***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Farm Dog Title Application! Submit your application now here. Your dog responds well to commands at home and in public, but how would he respond in a farm environment? There’s an easy way to find out: Sign him up for a Farm Dog Certified test. […]

Think your dog is an A+ student? Are your friends and family jealous with how well you’ve trained your dog? Then you might want to take things to a new level by participating in Obedience competitions (known as "trials"). Developed in the 1930s, Obedience is one of the AKC’s oldest sporting events, and it's open […]

Obedience training may just be the best gift you can give yourself, your family, and your pet. It teaches your dog appropriate social behavior with both people and animals; helps correct annoying behaviors like jumping, digging, barking, and chewing; and keeps your dog entertained and happy. A win-win all around! When to Start Training The […]

2026 Annual AKC Trick Dog Competition It’s that time again!  We are pleased to announce the 2026 virtual AKC Trick Dog Competition. ENTRIES OPEN: Saturday, August 1, 2026 DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES:  Thursday, October 1, 2026 RULES for ADULT HANDLERS (U.S.) (click for rules) RULES for JUNIOR HANDLERS (U.S.) (click for rules) RULES for INTERNATIONAL HANDLERS (click for rules)   […]

You and your dog are a team. You do almost everything together – take walks, eat, veg out, even sleep together. So think of the fun you’d have showing off what a great team you are at an AKC Rally® event! AKC Rally® is one of the newest AKC sports and participation increases every year. […]

“A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” -- Colin Powell There are many reasons to put in the time and resources necessary to earn recognition of your dog’s abilities: You might do it to show off their superior abilities; or you might do it for the personal satisfaction that […]

If you have a small terrier or a Dachshund, you’ve undoubtedly already discovered their penchant to dig, stick their face underground, and emerge with something in his mouth, be it a mouse, a squirrel or some other creature. After you stop screaming in fright, your first instinct might be to reprimand him for catching that […]

Tracking Resources Tracking FAQ Tracking History Announcements for AKC Tracking Events (PDF) Trial Secretaries/Superintendents/Trial Committees A Beginners Guide To Companion Events (PDF) FSS Breeds in Companion Events Junior Handlers in Companion Events Rules and Regulations Tracking Test Manual (PDF) Training Resources VCD Links Contact Tracking Department General Sports Resources Find an Event Club Search and […]

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 […]

The purpose of non-competitive Earthdog tests is to offer breeders and owners of small Terriers and Dachshunds a standardized gauge to measure their dogs' natural aptitude and trained hunting and working behaviors when exposed to an underground hunting situation. The noncompetitive program begins with a basic introduction to den work and quarry and progresses through […]

Most people know a Basset Hound’s distinct look—soulful but droopy eyes, long, floppy ears, and a low-to-the-ground body that moves at a snail’s pace. What you might not know is that they’re also quite stubborn and possess superior scenting abilities – both of which make them incredible hunters! In fact, their innate ability to hunt is […]

You work hard to teach your dog good manners. There’s one area, though, where you probably won’t have much success: Asking them to “stop being so nosey!” It won’t work because your dog's keen sense of smell – which is 100,000 times stronger than humans – makes him naturally “nosey,” and thus innately ideal for […]

New York Headquarters Over 75 employees work at AKC's headquarters at 101 Park Avenue, about one block from Grand Central Terminal. The New York office is home to the President/CEO, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Secretary, as well as the Club Relations, Communications, Finance, Legal, Marketing, and Publications' staff. The office also houses the AKC […]

Our Beginnings On September 17, 1884, a group of twelve dedicated sportsmen, responding to a "meeting call" from Messrs. J. M. Taylor and Elliot Smith, met in the rooms of the Philadelphia Kennel Club in that city. Each member of the group was a representative or "delegate" from a dog club that had, in the […]

Bringing Dog Lovers Together Since 1884 For 140 years, the American Kennel Club has been the country’s leading authority on all things dogs, acting as the premier resource for dog lovers, from the fancier to the everyday pet owner. Along with our affiliated organizations, we encourage dogs as family companions; advance canine health and well-being; […]

AKC Canine Ambassador Program is a network of volunteers made up of local AKC-affiliated club members and experienced dog handlers who present to children and the community. Approved Canine Ambassadors educate the public about topics such as purebred dogs, safety around dogs, AKC dog sports and events, and responsible dog ownership. Canine Ambassadors may visit […]

Here’s everything you’ll need prior to joining the Breeder of Merit program:  Have a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events  Can demonstrate a commitment to individually registering 100 percent of the puppies you’ve bred Have earned either AKC Conformation, Performance, or Companion event titles on at least four dogs from AKC […]

Most dogs recover from spay or neuter surgery in 10 to 14 days. Learn recovery timelines, aftercare essentials, and signs of complications.

Help your dog become a well-mannered city companion with training tips for busy streets, public spaces, and everyday urban challenges.

The right dog gate can help keep your dog safe while protecting your home. Here's what to know about gate types, sizing, and materials.

Ashley Carpenter is All-American Dog "Willow's" fourth owner. Not giving up on her changed both of their lives for the better.

From its distinctive curly coat to its history as one of the oldest spaniel breeds, here's what makes the Irish Water Spaniel truly unique.

Sometimes after a marathon house cleaning, I flop down on the couch and holler, “Nobody move.” Try as I might, the floors and furniture only stay clean-clean for about five minutes. That’s life with dogs—especially rough-and-tumble mountain dogs who track all manner of gunk into the house. I may never completely achieve long lasting clean, […]

In the article “Why You Should Get the AKC Pet Insurance 30-Day Certificate” featured in the July issue, you heard a real-life story that demonstrated just how beneficial sending your puppies home with insurance can be in the event of an emergency. Thankfully, emergency situations are few and far between; but as we all know, […]

Even if your dog isn't a big shedder, it is still important to brush and groom them regularly, but how often you groom depends on their coat.

There's a lot of information out there about how to train a dog. You can teach your pet just about anything, using a variety of methods, but there are plenty of mistakes owners make when training their canine companions. These missteps are super common and can have a big impact on whether or not your […]

Love the look of wolves? Explore 10 dog breeds with wolf-like features and find out what makes each breed unique.

Seborrhea in dogs can cause flaking skin, oily skin and coat, and odor. Learn to recognize and treat this skin condition.

Can dogs swim safely? Learn how to use life jackets, prevent water intoxication, and keep your dog safe while boating.

  New York, NY – For the past 125 years, the American Kennel Club® has been the nation's premier advocate for dogs and the people who love them. The AKC's Board of Directors has voted unanimously to proceed with a program for mixed breed dogs which will allow it to act even more broadly and […]