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.

When it comes to choosing the right dog breed for you and your family, there are a lot of different things to consider. Temperament, exercise needs, size, and maintenance are all important aspects of your decision. Some people prefer a lower-maintenance breed, which often means that the dogs require little grooming. Of course, regular baths […]

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 […]

Elizabeth Jennings and her 14-month-old Bracco Italiano prove the breed is capable of being a part of the Pennsylvania Wilderness Search and Rescue Unit.

Some breeds at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® seem destined for stardom — and prove it by winning Best in Show repeatedly. Since the very first Westminster Best in Show in 1907, many of the winners have all come from the same breed groups, if not the same breed. […]

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 […]

Pointing Breed Hunt Tests - Judges’ Eligibility Current Requirements For all Judges Information please review Chapter 1 of the Regulations for AKC Hunting Tests for Pointing Breeds Prior to Apprenticeship Minimum Age: 18 yrs. Handling Experience: 1 qualifying leg at level to be judged or higher (club’s responsibility to monitor) Prior to Judging Apprenticeship: Twice […]

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 […]

DQ by Judges (Jan 2026) Score All Abilities / Master Dog / Awarding Ribbons (Jan 2026) Amateur Handler Limit / Handler and Judge Relation (May 2025) MNRC Entry Size and Resources (Jan 2025) 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 […]

Click below to see titles and abbreviations for: Prefix Titles Suffix Titles Parent Club Titles Working Dog Titles Other Recognized Titles Other Title Lists: Titles Sorted by Sport Titles Sorted in Alphabetic Order   Prefix Titles Title Title Name AFC An Amateur Field Trial Champion title can be earned in either Beagle Field Trials, Pointing […]

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 […]

In compliance with PCI regulations, the American Kennel Club (AKC) no longer accepts credit card information on paper forms. Please submit payment by check, money order, or complete your transaction securely online. Most AKC forms and applications can be downloaded from this page. For best results, select a form and save it to your computer, […]

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 […]

Homegrown terrorism and mass shootings have sadly become everyday news in the United States. As a result, the demand for explosives detection dogs as a deterrent against such crimes is on the increase with one major problem: there are not enough dogs to meet the growing need. The US Government purchases 80 to 90% its […]

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. […]

In this section you will find information related to Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes. December 2025 — Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes Bylaws Committee  Canine Health Committee Companion Events Committee Coordinating Committee Delegate Advocacy and Advancement Committee Parent Clubs Committee September 2025 — Delegate Committee Meeting Minutes All-Breed Clubs Committee Bylaws Committee Canine Health Committee Companion Events […]

The AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Program was established in 2006 to provide each AKC Member Club with an embossed AKC medallion to award on a yearly basis as an ongoing effort to celebrate its volunteer club members. This award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition that have made a difference in the Sport of […]

Animal rights activists continue gathering signatures in Oregon to put an extreme measure on the November 2026 ballot that would criminalize the killing and breeding of animals. This initiative has been attempted in previous election cycles, although it has never qualified for the ballot. The campaign in favor of the initiative reports having collected 87,776 […]