Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] The AKC Detection Dog Task Force invites you to join an upcoming webinar: Comparing Multiple Approaches to the Breeding and Training of Detection Dogs. Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026 Time: 7:30 PM (ET) Duration: Approximately 1 hour Industry experts with diverse backgrounds will compare and contrast their approaches to breeding and […]

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 Brussels Griffon's black muzzle and whiskers earned them the nickname 'bearded dogs' in old folk songs. Read more about the history of this joyful breed.

A combination of breed and socialization will help determine how your dog will behave. Here's why breed matters when selecting a pet.

When "Rudy," a black and white Standard Poodle, owned and handled by Steven Zonis, leans against you for a hug, it's a rare moment of respite.

We are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the AKC Canine Partners program. Beginning in 2010 as an enrollment program for mixed breeds and other dogs not eligible for AKC Purebred Registration, the program has since enrolled hundreds of thousands of canines. The total number of enrollments is over 420,000 as of June 2020 There were […]

by Tammie Rogers I am amazed at a herding dog's courage. We often ask our dogs to control and pilot animals that can weigh hundreds of pounds more than they do. We ask them to manage ewes with baby lambs and cows with newborn calves. We ask them to move livestock that doesn't want to […]

"How do I view my dog's awards summary?" Go to the AKC Store: https://www.akc.org/shop/index.cfm Click on the Competitor Reports  https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/store/?view=category&cde_category=COMP Once that page opens - then click on Individual Dog Award Records and Points Progression  https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/store/?view=product&cde_category=DOG&cde_product=CMPREC If you have not yet logged in, you will be prompted to do so. After you have logged in, […]

It looks so innocent. Three sides...a swinging gate....a quiet, empty, beckoning space... and a six foot rope. Why is it then, that sheep often hit an invisible barrier as they approach this inanimate object we call the free-standing pen? Why do they stop, lean back, then shy away and hesitate to enter? Could it be […]