If you're looking for the perfect at-home companion, consider the Shih Tzu. This loving, playful, and outgoing breed is known for being good with kids.

Although their precise origins are unknown, the Shih Tzu undoubtedly descended from lion-like Tibetan holy dogs and has existed for centuries.

Thousands of dogs compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show. Check out some statistics on the breeds and groups who've taken the trophy.

Through the years, many different breeds have won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, including the 2024 winner, "Sage" the Miniature Poodle.

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

Although dogs don't get hemorrhoids, they can have problems with their anus and rectum, just like people can. Learn what signs to watch for.

Spring is here, and warm weather can bring about hazards and new behaviors. Learn what to look for and how to prepare your dog.

Did you know these facts about the Shih Tzu dog breed? Learn more about this Asian breed that makes an excellent companion from the AKC Toy Group.

You’ve made the decision to welcome a new dog into your family. Now comes the fun part – finding the perfect dog. There’s a lot to consider. Before you commit, ask yourself these five questions. What’s Your Schedule? Think about your lifestyle. Do you work long hours? Struggle to get out the door in the […]

Adding a puppy to your family is a big decision that comes with lots of preparation. An interview with your prospective pup's breeder is a big part of that.

As told to the AKC by Cindy Lutian. Cindy is an instructor at Canine Star Training Academy, where she teaches CGC and Rally. Currently, she owns five Pekingese who compete in CAT, Fast CAT, Rally, and more. Her dog Buster was the first-ever Pekingese to be invited to the AKC Fast CAT Invitational. *** When I came […]

As the fastest Dachshund in the nation, Nugget was invited to compete in Fastest Dog USA. The event will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 12 p.m. ET on December 25. Owner Anne Rosenberg shares Nugget's journey to becoming the speediest of his breed. As a child, I had a Beagle named Peanuts. Then, after I […]

Warmer weather typically means spending more time outdoors with your dog. These grooming tips will help keep your dog feeling cool and comfortable. As a bonus, they'll also enhance the relationship you have with your pet. “Grooming is one of nature’s strongest ways of bonding,” says Jorge Bendersky, a certified master groomer and best-selling author. “It’s […]

Ten years ago, the GPS in your car was a dash-mounted brick that might just steer you into a detention pond, but now directional navigation consists of a soothing voice providing real-time traffic updates and restaurant recommendations. The tech in human gadgets has improved dramatically, and GPS gear for man's best friend has followed suit. […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025. The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

Papillon Learn about Papillons [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] PapAdopters & Placement Service Phone: 248-231-5076 Email: info@papadopters.com Papillon Haven Rescue phone: 501-865-4442 (central time), fax: 501-865-4600 (central time) Email: jorolan@catc.net or jorolan2@yahoo.com Papillon Pals Rescue phone: 904-477-6829 - Tami Steinle Email: papillonpals@comcast.net  [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] Parson Russell Terrier Learn about Parson Russell Terriers [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rescue Organizations"] Parson Russell Terrier […]

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  4/1/25, last updated 4/15/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

[accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2025"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2024. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link Review & FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies & Guidelines […]

Each of the AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. Current as of June 17, 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Herding Group"] HERDING GROUP The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. […]

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="News"] AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations Basset Fauve de Bretagne & Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka to join Hound & Toy Groups Effective, January 1, 2026 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier to join Terrier Group Effective, December 31, 2025 [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Rules, Policies & Procedures"] Judging Approval Process - effective January 1, 2018, amended […]

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 […]