Here at the AKC, we believe in honoring responsible breeders who have gone above and beyond on health issues, temperament, and genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in responsible homes. That’s why we started the AKC Breeder of Merit Program: To give breeders a way to prove [...]

Breeders of Merit are entitled to several benefits. Are you taking full advantage of yours? Gifts. Breeders of Merit get an appreciation gift for each litter in which 100% of the puppies are individually registered. The current gift is a $5 credit code that can be used for online litters or mailed in registrations. Just […]

(AKC Breeder of Merit Buffy Stamm was co-breeder of the 2010 Westminster Best in Show winner, GCh. Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot. In 2008, She was named AKC Terrier Breeder of the Year.) A few years ago, our most promising young stud dog had already sired the Best of Winners at two national specialties. One of […]

Imagine yourself as an average person, who goes to work in the morning, goes out for lunch with co-workers, maybe goes out in the evening for dinner or just comes home to have dinner with the family.  You have a couple of young kids who, one day at supper, announce a friend at school just […]

by Joan HarriganReprinted from: The Canine Chronicle We’ve all seen Rin Tin Tin’s acts of heroism on the silver screen or read about heroic dogs rescuing drowning victims or finding lost children. But it is not every day that one hears about a puppy -- less than 4-months-old -- prompting his owner to seek medical […]

There is a general movement within the dog world that has breeders and their clubs looking for new ways to make breed improvements. This is occurring because of the growing arsenal of tools available to breeders and their clubs. Given these conditions, the opportunity for making improvements is well within the reach of most clubs […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and Royal Canin are pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2016 National Championship to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2016. The 2016 event will showcase the top national and international dogs and will also […]

-- Making a Difference for Canine Health and Well-Being -- At the March Delegates meeting, Article III of the American Kennel Club Bylaws was amended to include the following: “The objects of the Club shall be to advance canine health and well-being…” Someone unfamiliar with the AKC might see this as a beginning. In fact, […]

Header image courtesy of Lenni Cipriotti, AKC Breeder of Merit The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, or GBGV, is a rare breed in the United States. He is energetic, curious, and always makes his presence known. Here are more interesting facts about the GBGV: 1. They Come From France If you're familiar with the French language, […]

Below are some frequently asked questions about finding information on the new AKC.org website. If you have a moment, we encourage you to read the step-by-step instructions or watch the video to familiarize yourself with the structure of the new site to help you during future visits. Select your device: Desktop Instructions Mobile Instructions Full Video Webinar […]