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)  […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club has released registration statistics for 2025. Who will be crowned the most popular breed?

When dogs sleep on their back with their paws in the air, is it healthy for them or not? They choose this odd position for comfort and safety.

For purposes of imposing a consistent format at dog shows, the AKC family of breeds is divided into seven groups. The hounds, terriers, and toy dogs each have their own group. The herding dogs that move livestock are grouped together, and so are the big working dogs that pull, protect, patrol, and do other heavy work. Likewise, sporting dogs, […]

When you see dogs with cloudy eyes, it may be a natural part of the aging process. But cloudy eyes in dogs can also be a symptom of eye problems.

From Atlanta to West Palm Beach, here are the most popular dog breeds in each city based on the 2022 rankings from the American Kennel Club.

An icon of overcoming adversity, Helen Keller had a lifelong love of dogs and owned many. She's credited with bringing the first Akita to America in 1937.

If your dog is elderly, has lost some mobility, or is recuperating from surgery or ailment, he might have trouble getting around. And if you have a breed of tiny stature, like the Papillon or Shih Tzu, or one that has difficulty in extreme weather, like the Bulldog or Pug, you may think you'll have […]

AKC registration continues to expand for the sixth year in a row. The most popular dog breeds of 2018 were released on March 20, 2019, according to AKC registration statistics. Registration is not only beneficial for your dog, but for dogs everywhere. The American Kennel Club and its affiliates have donated over $38 million to canine […]

Vision plays a crucial role in your dog's quality of life. How often should you get your dog's eyes checked to prevent problems?

Dogs from All 50 States and More Than 50 Countries Vie for $225,000 in Cash and Prizes   AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Broadcast on ABC Television Network - Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013   Thousands of dogs will compete over five days in a variety of world-class dog sporting competitions on December 12-16, 2012 in Orlando, Florida […]

Puli Takes 'Best in Show' The American Kennel Club is happy to announce the winner of the second AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. The event garnered 400 entries. GCHB CH Cordmaker Boys Will Be Boys PT NAP NJP, a Puli known as “Archie,” was awarded Best in Show by AKC Judge Dr. Donald Sturz, Jr. of New […]

Record-Breaking Entry of 3,233 Top Competitors Will Participate At Tenth Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship   Dogs from 49 States and More Than 40 Countries Compete for Over $225,000 in Prize Money and Prestigious Wins Event Broadcast airs on ABC Network Television Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 NEW YORK, NY – Nearly 2,500 dogs will compete for […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]

Some people live by the motto "bigger is better," and it extends to their dogs too. There are many large dog breeds, each with different care and training needs. Exercise Most large dog breeds were bred for a purpose or function. Some breeds were meant to be hunters, others guard dogs. Dogs with great endurance […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of the Companion Animal Law Writing Contest. The contest was open to all students currently enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school and offered a first-place prize of $2500 and a second-place prize of $500. […]

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 […]

Tuesday, February 4, 2020 This bill has been removed from the February 5 agenda and AKC Government Relations will update when developments warrant. Monday, February 3, 2020 The American Kennel Club is concerned with Hawaii House Bill 2163.  The bill, introduced by Representative Roy Mitsuo Takumi, seeks to limit the practices of surgical births, debarking, […]

Earlier this week, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) provided an action alert on two Massachusetts bills of major concern, House Bill 1080 and Senate Bill 1155, in preparation for their committee hearing next week. Since then, additional bills have been scheduled for consideration next week.