Preparing to welcome a French Bulldog puppy into your home for the first time? Plan on making time for puppy-proofing, training, playtime, and other key activities. We turned to Sharon Dykes, who is an AKC Breeder of Merit with 25 years of experience, an AKC judge, and a board member of the French Bulldog Club […]

In the last 27 years, things have changed dramatically. Facebook launched, Apple took over the mobile world, the United States has gone through four different presidents, and the AKC launched agility, Scent Work, Trick Dog, and more. One thing, however, has remained the same. Since 1991, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in […]

By April 2019, Bryan Bailey was a desperate man. In September 2018, he and his wife Kira had welcomed a Siberian Husky puppy into their lives. Tikaani was beautiful—solid black with white paws—reminding Bryan of the sled dogs from his childhood in Alaska. But Tikaani was wasting away. Almost as soon as he arrived at Bryan and […]

It's easy to panic when you see something on your dog's eye, especially if it's a large pink or reddish bump, which could be cherry eye in dogs.

Every dog is different. There are small dogs, big dogs, active dogs, dogs with sensitive stomachs, and dogs with dietary sensitivities. And that's why deciding on a food for your dog is a very personal choice. But in general, the best food for your dog should meet his nutritional needs. Learn about some of the […]

Each October, hundreds of dogs and thousands of spectators flock to New York City's East Village to experience the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. Variously described as "the biggest Halloween costume contest for dogs in the world" (CNN) and "barking mad" (The Guardian), the parade draws all types of dogs in costumes for the enjoyment of […]

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 […]

It all started with a tweet. “Your story could be in Season 2 of DOGS.” The June 2019 post from Dogs producer Glen Zipper included an announcement about the Netflix show’s second season. Your story could be in Season 2 of DOGS. 🐶👇 https://t.co/aoxWtSdPtO — Glen Zipper (@Zipper) June 12, 2019 Around the same time, the Live […]

The Bullmastiff is physically imposing, but incredibly patient and loving. Here are seven things you probably didn't know about this gentle giant: 1. They Were Bred To Be Guard Dogs The Bullmastiff was created in England in the 1860s by crossing a Mastiff with a Bulldog. The goal was to create a guard dog that […]

More than 3,000 dogs vied and more than 200 breeds competed for the coveted title of Best in Show at the 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan®. After three days of breed competition and two days of group competition, seven dogs moved forward to Best in Show competition to be […]

Puppyhood is a lot like human childhood. There are phases and stages, and some youngsters seem to mature faster than others. We can set some parameters for puppies. For instance, as a rule, smaller dogs tend to mature more quickly than larger breeds. Small breeds reach their adult size at about 12 months old, while […]

We’ve all had this experience—a summer day, a drive to the lake, and a refreshing dip in the clear cool water. Then there’s the agonizing drive home, as you try to keep your eyes on the road, even as you're about to pass out from the smell of wet dog. Ever wonder what the recipe […]

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Bred from the Bulldog, terrier, and more, the public was fascinated with the Bull Terrier, a good-natured dog that wasn’t spoiling for a fight.

Grace and grit are words that epitomize gymnastics star Simone Biles. She has shown those qualities in her breathtaking, medal-worthy performances, as well as in her decision to step aside when it was the right thing to do. We visited with this lifelong dog lover four years ago. (She now has a pair of French […]

The 2026 AKC National Agility Championship final is here! Learn more about agility and how to tune in for the ESPN broadcast.

In our daily lives, we take precautions to safeguard our most valuable possessions and protect them from being stolen. We lock our car doors, equip our homes with alarms, and create passwords to shield our personal information, yet few pet owners realize that protecting our dogs from potential theft is just as important. Dognapping isn’t […]

In each of the seven groups, one dog from one breed is chosen to represent their group going into Best in Show at the 147th Westminster Kennel Club Show.

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 […]

It was the last blast of summer sunset gathering of the French Bulldog NYC Meetup group. Sophie, 5 months old, was determined to make the most of it. First, there was some serious rough-and-tumble with her pal, a Bernese Mountain Dog who was born just one day after Sophie in April. Then she was off, […]

It's been an exciting weekend so far at the AKC National Championship. The competition is only heating up as the big prize, Best in Show will be decided Sunday, Dec. 17. Check out the results from Saturday's group winners, who will compete for the coveted title. Group Winners from Saturday, Dec. 16 After winning Best […]

At this year's Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., a float featuring surfing dogs set the world record for longest and heaviest float in Tournament of Roses Parade history. The float, The Lucy Pet's Gnarly Crankin' K-9 Wave Maker, was 125 feet long and weighted 148,250 pounds, reports the laist. A contributing factor to the massiveness […]

For the most updated statistics, check out the latest rankings of America's most popular dog breeds. Is your dog’s breed winning popularity contests this year? Now you can find out! The most popular dog breeds of 2020 were released on March 16, 2021, based on American Kennel Club registration statistics. America continues its love affair […]

Nearly 2,600 dogs vied for the coveted title of Best in Show at the 145th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan®. After three days of breed competition and two days of group competition, seven dogs moved forward to Best in Show competition. Working group Samoyed: Vanderbilt 'N Printemp's Lucky Strike Sporting group German […]

Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

Dog Breed Health Testing Requirements Listed below are all AKC breeds and their health testing requirements. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z Affenpinscher Ophthalmologist Evaluation Patella Evaluation Afghan Hound Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Airedale Terrier Hip Evaluation Cardiac Exam Renal Disease DNA Test Ophthalmologist Evaluation Akita Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Alaskan Malamute Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Polyneuropathy DNA test American […]

Breeder of Merit FAQs [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Prepaid Registrations In Breeder Toolkit"] If you plan to use the prepaid option to register all of the puppies – Do not select the electronic (downloadable) litter kit when you register the litter. That will disable the prepaid option. You are able to send an individual Registration Application for […]

For the complete requirements for eligibility, download the Special Registry Services booklet on the Rules and Regulations page. You may also find helpful information by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions. Foreign Dogs may be eligible for registration in the AKC Stud Book, provided: The dog is of a breed eligible for individual registration in the […]

The AKC Agility League recently concluded its eighth season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. Team champions were named in each of the 10 divisions, including the League’s new division of Elementary for beginner dogs. The AKC Agility League is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan, YuMove and AKC Pet Insurance. The League […]