With a joyful bark and bound, Philo, a 5-year-old Samoyed, pressed his shoulders against his padded harness. Behind him, a cart loaded with gray concrete cinder blocks slowly moved forward, as his handler called out, “Work, work, work.” On that day, Philo pulled a load of more than 1,800 pounds—winning the event at Doggie U […]

Nordic spitz-type breeds can thrive and even excel in frigid conditions. Here's why these breed types are so well adapted to arctic-like weather.

If you've got the time to provide the training and exercise these smart, high-energy wolf-like dog breeds need, they might be worth researching further.

  After a one-year hiatus, the Detroit Kennel Club dog show returns to the Motor City this weekend with events Saturday and Sunday, June 20–21, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in the Detroit suburb of Novi, Michigan. This year’s show features a number of special attractions, including obedience and rally trials, demonstrations, AKC National Owner-Handled […]

Do dog owners need to be concerned about frostbite? The simple answer is yes. Like humans, dogs can get frostbite. Frostbite is tissue damage that can occur in extreme cold. Dogs are at risk once the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Just like with humans, frostbite is a dog’s natural process where blood is […]

The 2023 AKC National Agility Championship (NAC) will take place March 16 through March 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The fast-paced sport of dog agility will see plenty of dogs take to the ring to race against the clock while completing a pre-determined obstacle course. But what dog breeds will you be able to see compete […]

It's the moment we've all been waiting for! After an incredible competition, GCHP CH Silverhall Strike Force, an ASCOB Cocker Spaniel known as "Striker" was named Best in Show at the 2017 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin. "Striker" triumphed over nearly 5,000 dogs to earn a $50,000 cash prize in addition to the […]

  By Jessica Acito, AKC Government Relations   The Delaware House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bill to make the Golden Retriever Delaware’s state dog. Eleven states currently have official state dog breeds, often recognizing those that are indigenous to a state. Pending approval by the Delaware Senate, the Golden Retriever will join the […]

QUESTION: I own an American Staffordshire Terrier and live in the Midwest where it can get extremely cold. I generally put him in a sweater or jacket for walks on cold days. Recently, a passerby asked why my large and strong dog was wearing a sweater. Of course, I did not listen to this virtual […]

Now that all of the Best of Breed Group Winners have officially been named, we're one step closer to crowning this year's AKC National Championship Best in Show champion! In case you missed our Group Finals livestreams on AKC.org, here's a recap of all of the commendable canines who will be competing for this year's […]

As you sit around your tree enjoying the presents delivered overnight, we can't help but think Santa's reindeer have it kind of easy. Fine, so one night a week, they lead Santa's sleigh around the globe, but these breeds of sled dogs reliably pull their weight all year round in some parts of the world. […]

New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of […]

Hiking is an ideal outdoor activity enjoyed by all types of people and dogs, but some breeds are better suited to hiking and life on the trail than others.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away … A young aspiring filmmaker owned a dog. She was just a pet, but this big, fuzzy friend would turn out to be one of the most influential animals, ever. As the filmmaker, George Lucas, tells it, here’s what happened. “I had an Alaskan Malamute […]

College football season is once again upon us, and that means it's time to get your jerseys out and start planning your tailgate parties. College football is already great, but one thing that makes it even better? Live dog mascots on the sidelines. Even if you're not a football fan, you'll be sure to find […]

Tails probably come in as many varieties as dogs do. While these 10 breeds are great in many ways, their curly tails certainly help with the cute factor.

They participate in exciting adventures — from racing in the Iditarod to transporting explorers in the Arctic — so sled dogs hold a special place in our hearts and imaginations. It isn’t every dog breed that can run for miles across the tundra, surviving bitter-cold conditions, blizzards, and the rigors of long-distance racing, while also […]

No velvet pillows, hair ribbons, or French pedicures for these big bruisers. These are the no-nonsense, punch-the-clock-and-get-it-done dogs of the AKC Working Group, the Ford pickups of the canine kingdom. Many factors go into breeding dogs that work hard for their feed. Let’s consider a few, and then watch some well-bred workers in action. Physical […]

With winter comes the cold. But some dogs don't hate the cold; in fact, several breeds absolutely love it! (Note: Just because these dogs were bred to withstand cold temperatures does not mean it is safe to leave them outdoors for long on cold days. They, too, can get frostbite and hypothermia.) Here are seven […]

She's a Grand Champion in the show ring, but Florin's more impressive title is Super Mom. The gregarious 4-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, owned by Layal Bouaoun, of St. Louis County, Missouri, is equally comfortable on the streets of Manhattan, as she demonstrated recently while competing in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, or on her […]

Susan S. Giles was presented with the 2025 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos at the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 13, 2025.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the […]

  Award Ceremony Featured on National Broadcast of AKC/Eukanuba National Championship The recipients of the AKC Breeder of the Year Award, Douglas and Michaelanne Johnson of Colorado Springs, CO, were honored on the live national broadcast of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Saturday, December 2. The annual award honors those breeders who have dedicated their […]

  - "AKC Breeder of the Year" to be Announced at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship - Today, the American Kennel Club® announced the seven group winners for the 2006 AKC® Breeder of the Year Award. The award honors breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs. "We are […]

The AKC Museum of the Dog is pleased to announce its next exhibition opening this winter. “Mush! A Tribute to Sled Dogs from Arctic Exploration to the Iditarod” will run from January 7th through March 29th. This exhibit aims to educate visitors about the history of sled dogs across the globe. The efforts of these […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of the Year group […]

Learning Objectives Students will learn about the impacts of group behavior on animals, specifically dogs.    Grade Levels 9-12   Next Generation Science Standards HS-LS2-8: Evaluate evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce.   Materials Needed Computer with Internet Access Microsoft Power Point AKC Article- Meet […]

Affenpinscher Learn about Affenpinschers [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Affenpinscher Rescue of America Donna Wolfe; www.affenpinscherrescue.org [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Afghan Hound Learn about Afghan Hounds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Afghan Hound Club of America Martha Powell Phone: 877-AFRESCU (877-237-3728) Email: affierescue@aol.com Greater Twin Cities Afghan Hound Club Susan Weatherhead Phone: 651-428-1706 Email: sweatherhead@comcast.net Address: 7194 Clear Ridge, Centerville, MN 55038 […]

As we look to the future of purebred dogs, we must recognize the growing challenges posed by legislation that could endanger the breeds we love. In recent months, we’ve witnessed firsthand how local laws and regulations can impact breeders and enthusiasts. From Cathy Pike's experience with the endangered Lagotto Romagnolo breed in Washington, to the […]

By Jessica Acito, AKC Government Relations The Delaware House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bill to make the Golden Retriever Delaware’s state dog.  Eleven states currently have official state dog breeds, often recognizing those that are indigenous to a state. Pending approval by the Delaware Senate, the Golden Retriever will join the ranks of […]

Piper Mullen CGCA CGCU is only a year and a half old, but she already boasts two AKC titles that are a testimony to her great temperament and her owners’ dedication to training. On June 30, Piper passed the new AKC Canine Good Citizen Urban title, which tests dogs on skills that they need to […]