Most of the world's national kennel clubs recognize the Belgian Shepherd as a single breed with four distinct varieties, but AKC recognizes all four.

German Shepherd Dog history owes its existence, in large part, to the remarkable dog breeder Max von Stephanitz. Learn all about the origins of this hard-working dog breed.

From Washington's Foxhounds to Obama's famous Portuguese Water Dogs, presidential dogs are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. Almost all of our presidents have shared the White House with a dog, and often more than one. These presidential dogs became as much a staple of the capitol as the rest of the First Family […]

Over the centuries, Mastiffs have maintained a reputation for their irrepressible protective streak. Learn more about the history of this dignified breed.

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB 1648 would require anyone who has a city or county kennel license to also have an animal disaster preparedness plan.  As passed by the Assembly, there are no specific instructions or guidelines for what should […]

Tim Baird Director of Bomb Dog Operations, Arete Canine 30 years’ experience in working dogs 36 years of raising and training dogs Patent holder on Vapor Wake K9s Trained the first IDD detection dogs for USMC Supplied canines to federal agencies and law enforcement around the world. Exceptionally diverse canine team trainer with a successful […]

Tomorrow (September 18, 2013), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) will publish the final new federal regulations that narrow the “retail pet store” exemption under the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), triggering a 60-day countdown to enactment (November 18, 2013) of those regulations.   The purpose of the new rule is […]

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: October 15, 2015   The 2016 Event Promises to be “Bigger and Better”   New York, NY – The Westminster Kennel Club and American Kennel Club (AKC®) present Meet & Compete, featuring the 3rd Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster and AKC Meet the Breeds®, brought to you […]

A number of legislative bills have been filed in Maine that could ultimately impact the state's dog breeders and owners.  While some may prove beneficial to responsible dog breeders and owners, other may prove troublesome.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) urges all concerned residents of Maine to learn about the bills detailed below and to […]

Senate Bill 460, a bill which regulates breeders and infringes on the rights of responsible dog owners, is expected to be heard in the Senate Finance Committee as early as next week.  Many committee members have indicated that they have received few or no calls and letters in opposition to this bill.  It is essential […]