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 […]

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.

Eva Gellert, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, got her start breeding Labrador Retrievers. Now, Gellert owns a breeding program for Barbets: Chateau Barbets.

How should you keep your dog safe from bears? The U.S. Forest Service recommends learning about them and avoiding confrontation before hiking with your dog.

Discover the rich history of the Shiba Inu—from ancient Japanese hunting dog to internet icon and crypto mascot.

Chagas disease in dogs is a life-threatening parasitic infection. The disease is transmitted by insects known as "kissing bugs."

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are true companion dogs. Good for families and a friend to all.

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

LATEST RULE CHANGES Judges Can Use ATVs/UTVs in Walking Stakes (Jul 2025) Tracking Device Changes (Jul 2023) 7 Changes including new Regional Championships (May 2022) 45 Min Derby/Walking Dog to Line/3pt Major for Brittanys (Aug 2020) Determining a Dog's Ability to Retrieve (Dec 2019) Flea & Tick Collar Clarification (June 2018) Changes Regarding Walking Handlers (Nov 2018)   […]

Titles Earned in AKC Activities, Organized by Sport and Title Progression the # symbol behind the title abbreviation indicates that title can be earned multiple times, and will carry a numeric designation [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Agility Titles"] Class Abbrev. Title Name Abbrev. Title Name (Preferred Track) Prefix or Suffix ACT ACT1 Agility Course Test 1 Suffix […]

Survey Update A survey was recently conducted amongst dog owners who are active in the sport. Here were the findings: 2023 Survey Results Event Materials All the forms and resources your club needs to host an AKC Pointing Breed Hunt Test: After the Event Results must be submitted to AKC Performance Events within 7 days […]

Event Materials   All the forms and resources your club needs to host an AKC Retriever Hunt Test: After the Event Results must be submitted to AKC Performance Events within 7 days after the event and can be emailed to: performanceresults@akc.org Retriever Hunt Test Forms Other Forms and Publications Retriever HT Event Application Junior Handler Certification […]

(April 2008 Board meeting; amended July 2017, May 2020 & January 2021) (January 2021) Board policy for processing Member club requests includes a minimum household within their local territory requirement. Some licensed clubs eligible to submit a membership request are not able to meet the local household requirement despite possessing extensive experience in holding successful […]

In this section you will find information related to each AKC Delegate Meeting. September 8-9, 2025 Delegate Meeting Delegate Meeting Agenda Delegate Committee Election Packet - REVISED Vote on the proposed amendment to Article IV, Section 5 of the Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club Vote on the proposed amendment to Article VI, […]

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, […]