Wondering how popular your pooch really is? Now you can find out. The most popular dog breeds of 2019 were released on May 1, 2020 (also National Purebred Dog Day) based on 2019 AKC registration statistics. It may come as no surprise that the Labrador Retriever takes the top spot for the 29th year in a row, […]

Despite or perhaps as a result of the stress and unusual health precautions Americans experienced in 2020, people focused more than ever on their pets. For the first time, pet industry sales exceeded $100 billion, according to American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2020 State of the Industry Report. This tidal wave of spending is expected […]

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 […]

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 […]

The world of dog shows, or conformation, has a unique set of language and terminology. Learn what some of the words you hear at dog shows actually mean.

Every year, the AKC publishes its list of breed rankings by popularity, based on registration statistics. While some breeds stay towards the top of the rankings, like the reigning French Bulldog, there are some rare breeds that maintain their status towards the bottom of the list. But why are some breeds considered "rare" - and […]

Short limbs and an unusually large head are signs of a medical condition called dwarfism in dogs. Learn more about dogs with dwarfism.

The biggest Conformation event of the year is here, and the results are out! See the group winners of the 2024 AKC National Championship.

As flames ricocheted throughout the Altadena, California community, Irish Water Spaniel breeder Florence Blecher knew she needed to act.

Colitis in dogs is an inflammation of the colon, which is the large bowel or large intestine. If you think your dog has colitis, here's what to know.

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 […]

Kathy Hubbard owns and handles two of the three Gordon Setters competing in this year's AKC Rally National Championships. Meet AKC Rally stars Jesse and Gibson!

BREED 2015 2014 2013 Retrievers (Labrador) 1 1 1 German Shepherd Dogs 2 2 2 Retrievers (Golden) 3 3 3 Bulldogs 4 4 5 Beagles 5 5 4 French Bulldogs 6 9 11 Yorkshire Terriers 7 6 6 Poodles 8 7 8 Rottweilers 9 10 9 Boxers 10 8 7 Pointers (German Shorthaired) 11 12 […]

The Group Winners are chosen to decide who will compete for Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship. See the group winners here.

There's a reason why the AKC divides its breeds into seven groups. That reason is a mixture of tradition and breed function. But why?

Cleo and Gwen Blake practice at Family Dog Training Center in Kent, Wash., a Seattle suburb. “Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect,” says Blake. “And we need plenty of that.” Photo courtesy Kathy Lang. For Gwen Blake, it’s back to basics every time she steps into the obedience and rally rings with her […]

Every dog, no matter the breed, can benefit from wearing a raincoat. Keeping your dog dry prevents adverse health conditions and puts their comfort first.

AKC Meet the Breeds is an excellent way to do first-hand research on different dog breeds. Here's what to ask at each breed booth.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2021 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 […]

  -- Labrador Retriever Remains America’s Most Popular Dog as  German Shepherd Makes A Move For The Top Spot -- -- Breeds That Help Keep Us Safe Dominate the Top 5 -- Photos and Coverage For the 19th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, but could this be […]

  New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce the winners of the American Kennel Club Agility League’s fall season. The AKC Agility League™ recently concluded its fifth season of competition and honored its top teams and […]

-- AKC Celebrates 125th Anniversary with a Look Back at First AKC Registered Breeds in History -- For the 18th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, according to 2008 registration statistics released today by the American Kennel Club® (AKC) But, while more than twice as many Labs were […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 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 […]

- Entries Open August 3rd- The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the second AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. This virtual conformation competition is open to all AKC recognized breeds including Miscellaneous breeds. Entries close on August 10th at 12pm ET. Heading the panel as Best in Show and […]

-Entries Open Today-  The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the third AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. This virtual conformation competition is open to all AKC recognized breeds including Miscellaneous breeds. Entries close on October 12th at 12pm ET.   Heading the panel as Best in Show and Best […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce that the AKC Agility League recently concluded its eighth season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. Team champions were named in each of the 10 divisions, including the League’s […]

The AKC Agility League recently concluded its fifth season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. Team champions were named in each of the eight divisions. The AKC Agility League is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan, YuMove and AKC Pet Insurance. The League offers three 12-week long seasons a year. Teams, composed of […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="May 2026"] AKC Agility League Spotlight: Meet a Cane Corso Making Strides in Agility Meet the Teams! 2026 AKC Agility League Championship Set for November [/accordion_panel] [/accordion] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="In the Zone - March 2026"] Building Community and Agility Skills: AKC Agility League AKC Agility League Spotlight: Meet the Chinook a True […]

The AKC Agility League recently concluded its eighth season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. Team champions were named in each of the 10 divisions, including the League’s new division of Elementary for beginner dogs. The AKC Agility League is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan, YuMove and AKC Pet Insurance. The League […]

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 […]