recognized by the AKC in 2011, but they're an ancient breed. Learn more about Finnish Lapphund history!

Thanks to the quick action of animal owners in Fairfield County, South Carolina, the county council unanimously decided to send a radical animal ordinance back to committee. The same ordinance or a revised version could be considered at a future date. NEXT STEPS:  Resident animal owners are urged to continue working with their county council […]

Dogs need certain proteins and minerals to support their growth and overall health. Lead is not on this list. Learn more about lead poisoning in dogs.

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 […]

It took 400 years of evolution to produce the loyal Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, or GBGV. Here are 10 fun facts about this outgoing breed.

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

December 12-13, 2024 Hotel Information Ground Transportation September 9-10, 2024 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Delegate Election Packet To be voted as one amendment: Chapter 9, Section 11 and Chapter 11, Section 12 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows Vote on the proposed amendment to Chapter 9, Section 11 and Chapter 11, Section 12 […]

The Longview Animal Shelter Advisory Committee has approved an ordinance mandating spaying/neutering, creating intact animal permits, and establishing an animal breeder license. The Longview City Council will consider this ordinance package in the coming weeks. Local news reports indicate the ordinance is intended to address shelter overpopulation issues. How to Help The City Council needs […]

Click below to see downloadable resources for each sport: Agility CAT Conformation Earthdog Fast CAT Basset Hound Field Trials Beagle Field Trials Dachshunds Field Trials Pointing Breed Field Trials Retriever Field Trials Spaniel Field Trials Herding & Farm Dog Pointing Breed Hunt Tests Retriever Hunt Tests Spaniel Hunt Tests Lure Coursing Obedience Rally Scent Work […]

Event Materials   All the forms and resources your club needs to host an AKC Retriever Hunt Test: After the Event Results must be submitted to AKC Performance Events within 7 days after the event and can be emailed to: performanceresults@akc.org Retriever Hunt Test Forms Other Forms and Publications Retriever HT Event Application Junior Handler Certification […]

The "Little Lion Dog" has a rich history. Learn more about where the royal Pekingese — once owned exclusively by the Chinese imperial family — came from.

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 […]

For centuries, people have turned to their dogs for comfort. How does our stress affect our dogs? Recent research has some answers.

The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through September 30, 2024.  These and other victories have been won in cooperation with AKC federations, clubs, and responsible dog owners and breeders around the country who continue to work tirelessly to promote positive canine legislation in their state and community. […]

The Curly-Coated Retriever (Curly) is a large-sized, sturdy, and elegant member of the Sporting Group. Learn more about the breed with these Curly-Coated Retriever fun facts. Curly-Coated Retrievers Are an Old Retriever Breed The Curly may look like a Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle, but he is a breed in his own right. In […]

What is the meaning of dogs' barks? What are they trying to communicate with us. Understanding different kind of barks can help us speak their language.