The Puppy of the Year and Best in Stakes Winner at the AKC/Royal Canin Puppy & Junior Stakes was Border Terrier "Brighty."

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 […]

Susan Giles, a breeder of Lhasa Apsos under Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos, was awarded Breeder of the Year for her breeding program.

These champion show dogs took the top prize in conformation at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin.

The Lhasa Apso is a small, intelligent breed from Tibet, with watchdog instincts and a beautiful hypoallergenic coat.

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...

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 […]

Here are the AKC's top 10 most popular dog breeds in the 1940s. They range in size, form, function, and groups, among other categories.

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. […]

As the second-longest continuously run sporting event in the United States, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® has been around even longer than the AKC. Over the last 150 years, the show has seen new breeds, growing entry numbers, and multiple different venues. Learn more about this dog show with […]

GCHP CH Ta Sen Westgate Jingle Juice, a Lhasa Apso known as “JJ” triumphed over more than 5,500 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize when they were awarded Best in Show at the 25th AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 13-14, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. […]

The following are the group designations that the current FSS breeds have been assigned. There are currently 84 breeds in the FSS program.  (Revised 12/31/25) Sporting Group - 16 breeds Blue Picardy Spaniel Braque du Bourbonnais Braque Francais Pyrenean Braque St. Germain Deutscher Wachtelhund Drentsche Patrijshond French Spaniel German Longhaired Pointer Large Munsterlander Pont-Audemer Spaniel […]

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 […]

Virtual monthly webinar learning experiences created by breeders for breeders. Join renowned experts in these educational opportunities for breeders! 2026 Schedule Wednesday, January 28, 2026 7:00 pm (EST) – Eddie Dziuk, COO Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) “OFA Testing and the Breeder’s Commitment to Canine Health” Join Eddie Dziuk, Chief Operating Officer of the Orthopedic […]

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. […]

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]