Purebred dogs are purpose-bred dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. The characteristics that make each of these dogs unique also help them perform the function for which they were bred. The physical appearance of the dogs illustrates this, and is also an important part of the breed’s history. For example, the thick […]

By Allan Reznik   By Allan Reznik (Reprinted with permission from Dogs in Review and author Allan Reznik, from the November 2014 issue of Dogs in Review magazine. People get into a new breed for all kinds of reasons: the need to downsize, a desire for less grooming, a thirst for greater challenges, even the search […]

The 2019 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Dec. 14 and 15 had a record number of dogs in its 19th year. The competition began with 5,284 dogs each competing for best in their breed. Best in Group Best of Breed winners then advanced to compete in the group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls […]

Big dogs equal big love and loyalty. Here are the large dog breeds that earn their place at the top of the size chart. Most people will know the Great Dane but what about the lovely Leonberger? When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only one of them. The dog’s personality, activity […]

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, […]

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 […]

In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, now in Season Four, host Bud Boccone tells the tales of breeds, dogs, and personalities who’ve shaped America (and Americans) over generations. Using the American Kennel Club's historical records, archival material, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show brings dog […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club is opposed to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In solidarity with Ukrainian people, judges from the Russian Federation will not be approved to judge at AKC sanctioned events. *UPDATE: Dogs born in Russia that have been exported to other countries, with registries recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and registered in […]

Competition/Titles Update We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience and Tracking, including the second and third dogs to earn the new AKC Agility Grand Championship! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) – Two more All-Americans have earned this prestigious new title! AGCH […]

GCHG CH Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB, a Giant Schnauzer known as “Monty” triumphed over more than 5,600 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize when they were awarded Best in Show at the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 14-15, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, […]

Importance of Responsible Dog Ownership Now Recognized by 21 States New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC) applauds the state legislatures of Colorado, Delaware and Texas for recently passing AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC™) resolutions. The three states join 18 others and the U.S. Senate in recognizing the importance of responsible dog ownership, […]

The top dogs in the nation were crowned from an overall entry of 132 dogs this past weekend at the AKC Rally Champion (RACH) Invitational. Competitions were held December 11-12, 2025, in conjunction with the 25th AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The winners: AKC […]

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 […]

Click below to see titles and abbreviations for: Prefix Titles Suffix Titles Parent Club Titles Working Dog Titles Other Recognized Titles Other Title Lists: Titles Sorted by Sport Titles Sorted in Alphabetic Order   Prefix Titles Title Title Name AFC An Amateur Field Trial Champion title can be earned in either Beagle Field Trials, Pointing […]

Iredell County, NC, will be hosting an open meeting on August 25 to allow for public comment on the numerous proposed changes to the county’s animal control laws.  These proposals include the broad categorization of all dogs as solely companion animals, requirements on ear cropping, tail docking and dewclaw removal, and tethering regulations. Summary: The […]

The Iredell County Board of Commissioners is having a public hearing on October 6 regarding numerous proposed changes to the county’s animal control laws.  Several of the concerns originally mentioned by the AKC and local clubs have been addressed; however, there remains an unclear definition of “household pet”. The proposal defines a “household pet” in […]

You can use the Online Support web page to find out which platforms, browsers, cookie settings, and pop-up blocker configurations combine to give you the best AKC website experience.  If you want to contact AKC with an inquiry about something on the AKC website, you can do that through email addresses in the application. The […]

Lilly of Kirschway RAE CGCA, owned by  Jill Hubbard of Fairdale, KY, has earned the top title in AKC Rally competition – the Rally Advanced Excellent (RAE) and also has passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen-Advanced test. It all started with puppy kindergarten! Lilly is a rescued Great Pyrenees mix that joined Jill’s pack of […]

Hailey Has Plenty of Tricks Up Her Paws Baseballs, basketballs, skateboards and Frisbees – most parents invest in plenty of these items for their kids. And in Karen Profenna’s case, that includes her four-legged family member. Hailey – a little black-and-white fireball – can swing a bat, dunk a basketball, ride a skateboard and soar […]