The Ohio House Public Safety Committee is holding public hearings on a significant rewrite of the state’s dangerous dog laws. House Bill 247 was introduced in response to several tragic incidents in the state and a demand from the public as well as animal control and law enforcement to strengthen Ohio’s dangerous dog laws.  Concerns […]

Amended LD 1771, which would categorize “hobby kennels” as commercial “animal care facilities”, was further amended last week and passed the Maine House. The House changes were minor and clarify that humane agents could conduct inspections without a municipal animal control officer present. The Senate quickly agreed to those minor changes and adopted the bill. […]

Amended LD 1771, which requires “hobby kennels” to obtain a state license under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) authority to regulate commercial “animal care facilities”, has become law without Governor Mills’ signature. Public Law Chapter 414 becomes effective Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly endorses the right to […]

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 2801, which exempts individual participants in squirrel or furbearing animal field trials from the Texas hunting license requirement.  Under this new law, which takes effect immediately, only the field trial organizer is required to purchase a field trial permit that covers all participants, removing the need for […]

The Gordon Setter is the largest member of the setter breeds. Learn more about this breed with these Gordon Setter fun facts.

LGBTQIA+ dog owners have always been part of AKC dog sports. For some, the dog world has been a supportive haven, while for others, it has been more challenging.

Raising a paw and pointing is a canine instinct. Hunting dogs purpose-bred for generations used the tactic to help owners hunt, find, and capture game.

When you mention the "Siberian Husky," many envision sled dogs racing across vast ice fields. But these dogs have grown to be great pets and performance event dogs.

Most pet owners have probably said at one point or another that they prefer their dog over most people. Well, thanks to a plethora of high-tech products on the market, spoiling our pups has never been easier. Here are some cool items to check out. PETKIT Dog Bowl This digital, machine-washable feeding bowl has a […]

Adaptable Airedale Terrier, 'Tanner', is an ambassador for this oft-underestimated breed at the 2025 AKC National Obedience Championship.

First-generation dog show handler Quinn Duncan, a sixteen-year-old from Gulf Shores, Alabama, has already made a name for herself in the dog world.

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! AGILITY AGCH (Agility Grand Champion) AGCH MACH6 PACH3 Patterday's Rocky Raccoon MXS2 PAD MJG2 PJD MXP8 MXPG PADP MJP9 MJPG PJDP PAX3 MFB MFPS […]

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. […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

Below Are Links To The AKC Rules And Regulations That Are Available. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Board Policy Manual"] AKC Board Policy Manual [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Clubs"] Charter and Bylaws of the AKC (PDF) Const and Bylaws: All-Breed; Specialty (PDF) Const and Bylaws: Performance Clubs (PDF) Formation of Dog Clubs (PDF) Working it Out -- AKC® Guidelines for Resolving Dog Club Issues […]

Seventeen legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – SB 221 expands the definition of stalking to include threats against a person's animals. This would bring California into alignment with federal law. The bill has advanced out of the state […]

The Spotlight shines on a dog representing Coonhounds – breeds not often seen in the agility ring. Barley is a handsome Treeing Walker Coonhound who not only holds his Novice Agility titles and runs agility on his League team in Ohio – he is the top TWC in AKC Fast CAT in the nation! His […]

  Performance Events Scholarship The Performance Events Department is pleased to announce the creation of a $10,000 scholarship fund for students that are active in AKC Performance Events. New AKC Performance Scholarship Program Announced! - Jan 2020 More information regarding the program can be found here.     When most people think of Juniors they […]

Scheduling Conformation Events General Questions Points Schedule Formulation Specialties Held With All-Breed and Group Shows Classes and Entries Submitting Results Awards and Titles Judges and Judging Junior Showmanship Sweepstakes Trophies, Prizes, and Ribbons Club Membership Upload Tool Scheduling Conformation Events AKC recommended Best Practices to hire and assign judges, leading to an efficient schedule. General […]

Judges' Eligibility Requirements AKC Online Judges Test Judges’ Directory Apprentice Form Affirmation Form AKC Seminar Schedule Advanced Seminar Grant Info Judges Liability Coverage Judges Accidental Coverage Dog Disqualified by a Judge Form Sample Scoresheet Junior Handler Certification Hunt Test Judges Report Disqualification by Event Committee Junior Handler Certification Letter Procedural Checklist Judge's Questionaire