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 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 […]

Barbet Learn about Barbets [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Barbet Club of America Ellen Rich, (248) 978-2715, eredavi@aol.com [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Basenji Learn about Basenjis [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Basenji Club of America Joe Carlson, 954-815-2143, ernursero@aol.com Basenji Rescue & Transport, Inc. [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Basset Hound Learn about Basset Hounds [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Basset Hound Club of America, […]

The AKC currently registers 205 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  (last updated 1/1/26) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  […]

Season 11 - Fall Season 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 3 Teams Champion – Living the Agility Dream – Tennessee Reserve Champion – Naughty Spots – Virginia Third – Let’s Play TAG – North Carolina Individual Dog Placements by Jump Height (1st – 4th) 8-inch Regular 1st – Sundae, Papillon, Naughty Spots 2nd – Waldo, All American […]

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"] […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link Review & FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

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® National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show honors went to GCHG CH Wirewick Afterhours Feels Like A Regret BN RN JH FDC CGCA CGCU TKA ATT VHMA VSWB, a German Wirehaired Pointer known affectionately as “Greta” owned by R Wickes & M Hancock & A Chism & A Chism, handled by Alexis […]

The Gift of Time: Introducing a Ground-Breaking New Test For Canine Bladder Cancer We live in amazing times. It seems like just yesterday that we awoke to the rising threat of bladder cancer [also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)/urothelial carcinoma (UC)] in our dogs, with new cases being diagnosed far too frequently. As some […]

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!

In its 149th year, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has crowned its winner: Giant Schnauzer "Monty," handled by Katherine Bernadin.

Over two days of breed competitions, seven dogs were crowned the winners in their group at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Your dog's hazy pupil could be a sign of a cataract, a clouding of the eye's lens. Cataracts in dogs can affect vision, but surgery can restore their sight.

The sooner diabetes in dogs is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better chance your pet has of a normal life. Here's what to look for.

While skin bumps and strange lumps should always be taken seriously, certain types of bumps are more common than you might think.

Have you ever noticed that your dog's mood shifts with the weather? Understanding this behavior can help you prepare for the forecast ahead.

One of the many decisions you'll need to make as a dog owner is whether to spay or neuter your dog. Here are things to note if you want to keep your dog intact.

Ever wonder what goes on at a dog agility competition? We've made a beginner's guide — including a breakdown of the obstacles!

Alexis Chism and German Wirehaired Pointer "Greta" won National Owner-Handled Series Best in Show at 2025 AKC National Championship.

These champion show dogs took the top prize in conformation at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin.

Fun facts about the newest AKC recognized breed

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka History: From Russia with Love to Sweet Lapdog

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

RESULTS 2025 AKC Trick Dog National Competition Overall Winner “Cricket” (Breed: Russell Terrier) handled by Elizabeth Berthold-Davis from East Patchogue, NY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hxz-0J3Be4   Semi-finalists “Cheza” (Breed: All American) handled by Heidi Armstrong from Austin, TX https://youtu.be/oiLmkAUlXVs?si=pbBl0gyZJkE41PLa   “Hashbrown” (Breed: Brussels Griffon) handled by Melissa Quintana-Mitchell from Stanton, CA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ6rfLpVWgw   2025 Outstanding Performances In addition […]

AKC Meet the Breeds events are a fun and educational way to spend a day with the whole family, and maybe even figure out which dog breed is right for you! If you are attending an AKC Meet the Breeds event, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can find out […]

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 […]

The AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Program was established in 2006 to provide each AKC Member Club with an embossed AKC medallion to award on a yearly basis as an ongoing effort to celebrate its volunteer club members. This award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition that have made a difference in the Sport of […]