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 […]

The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot

Breed Weight Male Weight Female Affenpinschers 7-10 pounds 7-10 pounds Afghan Hounds 50-60 pounds 50-60 pounds Airedale Terriers 50-70 pounds 50-70 pounds Akitas 100-130 pounds 70-100 pounds Alaskan Malamutes 85 pounds 75 pounds American English Coonhounds 45-65 pounds 45-65 pounds American Eskimo Dogs 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 pounds (miniature), 25-35 pounds (standard) 6-10 pounds (toy), […]

It's no wonder we describe dogs as "man's best friend." As the oldest domesticated animals, dogs are smart and social, just like their wolf ancestors. Dogs and wolves are part of the diverse biological family of animals called Canidae. But what makes an animal a "canid," and more importantly, what specifically makes a domestic dog […]

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we've rounded up some fascinating facts about Mexico's native dog breeds: the Xoloitzcuintli and the Chihuahua. While only a minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a big deal in the United States. This popular observance is thanks in part to Mexican-American activists in the 1960s, who saw […]

Humans often try new trending diets to help them lose weight. If you want to help your dog shed some few pounds though, should you try intermittent fasting, and is it safe for dogs?

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

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 Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their […]

Ivy the Chihuahua may be tiny, but she is a survivor. Rescued from a dumpster as a puppy, the eight-and-a-half-year-old dog is a true Renaissance pup. Owned by Rockford, Illinois, resident Jennifer Walker, Ivy has earned over 40 titles as an AKC Therapy Dog and canine athlete. Bringing Ivy Home In 2014, Walker and her […]

How many tricks does your dog know? Once your dog knows a few different tricks you can start to put together a small routine. Trick routines are a great...

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world's largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to award the recipients of the Junior Versatility Scholarships to the top 10 Juniors who competed in a minimum of three different, competitive AKC Events between the eligible dates (July 1, 2021 – June […]

Speed was the name of the game at the 2022 AKC Fast CAT Invitational. In conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, the event took place between December 13 and December 17 in Orlando, Florida. For this—the third AKC Fast CAT Invitational—the top five of the fastest representatives of each dog breed, […]

GCHG CH Cherokee Legend Encore, a Bulldog known as “Star,” triumphed over more than 5,300 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 17-18, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. “Star,” owned by Alaina […]

The 2022 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin took place on December 18 and 19 in Orlando, Florida. Thousand of dogs competed for Best of Breed; the winner of each breed then went on to Group competitions. The winners of each of the seven Groups then competed for the coveted title of Best in […]

The 2022 AKC Fast CAT Invitational took place December 13-17, 2022 in Orlando, FL in conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin. The top 5 of the fastest dogs from each breed, based on rankings from AKC Fast Coursing Ability Tests (Fast CAT), were invited to participate in the third annual AKC […]

The 2021 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Dec. 18 and 19 hosted more than 5,000 dogs who all competed for the coveted title of Best in Show. The competition began with each dog competing for best in their breed. Best of Breed winners then advanced to compete in the group competitions to […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2022 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2022. The 2022 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

Merle in dogs is one of the most intriguing coat patterns in the dog world, both in its appearance and its genetics. Also known as dapple, merle is characterized by irregular blotches of fur set on a lighter background of the same pigment, such as solid black on gray (called blue merle) or solid brown […]

Trying out a new pilot program in dog sports can be intimidating—even more so when you're the youngest person participating. At just 13 years old, Mia Alvarez is the first and only Junior Handler competing in the AKC's new Agility League with the Antelope Valley Dog Agility Group in California. She currently competes in Agility […]

All Americans in AKC Agility League Congratulations to all All Americans who competed in the pilot season of the AKC Agility League, which ran May 30 – Aug. 21. Numerous Canine Partners members placed high in the rankings and won awards in this fun program that brings a team twist to agility. Read on to […]

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); […]

What does your dog bring to your life? Companionship? Joy? Protection? How about inspiration? "Creative muse" might not be your pet's typical role, but research, as well as artists' and creators' lived experiences, reveal that this is just one benefit of having a dog. Dog Walks Boost Creative Thinking "All truly great thoughts are conceived […]

The Toy Fox Terrier has a unique distinction in being the only breed whose AKC standard implies that a fondness for televi­sion viewing is a breed trait. Don’t believe it? The introduction to the breed standard states that not only is the Toy Fox Terrier an athletic, bold, lively pup who will happily go to […]

There’s a new "Toy" in town! The Russian Toy is one of the latest breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. But this lively little dog might remind you of another beloved member of the Toy Group: the Chihuahua. If you saw them standing side by side, would you know which was which? Learn […]

We take name inspiration from all of our favorite things in life. Our favorite places, flowers, family members, movies—so when it comes to naming a new puppy, why not take a cue from some of our most-loved foods too? Whether you prefer sweet, salty, or savory, we have all kinds of food names for dogs. As […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2022 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and 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 NOHS Finals will be held […]

Mia Alvare is a thirteen-year-old Junior Handler who competes in Agility with her 3-year-old All- American dog Honey. Mia competes with the Antelope...

Lassie Spirit of The Canyon TD owned by Lynn Wilson of San Diego CA When little 12-pound Lassie was rescued, she didn’t even know how to walk on a leash. In fact, when the collar and leash were first put on her, she froze and wouldn’t even take a step. By letting her take the […]

If you’re the owner of a senior dog or have a dog that is losing vision or hearing, you might not think it’s possible to continue doing dog sports. But participating in dog sports can help with both mental stimulation and physical exercise and can help strengthen that human-canine bond. There are plenty of senior dogs who are […]

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); […]