Motorized trucks may have replaced horses and Dalmatians in fire stations decades ago, but nine Dalmatians recently showed that spotted loyalty to...

AKC Breeder of Merit Gold Kristin Cihos-Williams of Kinderteckel Standard Smooth Dachshunds has been involved in the breed since 1992. When she and her family bought their first home in San Diego, California, they were restricted by their homeowners’ association rules to a 25-pound-dog. Kristin wanted a big dog personality in a small dog body […]

When Kevin Holmes went looking for a service dog that would double as a competition teammate two years ago, he had specific idea in mind. His answer? "Natalie" the German Wirehaired Pointer.

The AKC DNA Program is proud to announce the official launch of a new DNA test, AKC DNA + Health. This test combines the original AKC DNA profile with genetic health and traits testing for a powerful breeder tool. The goal of this new test is to satisfy all the needs of breeders with just […]

The Group Winners are chosen to decide who will compete for Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship. See the group winners here.

A plethora of canine DNA health tests and genetic testing providers are on the market today, and it can be difficult for breeders to determine which tests are applicable and useful. Tests vary from one single test for a specific genetic variant related to a disease to multiplex panels that provide results for hundreds of […]

Hadley George of Utica, Ohio took third place junior handler at last year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. As a third-generation dog person Hadley...

From the day she was born almost seven years ago, Pieces has served up a mix master of surprises. First, it was blindness—which wasn’t ascertained immediately—then a propensity for Scent Work, and lastly, a perfect psychological pathway. The result? A sightless Belgian Malinois puppy with a keen sense of smell and uncanny ability to find […]

When you see a dog with their tail curled high over their back and triangular ears standing alertly, you might feel confident you're looking at a Japanese breed. But are you equally confident you know which one? The Akita and the Shiba Inu share a similar heritage and body shape. But the Akita, a member […]

Responsible dog breeders work very hard to place puppies in the right homes. Here is one story of how a breeder went about matching a family to the right Beagle puppy for them.

Many breeders require anyone who purchases one of their dogs to sign a contract. To some buyers, especially first timers, a contract may feel invasive; they might think that for the money they spend, they should have total control over what they do with their puppy. Explain to buyers that your contract is meant to […]

Switzerland has brought us many wonderful dog breeds, but perhaps none as popular as the large, tricolored Bernese Mountain Dog. These gorgeous and affectionate dogs are built for demanding work and are instantly recognizable for their size and beautiful markings. But there is another Swiss breed with similar looks and origin. The Greater Swiss Mountain […]

The Doberman Pinscher has the distinction of being one of the only breeds in the AKC's Working Group that was bred specifically to be a companion to humans. The breed was created in the nineteenth century by German tax collector Louis Dobermann to accompany him in his thankless daily work. Drawing upon this breed legacy, […]

When a puppy seems to be acting off, it helps to recognize the typical signs of good dog health. Here are the signs of a healthy puppy.

Long on looks and short on training time, Dachshund puppies are fast learners. This determined and highly intelligent hound will follow your instructions, especially if you motivate them to follow your direction, and positive lessons speed the process. Walter Jones, First Vice President of the Dachshund Club of America, remembers George, his family's first Smooth […]

Puppy temperament tests can be a helpful tool for breeders placing puppies in homes. But can they predict their behavior into adulthood?

You are no doubt familiar with the Doberman Pinscher. After all, they are very popular. Dobermans are distinguished and powerful with a keen intellect, and you might think their size, strength, and markings make them one of a kind. But there is a like-sized, equally powerful, and similarly attractive breed you might mistake for the […]

Do male and female dogs behave differently? Can they live together? Should a dog's sex ever influence a puppy buyer? Here's how we gender-stereotype dogs.

By Nancy Pemberton, AKC Breeder of Merit Rowan Border Terriers One of the most important things to do for your pregnant bitch when the time for her to whelp approaches is to provide her with a safe place for her puppies. Not only will it make her feel more secure, it might be a matter […]

Puppies are exciting. However, any experienced breeder will tell you they're also a lot of work. A responsible breeder prepares long in advance—to identify the purpose of the breeding; to carefully plan and research the breed, the standard, the health history, and available healthy males of good temperament; to form partnerships with their veterinarians and […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is thrilled to announce that Melanie King has been hired as an Executive Field Representative. She will start on May 20th, 2024. “Melanie has longtime experience with Irish Wolfhounds and Whippets. She is a successful Breeder-Owner-Handler […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce that Tara Martin Rowell has been hired as an Executive Field Representative. She will start June 3rd, 2024. “Tara brings a broad background as a successful Maltese AKC Breeder of Merit, expertise as an All-Breed Professional Handler with many Best In Show titles and top winning dogs […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce AKC® DNA + Health. This new test combines genetic health and traits testing with AKC DNA identification, creating a powerful tool for breeders. “At the AKC, we’re always looking for tools to […]

 The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: Peter Green (Conformation), Betty Winthers (Companion Events) and Jim Basham (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung, are presented in recognition […]

Insight into your breed's health Most breeds' health testing requirements originate with an AKC Parent Club, the AKC-recognized national club devoted to that particular breed. AKC Parent Clubs represent experts of a single breed. The AKC approves only one national club per breed. AKC Parent Clubs generate Parent Club Health Statements to provide health testing […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

Genetic health and traits testing combined with AKC DNA identification for a powerful breeder tool Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Offers AKC DNA Profile + over 328 markers for health and traits Helps to meet AKC registration and Breeder of Merit/Bred with H.E.A.R.T. certification requirements. Some exclusions apply. For breed-specific DNA test recommendations, click […]

Each breed’s health testing requirements originate with a “parent club,” the AKC-recognized national club devoted to a particular breed. To assist breeders in fulfilling these requirements, AKC has compiled the health testing requirements for each breed, organized by group on the left navigation of this page. AKC Breeder Programs that Require Health Testing: Breeders that participate […]

The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC Member Clubs for nominees in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance. The American Kennel Club honors […]

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 […]