American-made and a long-kept secret of South Carolina, Boykin Spaniel History goes back to the early 1900s. Today, the breed is seen across the South.

The American English Coonhound is one of six coonhound breeds devised for hunting racoons. Learn more with these American English Coonhound fun facts.

Finding the perfect dog can sometimes be difficult. With so many options, how do you know which is right for you? The American Foxhound is described as an independent, easy-going, and sweet-tempered dog. George Washington owned many of this dog breed, and was a key player in the breed's development to what it is today.  […]

You may have heard of a "breed standard" in relation to purebred dogs. But what does it mean? It's not just for conformation dog shows. Learn more!

Through the years, many different breeds have won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, including the 2024 winner, "Sage" the Miniature Poodle.

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

Beagles are not only great family dogs, but excellent hunters as well. Beagles have also had some mighty interesting jobs. How well do you know the Beagle?

The Harrier's history is rooted in the English indulgence of pursuing hare and the dog on which the sport and breed were founded.

Every year, the AKC publishes its list of breed rankings by popularity, based on registration statistics. 2022, the top 10 least popular breeds were: Pyrenean Shepherds (No. 190) Cesky Terriers (No. 191) Sussex Spaniels (No. 192) Harriers (No. 193) Azawakhs (No. 194) Belgian Laekenois (No. 195) American Foxhounds (No. 196) Sloughis (No. 197) Norwegian Lundehunds […]

The Harrier may look like a taller version of a Beagle, but this breed has its own distinctive history and talents. This member of the Hound Group, recognized in by the American Kennel Club in 1885, is known to be friendly and outgoing. Learn more about the breed with these Harrier fun facts. The First […]

American Foxhound "Dooley" is one of the oldest dogs and rarest breeds to compete at the 2025 AKC RACH Invitational.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2024 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2024. The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

The AKC currently registers 201 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  (last updated 11/20/24) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  […]

English Cocker Spaniel Learn about English Cocker Spaniels [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] English Cocker Spaniel Club of America Karen Kirby, 317-339-1546 [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] English Foxhound Learn about English Foxhounds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Carolina Coonhound Rescue [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] English Setter Learn about English Setters [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] ESAA Rescue Trust Maryl Aldrich, Trustee, esaarttrustee.maryl@yahoo.com Another […]

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 […]

Each of the AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. Current as of June 17, 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Herding Group"] HERDING GROUP The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 202 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 1/01/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  8/22/25, last updated 8/25/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

The American Kennel Club is opposed to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukrainian people, judges from the Russian Federation will not be approved to judge at AKC sanctioned events. *UPDATE: Dogs born in Russia that have been exported to other countries, with registries recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and registered in […]

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 […]

The AKC Raccoon Hound Events Program consists of Nite Hunts, Hunt Tests, Field Trials, Water Races and Bench Shows.  Nite Hunts are the most popular of the events and are one of the only competitive sports where dogs hunt in natural areas where native game must be trailed and tracked and has not been planted. […]

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 […]