Finding the right dog match for you from 202 breeds can be daunting. That's one of the best reasons to attend AKC Meet the Breeds!

For the first three to four weeks of puppies’ lives, meal time is not a hard job for breeders. But once those puppy teeth erupt, many Moms avoid nursing, plus growing puppies need more nutrition. Breeders must decide when to start weaning litters and what to feed them during the transition from Mom’s milk to […]

Looking for the perfect name for your new puppy? Consider some of the most famous dog names from movies, TV shows, and history.

Breeding dogs and producing puppies is a rewarding experience. Every litter is unique in some ways, and it takes many years to gain the experience to recognize signs of potential problems and know what steps can be taken to intervene and potentially save the lives of puppies. Breeders should be present when a dam delivers […]

Choose a dog training class or facility carefully for your dog or puppy since it's a big decision. Here's what to consider before enrolling your dog.

Loyal, courageous, and always up for a good game, Boxers never shy away from showing off their silly side. Learn more about Boxer history.

The Dogo Argentino's history goes back to mid-1920s when a teenager had a vision of the ultimate big-game hunting dog. Learn more about the breed's origins.

There are so many reasons to fall in love with a Boxer. Consider that powerful body, expressive face, clownish sense of humor, innate intelligence, and intense attachment to their owners. If you haven’t fallen in love yet, some of these interesting Boxer facts may do the trick. Even seasoned Boxer owners may learn a few […]

Rottweilers are superb guard dogs. And with training, they're also lovable sweethearts. Think you know the breed? Here are some Rottweiler fun facts!

Vitamins are nutrients that help with functions like developing strong bones and fighting infections. When should you use multivitamins for your dog?

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder seen in dogs, but with proper diagnosis and drugs therapy, most epileptic dogs can live long happy lives.

A sometimes overlooked, common condition that can contribute to recurrent UTIs is recessed vulvas in dogs. Learn more about it's symptoms and treatment.

Each AKC-recognized breed is assigned to one of seven groups. We're taking a closer look at the Working Group to see what these 32 breeds were bred to do.

There's a reason why the AKC divides its breeds into seven groups. That reason is a mixture of tradition and breed function. But why?

Growing up, you may have heard warnings about the health risks of stepping on a rusty nail. It turns out rust isn't the problem but rather the bacteria.

In December 2021, a Giant Schnauzer named Bayou made breed history by being the first to win the AKC National Championship. But even in the ring, Bayou’s instincts came through. The dog's handler, Alfonso Escobedo, took note of the dog's behavior. The giant canine kept his eyes on the same location in the ring, to […]

Paid Advertisement No matter how experienced you become at dog breeding and whelping litters of puppies, you may sometimes face scenarios you have not seen before. Purina Pro Plan turned to experts to answer questions related to dog breeding. Purina senior research Nutritionist Arleigh Reynolds, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, and Andrea Hesser, […]

What you may consider simply an indulgent spa service can actually benefit your pet’s mental and physical health. Massage may reduce stress and anxiety, increase circulation, decrease pain, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Also, it can help to identify new growths at an early stage. The best part? You don’t even […]

We had Jaco less than 10 months when it happened. Jaco was a German Shepherd Dog exported from the Czech Republic when he was 16 months old. I wanted him to be my next scent-detection dog, a partner in the work I’ve done for more than a decade, finding the missing and the dead. He […]

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 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 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 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 […]

Effective January 1, 2010 Miscellaneous breeds became eligible to compete for the Certificate of Merit.  Congratulations to the first recipients of this new title. Russell Terrier, Frayed Knot Spike, was the first of the eligible breeds to earn a Certificate of Merit in May 2010. SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The breeds listed below were top point holders […]

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. […]

Use the following resources as a guide to responsible dog breeding. You may also want to watch the AKC webinar on Planning Breedings: Are you ready to breed a litter of puppies? Prepare Yourself for Breeding a Litter of Puppies Breed to Improve Understand the Commitment Choose A Suitable Mate Know Your Genetics Finalize Stud […]

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 […]

Titles Earned in AKC Activities, Organized by Sport and Title Progression the # symbol behind the title abbreviation indicates that title can be earned multiple times, and will carry a numeric designation [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Agility Titles"] Class Abbrev. Title Name Abbrev. Title Name (Preferred Track) Prefix or Suffix ACT ACT1 Agility Course Test 1 Suffix […]

The colossal Mastiff belongs to a canine clan as ancient as civilization itself. A massive, heavy-boned dog of courage and prodigious strength, the Mastiff is docile and dignified but also a formidable protector of those they hold dear.

The Connecticut General Assembly has placed Amended SB 1386, concerning dog breed insurance underwriting and service dogs on the Senate calendar for a vote.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly encourages Connecticut residents to contact your state Senator and request they vote “yes”. HISTORY: Insurance companies have long been reluctant to offer homeowners’ or renters’ […]