Ensuring that the AKC has a solid financial foundation in order to achieve our mission and fund important new programs--both now and in the future--is integral to the continuation of our organization and sport. This is a fundamental responsibility of the Board of Directors.  The Board has adopted a policy that it will evaluate all […]

Hailey and her owner New York resident Karen Profenna were a wonderful team and not only were successful  in dog sport competitions, but also brought cheer to thousands through their therapy dog work. Hailey’s achievements included winning the top scoring All-American Dog at this year’s Westminster Master Agility Championship. The Beagle- Boston Terrier mix also […]

Vermont resident Haley Bouchard was just 13 when she and her dog Willow entered the AKC Agility ring in 2011 – one year after the launch of the AKC Canine Partners program. “Their first few years in competition were tough. There are lots of 15 second videos of Willow running out of the ring,” said […]

This training tip is brought to us by Brian Burton, a co-founder of Instinct Dog Behavior & Training LLC in New York City. He’s currently a master’s candidate in Animal Behavior at Hunter College (CUNY) and is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Brian’s rescue mixed-breed dog, Sammy, is […]

Drafting and carting are sports that are open to all breeds of dogs, including mixed-breeds, by several national breed clubs. Pulling carts to help transport items was a task that many dogs were – and still are – trained to do to help around farms. Dogs like to pull – and this gives them an acceptable […]

THE FOLLOWING DOGS HAVE EARNED VCD TITLES ON THE DATES LISTED BELOW: 8/20/2017 VCCH Webshire's Three Point Shot UDX3 PCDX OM4 BN GN GO MXS MJSRET-GOLD. Owned by: Susan Ruth Oviatt-Harris of CASTLE ROCK, CO. 1/7/2017 VCD1 CH Rolyart's Go Out On A Limb VCD1 BN RM RAE OJP RATO CGC TKISPAN-WELSPR. Owned by: Merrielle Turnbull/Shelley Traylor/Cindy Ford […]

Humans aren’t the only members of the workforce!  The American Kennel Club (AKC®) celebrates the evolution of our canine coworkers – what jobs they were originally bred to perform and what work you can see them doing now.  Dogs go above and beyond each and every day, not only as beloved family pets, but as […]

Dogs use their noses to get most of their information about the environment. With a sense of smell somewhere between 10,000 and 100,000 times more acute than ours, they experience the world with their noses as naturally as we humans use our eyes. And, as any dog owner knows, sniffing is one of their favorite […]

A respected breeder-exhibitor suddenly loses her partner and decides to place a few dogs. It isn't urgent, but a priority, as she makes some important changes in learning to live alone and care for her dogs single-handedly. A friend who is active in rescue offers to help her find suitable new owners. A few months […]

If you're a musician, there's the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. If you're an actor, there are the Oscars. And if you're a dog breeder, the maraschino cherry atop a lifetime of hard work is to be named an American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year. After all, anyone can have a one-hit wonder, […]

They call themselves "The Joy Team," but when you see the Rogers girls at a dog show venue, you know it's all about commitment, competition, and character. And that's exactly what the audience will get with Sophia, 19; Emma and Faith, 13; and Julia, 9, at The National Dog Show presented by Purina on Nov. […]

The best things come in small packages, as anyone with a small dog can tell you. Whether your dog is a little whirlwind like the Brussels Griffon, feisty like the Miniature Schnauzer, or as gentle as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, he deserves toys, treats, and gear made just for his diminutive size. Little Cuddler […]

'Tis the season for giving (and going to) lots of holiday parties and dinners. Whether you're the host or the guest, these are the kinds of gifts that every dog lover will appreciate. Stock up, so you're ready for that last-minute invitation and for your own holiday celebrations. Wine Glasses Some guests bring the wine, […]

If you need a few little somethings for your dog-loving friends and family, our stocking stuffers cover everyone on your list. Choose from apparel, home goods, and more for small gifts that bring lots of good cheer. Ornaments Christmas trees shine a little bit brighter with these dog breed ornaments. These festive seasonal accessories make […]

For the men in your life who are dog lovers, we've got all the gifts you need. Whether he's an outdoor guy or a sit-by-the-fire kind of guy, you can choose from shirts and jackets, hats, and even dog breed wine glasses and other useful home goods. After all, love him, love his dog. Dog […]

Jewelry for Dog Lovers Some of the best gifts come in small packages. And who doesn't love jewelry? Our breed-specific charms, pendants, and pins will wow the dog lovers in your life; they're beautifully rendered, high quality, and show how thoughtful you are. You can browse our jewelry collection or see our top sellers below: […]

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Houston’s top spot in the 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the #1 pup in the country, along with multiple cities including Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Denver to name a few. The French Bulldog jumped two spots […]

Even though we give our dog a name, many times we also give them a nickname, as well. "Sammy" gets shortened to "Sam," for example. Similarly, Labrador Retrievers are often called Labs, just as Golden Retrievers are called "Goldens." But did you know that some breeds have special nicknames? These nicknames were crafted especially for […]

On October 1, the AKC rolled out Scent Work, a new titling event open to all dogs. Before the AKC introduces a new sport, staff methodically evaluates, adapts, and develops the event. The process can take several months, sometimes years. Stephanie Kennerley is Sports and Events Projects coordinator. Her department creates and implements new AKC sports […]

It’s National Dog Week! You have a right to be skeptical of these “national weeks.” It seems like every Monday brings the start of another national something week: National Kumquat Week, National Duct Tape Week, National Braunschweiger Week, and who knows what else. Mostly, PR flunkies of limited imagination concoct these faux celebrations because they […]

The annual AKC Breeder of the Year award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs. This year, Helyne E. Medeiros was presented with the 2017 AKC Breeder of the Year award for her Seasyde Pointers at the […]

Every year in conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin the general public is given the exciting opportunity to meet (and more importantly, play with!) over 100 different dog breeds at AKC Meet the Breeds. Attendees get the opportunity to learn about the different breeds and find out which dog might be […]

Each year, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the men and women who dedicate their lives to improving the health, temperament, and quality of purebred dogs. These breeders are the heart of our organizations and they deserve to be recognized for their incredible work. One breeder is chosen from each of the seven groups […]

Not everyone enjoys cleaning up copious amounts of dog hair. If you are looking for a small dog with equally small amounts of shedding hair, you are in luck. From small dogs that don't shed at all, to dogs who shed minimally, here are the dog breeds you need to know about to help you […]

Congratulations to our newest provisional Agility judges that just completed the 2014 New Judges' Seminar! For clubs looking for agility judges for upcoming trials, these judges are eligible for Novice and Open assignments. AKC 2014 New Judge’s Seminar (Broken Arrow, OK) New Provisional Judges Judge Name City State Email Brest, Arthur Grants Pass OR art.brest@gmail.com Chamberlain, Jan Lemon […]

It’s not primarily about the ribbons and titles but about forging a closer, more fulfilling bond between dog and owner. But let’s face it: After all that time and effort, adding an official title to your dog’s name can be awfully satisfying. Let’s take a look at the latest ways the AKC has enabled you […]

Priscilla Hill-Wampler points the way as Teddy clears a hurdle at the Masters Agility at Westminster in New York City. Photo by Kerrin Winter Churchill, Westminster Kennel Club. Priscilla Hill-Wampler’s life has been accented with twists and turns since age two, and she’s comfortable with that. A world-class figure skater and coach for several decades, […]

Below are some frequently asked questions about finding information on the new AKC.org website. If you have a moment, we encourage you to read the step-by-step instructions or watch the video to familiarize yourself with the structure of the new site to help you during future visits. Select your device: Desktop Instructions Mobile Instructions Full Video Webinar […]

Below are some frequently asked questions about finding information on the new AKC.org website. If you have a moment, we encourage you to read the step-by-step instructions or watch the video to familiarize yourself with the structure of the new site to help you during future visits. Select your device: Desktop Instructions Mobile Instructions Full Video Webinar […]

Learning Objectives Students will write an argument using clear reasons and evidence to support their claim.   Grade Levels 6-8   Common Core Standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.   Materials Needed Articles from Family Dog Magazine July/August 2017 May/June 2017 January/February 2017 ACE Award Information Here AKC website […]