The AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show honors went to GCHB CH Rolyart's Navigator @ Painted Sky Farms, a Welsh Springer Spaniel known affectionately as “Captain” owned and handled by Sharon Sherwood and bred by Cindy Ford and Shelley Traylor. The 2021 NOHS Finals Best in Show winner was crowned by judge […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and advocate for all dogs, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 Junior Versatility Scholarships. The scholarships are generously offered by Carolyn and Gary Koch and the AKC Juniors Department. The AKC awarded the AKC Junior Versatility Scholarships to the top five […]

National Champion is First Toy Group Winner in the History of the Show GCH CH Pequest Wasabi, a Pekingese known as “Wasabi” triumphed over more than 5,200 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 14-15, 2019 in […]

Many breeders require anyone who purchases one of their dogs to sign a contract. To some buyers, especially first timers, a contract may feel invasive; they might think that for the money they spend, they should have total control over what they do with their puppy. Explain to buyers that your contract is meant to […]

Do you or a member of your family suffer from allergies when around dogs? Perhaps you sneeze, get itchy or watery eyes, hives on your skin, or even more serious respiratory issues. If you are a dog lover, you may have avoided owning one because of this problem, especially if the allergy symptoms are extreme. […]

The Berger Picard hit the big screen in "Because of Winn-Dixie" but this French herding dog's history goes back way further.

There just seems to be no stopping the Labrador Retriever! For a record 29th year (2019), the versatile sporting breed reigns supreme on the American Kennel Club registry list, a run like no other breed has seen in the record books. Changes in the top ten Little changed in the top ten standings from 2018. Following […]

Many of us originally selected our breeds based on general appearance, compatible temperament, and acceptable grooming and exercise requirements. While we each remain staunchly faithful to our breeds of choice, the time may come when downsizing, for whatever reason, becomes a desired option. Perhaps it’s a move to smaller living space or the inability to […]

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.

From our partners at realtor.com Quick quiz: Do you... A. Actually enjoy being woken up each morning with a wet nose in your face? B. Walk around chatting with your dog and don't feel embarrassed? C. Have on your Galaxy S7 dozens of pictures of Humbert the Harrier, but none of your spouse, parents, or […]

  Looking at these ragamuffin little dogs, you have to ask yourself, why on earth would anyone consider a Löwchen? They have a funny clip, which certainly defines the breed and which we, as breeders, love—but to the general public who keep them in a typical puppy clip, they really don’t look like what people […]

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 […]

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

AKC’s Herding program offers both tests and trials. The herding test is offered in a non-competitive pass/fail format as an Instinct Test, Herding Test, and Pre-Trial test. All are conducted within a fenced arena and includes the use of livestock such as ducks, sheep, or cattle. During a test, a dog must demonstrate the ability […]

All dogs 9 months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Herding Events. Effective January 1, 2011 all dogs 6 months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Herding Instinct Tests. AKC Recognized Breeds Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Bearded Collie Beauceron Belgian […]