For Nuri the Azawakh, the green synthetic turf of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a far cry from the Tennessee greenery to which this 6-year-old Sighthound is accustomed. Rest assured, plenty of attention is focused on the breed's inaugural appearance at one of America's most well-known dog shows. Nuri and her owner Vicki Williams, […]

  A Conformation dog show...in a mall?! Who's ever heard of such a thing? We hadn't until we learned about "Match in the Mall" held by the Abilene Kennel Club in Abilene, Texas. The club held this small "match" to bring the wonder and excitement of the sport of purebred dogs to the public, and […]

What’s better than owning a top-winning show dog? Simple: Breeding one. In theory, anyone can purchase a canine competitor: All you need is a checking account with enough zeroes in it. But it’s far more challenging to produce quality purebred dogs that are consistently sound, well tempered and typey — that is to say, that […]

A reader posed this question to us, so we dug into the American Kennel Club archives to give the answer: At least two dogs were aboard the Mayflower during the 66-day voyage from England to the New World. Thanks to journals kept by the Pilgrims, we know much about their early tribulations. But the historical […]

Dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages jumped, weaved, and ran at the 2021 AKC Agility Invitational. The 16th annual event took place December 17-19, 2021 in Orlando, FL in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, demonstrating the highest level of training and teamwork between dog and handler. The top five […]

The 2021 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin was held December 18 and 19, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This event is the only all-breed dog show organized and presented directly by the AKC, the nation’s oldest and only not-for-profit purebred dog registry. Thousands of dogs from throughout the […]

If your dog spends their entire on-leash walk choking against their collar, you might be considering using a harness. Maybe your dog already wears a harness, but it's rubbing their skin or they don't like putting it on. Although there are many potential benefits to using a harness, it can do more harm than good […]

What tugs at our hearts more than an adorable Chihuahua peeking out of Reese Witherspoon’s purse in the movie Legally Blonde? Perhaps it is the sight of puppies glee­ fully romping through scenes in 101 Dalmatians, or the exploits of Otis, the endearing Pug, in The Adventures of Milo and Otis. Dogs occupy a treasured […]

It goes without saying that in your house, your dog is the most popular. But what do the statistics say? The American Kennel Club has used registration data to compile the list of 2021’s most popular breeds. As always, the Labrador Retriever tops the list — this time for the 31st year!  The Lab's temperament […]

Tifani King of Spring Lake Park Minnesota could technically still compete as a junior. But after a successful Juniors career, she made the decision to start not just competing against adults, but to become a professional handler, where she is hired to show other people's dogs in the breed ring. For someone with a lifelong […]

Recently I helped a breeder friend compile a package of handouts to send to prospective owners. This was her first litter so she was new to the process. I was surprised to learn that her bitch’s breeder had not sent her anything comparable when she was shopping for a puppy. I used to think these […]

When it comes to communication, dogs are significantly better at interpreting our body language than we are theirs. Humans rely on verbal language more heavily than body language, whereas dogs are just the opposite. Unfortunately, this often means we are left scratching our heads, wondering what our dogs are trying to tell us. Shaking is […]

With solemn but curious brown eyes, the mahogany spaniel in the doorway gazes upon a visitor. A well-formed male with power in his stance, the dog pads gently forward, in a slow, assessing approach. His big brown nose investigates the newcomer. They say that Field Spaniels can be reticent when first meeting a stranger, but […]

Fifteen-year-old Reagan Wallace from St. Peters, Missouri got involved with training dogs during the pandemic. Now, she’s an active dog Agility competitor, placing third at the AKC Junior Agility Championship. In addition to Agility, Wallace and her dogs now participate in a variety of AKC sports, including Rally, Fast CAT, and Obedience. Wallace competes with […]

Having a dog door seems like it would make life so much easier. These secured entrances are built into existing doors and allow dogs to let themselves in and out of the house without you needing to do so yourself. It gives those with a fenced-in yard quick access to relieve themselves—but using one is not […]

Owning an endangered breed can be incredibly rewarding. It's no secret that what’s old is new again. As a millennial, I know that what used to be known as "used clothing" is now "vintage" and all the rage. Many of us have gone back to eating local and embracing a "farm-to-table" mentality when it comes […]

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 […]

Results Team #1 Saturday, September 28, 2013 Judges ~ Sally Elkins & Betty Winthers Judge’s Comments Overall Excitement filled the air Saturday morning as tracking enthusiasts from around the country visited with each other in anticipation of the draw for running order. The order drawn was as follows: Deborah Abbott & Devon, a Golden Retriever […]

The 9th AKC National Tracking Invitational was held at the gorgeous Branched Oak Recreation Area in Raymond, Nebraska. The American Kennel Club sincerely appreciates the hard work, and dedication to the sport of Tracking the Nebraska Kennel Club and Cornhusker Kennel Club of Lincoln, Nebraska members showed by hosting this National Tracking Invitational. Results Saturday, […]

The 2018 AKC National Tracking Invitational (NTI) was held on the grounds of the beautiful Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest located in Clermont, KY on October 6 & 7, 2018. We are happy to announce the event will air on AKC.TV on December 8th & 9th at four different showings: 12:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:00pm, and 9:00pm. […]

Spaniels are undeniably cute, with a happy and gentle personality. But did you know they are also hardy and skillful hunting companions retrieving water fowl and flushing game birds in all conditions. Spaniels competing in trials will be judged on game-finding ability, steadiness and retrieving. A spaniel’s work in the field is a compilation of […]

The merry and frolicsome Cocker Spaniel, with his big, dreamy eyes and impish personality, is one of the world’s best-loved breeds. They were developed as hunting dogs, but Cockers gained their wide popularity as all-around companions.

The sweet and sensitive Field Spaniel is famously docile, but vigorous and game for anything when at play or in the field. These close cousins to Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels may be small in number, but their charm is enormous.

- Programming to Feature Agility, Diving Dogs, & Flyball – The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for all dogs, is excited to participate in the second annual ESPN Dog Day, celebrating International Dog Day. Canine action will take over ESPN2 on August 26th from 7:00 p.m. ET-12:00 […]

The 16th annual AKC Agility Invitational took place December 17-19, 2021 in Orlando, FL in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, demonstrating the highest level of training and teamwork between dog and handler. The top five dogs in each breed received an invitation to compete in this prestigious event. Agility competition […]

National Champion Beats Out More Than 5,000 Dogs GCHG CH Lagniappe's From The Mountains To The Bayou, a Giant Schnauzer known as “Bayou” triumphed over more than 5,000 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 18-19, 2021 […]

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 […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

Competition/Titles Update Winter 2022 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 Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) AGCH MACH3 Up&Running A […]

Meet Reagan Wallace: Dog Training Is the Best Part of Her Day Name: Reagan Wallace Age: 15 Grade: 9th Hometown: Saint Peters, MO Family: Parents, Traci and Britt; brother, Hayden Reagan got her start in training from her aunt, who is active in a rescue organization. Things really took off when she got her All […]