Many dog breeds were first developed to hunt vermin. Learn more about the sport of Barn Hunt and how it could be perfect for you dog.

It might have been the puppies' dark, deep-set eyes peering up at Alan and Jane Stevenson. Or maybe the dogs' fluffy white coats, pressed against the pet s

Golden Retriever "Syd" is the 2025 winner of the AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine excellence in the Exemplary Companion category.

Why do dogs bury bones? You can thank your pet's ancestors, including wild dogs and the gray wolf, and their feast or famine diet.

German Shorthaired Pointers are all-round hunting dogs that also make for friendly companions. Learn all about this & more German Shorthaired Pointer facts.

Discover the fascinating history of the Basset Hound, from its origins in France to its rise as a beloved companion.

The English Setter, a member of the Sporting Group, has a long history as a gun dog. Learn more about this beautiful breed and its history.

Cathy Kennedy wouldn't trade "Gabby," a 6-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound (TWC), for anything. But she has gotten offers while out shopping or...

Kathleen Walker and "Spike," a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, will compete in the 2025 AKC Obedience Classic in Florida.

Meet 'Haldis,' a Norwegian Lundehund handled by Kristina Maze, who's competing at the 2025 AKC National Championship in Orlando, FL.

The Cocker Spaniel is one of the AKC's most popular breeds. But did you know there is another Cocker Spaniel breed? That's right, the Sporting Group also contains the English Cocker Spaniel. To add to the confusion, in the rest of the world, the English Cocker Spaniel (ECS) is known simply as the Cocker Spaniel, […]

The highest prize in the world of conformation dog shows is Best in Show at the AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin. Out of the 5,500 dogs that competed in the competition's 25th year, only one was crowed Best in Show. After an intense weekend of breed, group, and Best in Show competition on […]

The champion of the 2024 AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, has been crowned! The nation's biggest dog show, with over 5,600...

Meet the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, AKC's Three Newly Recognized Dog Breeds in 2026.

Recently AKC-recognized, this hound dog has roots in France, and is a great hunter and family companion. Learn more about the Basset Fauve de Bretagne!

Along with its short legs, sweet expression, and cheerful disposition, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a bold, rugged, and old hunting hound with ties...

Fun facts about a lesser known terrier breed, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka History: From Russia with Love to Sweet Lapdog

If you're looking for a medium-sized hunting hound who's sociable, courageous, and intelligent, consider the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

If you're looking for a small, compact dog who's intelligent and playful, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier might be the right breed for you.

The AKC Detection Dog Task Force has launched its AKC Patriotic Puppy Program – an opportunity for breeders and owners to work closely with experts on raising candidates for explosives detection work. The United States has a serious shortage of qualified dogs to perform the much-needed role of explosives detection dogs. As the number of […]

We have some 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 Masters Agility Championship (MACH) MACH Racing On Arrows Edge MXB MJB MXF T2B2 owned by Nicole Shaffer of Colorado Springs, CO  In 2018, […]

Limited Registration means that the dog is registered but no litters produced by that dog are eligible for registration. Chapter 3, Section 4A of the AKC's Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline states the following: "may be requested for a dog when application for individual registration of the dog is submitted, provided the application, together […]

As of February 9, 2007, the AKC Board of Directors approved the eligibility of Foundation Stock breeds that meet certain criteria to compete in AKC Performance Events; this will be effective January 1, 2008. Eligible breeds can compete in select Performance events. To become eligible the breeds must have the following: 1.  dogs with three […]

When a Foundation Stock Breed is accepted in the FSS program the clubs may designate a domestic registry or club registry for recording. Eligibility for FSS Recording The dog must be of a breed eligible for FSS Recording. The dog must be born in the United States The dog must first be registered with a […]

The Spotlight shines on one of – if not the – rarest breed competing in League over the Fall Season. Allie is a Stabyhoun – a Dutch breed that is an all-around farm dog, doing any task needed, including hunting birds and small game. They also can run agility – as proven by Allie who […]

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

***DO NOT MISS IT!    2026 Scholarship Application is HERE!. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS March 6, 2026 ! *** 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 2026-2027 academic […]

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 […]

The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through December 31, 2025.  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. […]