To earn an AKC Therapy Dog™ title, you and your dog must meet the following criteria: Certified/registered by an AKC recognized therapy dog organization. Perform the required number of visits for the title for which you are applying. For your convenience in helping you track your visits, you can use the Therapy Dog Record of Visits […]

The following are highlights of the numerous bills in Congress that could impact dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs. Visit our 2026 Legislation Tracking map click on the arrow on the Region column to filter for US Federal legislation and get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues […]

Is your dog considered a rare breed? Do you want an informal way to get some event experience under your belt? A Foundation Stock Service (FSS) Open Show is a perfect way for you and your dog to practice before an official event without any pressure, and is a must-do for anyone new to competing. […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories: Philadelphia, PA – Councilmember Cindy Bass has proposed Bill No. 250989 would impose a 36-month moratorium on the breeding and the sale or transfer of any dog under 7 months of age within the city to address overcrowding at the city’s shelters.  The […]

Twenty legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Delaware – HB 131 This Act prohibits retail pet stores from selling dogs or cats. It further authorizes retail pet stores to collaborate with animal shelters and animal rescue organizations to offer space […]

Happy New Year! The holidays are behind us and many state legislatures are already in full swing, with bills being filed and hearings being scheduled. As we note in our 2025 Year in Review, the most positive outcomes came directly from local involvement – clubs, breeders, and dog owners who took the time to get […]

“Try not to have a good time... this is supposed to be educational.” - Charles Schulz, famous cartoonist and creator of Peanuts (Snoopy is our favorite, of course!) You’ll probably be tempted to quote Charles Schulz when you introduce your child to Junior Showmanship. These events are packed with learning opportunities -- but they’re super […]

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

Some breeds at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® seem destined for stardom — and prove it by winning Best in Show repeatedly. Since the very first Westminster Best in Show in 1907, many of the winners have all come from the same breed groups, if not the same breed. […]

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  1/14/26, last updated 1/15/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]