On Oct. 27, 2019, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois military working dog named Conan took part in the Barisha raid, which resulted in the death of the leader of ISIS. Conan joined a long list of heroic military working dogs. Call ‘em what you want — war dogs or military working dogs — they have been around for centuries […]

2022 | 2019 | 2018 The second AKC US Detection Dog Conference was a success with a capacity attendance. Internationally known subject matter experts delivered thought provoking presentations that covered the breeding, training and deployment of Explosives Detection Canines as well as discussions on the domestic shortage of these amazing dogs. Thank you to the […]

It's an unfortunate fact that dogs, like people, experience medical emergencies. If your pet falls victim to an illness or an accident, they will need to see a veterinarian stat. The following tips may keep your dog out of immediate danger until he receives professional help. What to Do in Emergencies One of the first […]

Owning a dog is one of the greatest pleasures and highlights of our life. But there is a downside to loving a dog, and that’s the huge difference between our life expectancy and theirs. “Everyone wants to live as long as possible, and we want the same for our family members and pets,” says Dr. […]

At the 2022 National Agility Championship (NAC) in Ocala, Florida, hundreds of the nation's top canines compete with hopes of being named one of the best Agility dogs. Of the qualifying contenders, it's typical to see dozens of Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. This year, there was even a Bulldog and a Borzoi! But a […]

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 […]

It goes without saying that in your house, your dog is the most popular. But what do the statistics say? The American Kennel Club has used registration data to compile the list of 2021’s most popular breeds. As always, the Labrador Retriever tops the list — this time for the 31st year!  The Lab's temperament […]

Competition/Titles Update Winter 2022 We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) AGCH MACH3 Up&Running A […]

Success. It’s what everyone wants to achieve and at AKC, our success depends on the integrity of our registry and the ongoing work of thousands of breeders nationwide. AKC puppy buyers want assurance their new family member has been raised with appropriate care and in appropriate conditions. This is a lofty goal with so many […]

Partially shrouded by the mists of time, the history of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sometimes reflects the Irish people's gift as storytellers rather than historians. Folklore persists that following the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a dog swam to the shore of Ireland from a sinking ship. Supposedly, he then bred to […]

Everyone agrees that the worst thing about dogs is that they don’t live long enough. But these easy, common-sense tips can help extend the time we have with our canine pals. 1. Find the Right Breed What’s your perfect dog? Like a spouse, a dog is a partner who will be with you for a […]

Puppies are a lot of wonderful things – snuggly, playful, spirited – but sometimes they can be a little too curious for their own good. No matter how puppy-proofed a home is or how careful owners are, puppies have a way of finding trouble. We’ve chosen six pet health insurance claims in which puppies (under […]

--Annual Events Educate Public on How to Be Effective Dog Owners-- The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is preparing for the 19th annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day (AKC RDO Days). This summer and fall hundreds of clubs and dog organizations around the country will host free events to educate the dog-loving public about the responsibilities […]

Since the United States is currently in the midst of both tornado and hurricane seasons, it is a good time for breeders to establish or update disaster plans. Summer also brings thunderstorms, which often cause power outages. Having an emergency plan allows you and your staff to act proactively and efficiently to keep dogs and […]

Rescue Dog Helps Owner Recover from Tragedy Michele Hernandez gave Dezi a new life after her former owner abandoned her on the street. Dezi is now rescuing Michele, aiding her recovery as a survivor of the country’s worst mass shooting. Dezi’s former owner tied her to a pole and walked away, never to return. The young dog stood for […]

He was powerfully built, towering a good six inches above his brothers, and was probably a chieftain or great warrior. Whoever he was, in his lifetime he must have commanded tremendous respect, even awe. That much was clear 10 centuries after his death from the way he had been sent to his final rest. Archeologists […]

Each year, the AKC Humane Fund pays tribute to five dedicated, hardworking dogs for making significant contributions to an individual or entire community. One award is given in each of the following categories: Uniformed Service K-9, Service, Therapy, Search and Rescue, and Exemplary Companion Dog. No matter the environment, just about everyone who meets Stella thinks she’s “scentsational.” From lifesaver […]

If you’re looking for a job description for Louie, you better sit down and set aside a few minutes. Kelly Raudenbush, a child and family therapist at The Sparrow Fund in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and the 4-year-old Golden Retriever’s owner-handler, will only smile and tell you how he has grown into his job as a co-therapist […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2021 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 18 and Sunday, December 19, 2021. The 2021 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

Can showing Conformation dogs prep someone for a top-level career as a television executive? For Carley Simpson, the answer is “yes." In February 2000, the former Snohomish, Washington resident earned a prestigious third place in Junior Showmanship with her Golden Retriever at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Dazzled by the media spotlight at New […]

The AKC Paw of CourageSM is an award given to show appreciation for the work that dogs do in the service of humankind. This award recognizes dogs who serve their communities, making great impacts in the lives of their human counterparts. Paw of Courage awards can be presented to Police K-9s, Military Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, […]

This is the thirdof a series of features on 2017's AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence Winners who will be honored Dec. 16-17 at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in Orlando. It was apparent from puppyhood that the "Skye" was the limit for this little guy. From the time he was […]

Hoping to meet a specific dog breed (or cat breed), or do you just want to meet all 150+ breeds? Find your favorites on our list of breeds so you won't miss a single wag, whisker, or woof! They'll all be there to meet you at the January 25-26, 2020 AKC Meet the Breeds event. […]

I was sitting in front of a coffee shop drinking an overpriced cappuccino with two friends. At the table next to us sat two women, one who had a Chihuahua with a red leather, rhinestone-studded collar. The dog hovered near her feet and paced back and forth to the extent that his leash would allow, […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of the AKC Agility Premier Cup. The competition was held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida on May 15. “It was a thrill to see the Agility Premier Cup return this year and […]

Brochures Our brochures are available in a downloadable PDF that can be printed and copied for your convenience. The Joys and Advantages of Owning an AKC®-Registered Purebred Dog View and Print Online Welcome to the American Kennel Club View and Print Online Why Register Your Purebred Dog with the AKC®? View and Print Online Careers […]

Meet d’Art (just call me Dart), a beguiling little character whose story has more twists and turns than a foot-long pretzel. Everything points to a Pyrenean Shepherd competing at the AKC Agility Premier Cup in Ocala, Florida, on May 15 as a rarity. When it comes to sheer numbers that would be correct. There are 92 […]

Header photo courtesy of Nancy Bishop, AKC Breeder of Merit The decision to get a puppy is a big one. First, there's deciding what kind of puppy you want, choosing a breed, and then, finding a reputable and professional breeder to ensure you are getting the dog of your dreams. And finding the right breeder […]

By Allan Reznik   By Allan Reznik (Reprinted with permission from Dogs in Review and author Allan Reznik, from the November 2014 issue of Dogs in Review magazine. People get into a new breed for all kinds of reasons: the need to downsize, a desire for less grooming, a thirst for greater challenges, even the search […]

For 54-year-old Army veteran Rob Shaw life is a rollercoaster of psychological turbulence triggered by PTSD, severe depression, and anxiety disorder. In other words, there is plenty of bite behind the bark. For the past three years, a dose of Pepper has been the best prescription medicine in his attempt to overcome the challenges, all […]