The AKC Archives preserves and provides access to historically significant records documenting the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The Archives are organized into four major collecting areas: Clubs (AKC Parent Clubs and select Member Clubs) People (influential individuals in the sport) AKC Administrative Records Visual Materials (photographs and other graphic formats) In […]

Training Tip - A Look at Methods for Teaching Behaviors to Dogs This issue’s training tip is contributed by Julie Hill of Mandeville, Louisiana, who has enjoyed much success with her All-American Dog, MACH Up and Running a Mile a Minute CD MX MXJ MJB MXF. Julie has a master’s degree in geophysics and worked […]

In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, now in Season Four, host Bud Boccone tells the tales of breeds, dogs, and personalities who’ve shaped America (and Americans) over generations. Using the American Kennel Club's historical records, archival material, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show brings dog […]

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

Taking your dog on the family vacation can make for a great trip, if you plan carefully. Are you traveling by car, plane, train, bus, or boat? How long will the trip take? Will you be staying with family or friends, or at a hotel or motel? Is your dog in good health? These are […]

Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]

Attention, city slickers! You, too, can own a happy, adjusted dog—even in the smallest studio space. These six breeds do great as apartment dogs. To them, a tiny space is more than enough as long as they receive the proper amount of exercise and socialization. Greyhound They may be known for their speed while running, but […]

A beloved breed known for their speed, Whippets also enjoy the role of man's best friend and are loving and cuddly family pets.

The outdoor temperature where you live affects your dog's comfort level. If you live in a warm or tropical climate, what are the best breeds for hot...

An active junior handler from Arizona, Ruby Kaufax turns twelve in November and has already overcome serious health issues to remain competitive with...

Here at the AKC, we never get tired of learning more about dogs, whether it's a new study on canine behavior, a statistic from our database, or even just cool facts about a dog's impressive physical and mental abilities. You may know some of these already, and others may be more of a "wait, really?" […]

Do you have an active lifestyle? The exercise needs of these ten active breeds would keep any owner in shape. Walking, jogging, biking, hiking, swimming, and playing fetch with your dog are all fun workouts you can enjoy together. These breeds will not only be able to keep up with your active lifestyle but can […]

"Cute" is a totally subjective concept. Even "small" can be subjective. After all, if you’re 6-feet-4-inches, anyone under 6 feet can look small to you. However, we are bravely putting forth our list of 12 small, cute dogs that rank high in the "adorable" category, while also being among the smallest breeds recognized by the […]

Over a century ago in England, a man’s idea of relaxing on the weekend was rag racing. A specific dog was bred for these races, known today as the Whippet.

Each October, hundreds of dogs and thousands of spectators flock to New York City's East Village to experience the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. Variously described as "the biggest Halloween costume contest for dogs in the world" (CNN) and "barking mad" (The Guardian), the parade draws all types of dogs in costumes for the enjoyment of […]

Generally speaking, smaller dog breeds can make good companion dogs for apartments or condominiums. They adapt well in confined spaces, and they don't need a tremendous amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. But there are many dog breeds that make good choices for apartments, some of which you may not expect! Bulldog […]

For decades after the Revolutionary War, America had been trying to secure a treaty of commerce with Turkey. In the spring of 1831, President Andrew Jackson sent an unlikely man to solve the problem. The proud and inflexible Commodore David Porter was a 50-year-old naval hero, who had fought in the First Barbary War, the […]

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, […]

Spring signals a very busy season for dog competitors and exhibitors.  With more sunshine and warmer weather throughout the country, there are numerous events in which to participate from national specialties and conformation shows to a variety of performance events including field trials, barn and hunt tests, Fast CAT, and more. Yet language added to […]

Ally spends her days like a typical suburban canine. She watches for the squirrels and birds that wander into her yard. She plays with her favorite toy – a squeaky football. Occasionally she breaks into a run and makes speedy loops around her house, just to show those pesky squirrels that she could catch them […]