From puppies to senior dogs, learn how nutrition supports mobility, skin and coat health, and overall wellness throughout life.

Curious about Portuguese Water Dogs? Discover key facts about their history, temperament, care needs, and what makes this breed special.

Season 12 - Winter Season 2026 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top 3 Teams Champion – WestRover’s Speed Squad – Alabama Reserve Champion – Let’s Play TAG – North Carolina Third – Rock City Jumpers – Arkansas Individual Dog Placements 8-Inch Regular 1st – Driver, Papillon, WestRover’s Speed Squad 2nd – Gigi, Poodle, Free For All 3rd – Mabel, […]

Some dog breeds are great with locating big or small game, some can flush it for you, and others retrieve it. Learn which hunting breed may be best for you.

Just as we have social etiquette for meeting new people, dogs have rules for greetings too. Learn how to greet strange dogs safely and politely.

For Karen Rowan, a lifelong love of dogs became a decades-long commitment to one breed in particular: the Dalmatian. Alongside her husband, Paul, Rowan has spent more than 30 years developing Gaelic Dalmatians in North Carolina. Their program reflects careful planning, respect for the breed’s history and purpose, and a deep commitment to responsible breeding. […]

AKC Public Education offers brochures and other resources that contain a wealth of information for current and prospective dog owners. Volunteer Insurance for your club Equisure [accordion] [accordion_panel title="PEC Kits"] AKC Public Education provides the following resources in a kit that can be ordered for your next event. The following resources are included: Welcome to […]

Bathing your puppy can be tricky, especially for new owners. Taking the process step by step will help to train your puppy to better tolerate bathtime.

When your dog eats something that they are not supposed to, you may think: "how do I make my dog throw up?" Here is what to know to make a dog throw up.

Bringing a dog into your life is a decision that requires careful consideration, regardless of whether or not you're a first-time dog owner. With so many breeds to choose from, the amount of options alone can be overwhelming. If you're a seasoned dog owner with experience in competing in dog sports, or live an especially […]

These Pembroke Welsh Corgis have touched the lives of not only their devoted owners, but also online fans after going viral.

Airedale Terriers used to be one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are incredibly versatile and intelligent, and they love to be part of a family. Here are some more interesting facts about the Airedale Terrier: 1. They Were Originally Used to Hunt Rats The Airedale Terrier originated in the […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adjunct Approval (April 1994 Board meeting)"] When a new breed becomes eligible for championship competition, there is one six-month window of opportunity for judges to submit applications under the adjunct system. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Household Judges (July 2000 Board meeting)"] A household member of a Board member may submit a judging application […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="American Field Irish Setters (October 1975 Board meeting)"]  Based upon a request from the Irish Setter Club of America, AKC discontinued the registration of Irish Setters based upon pedigrees from the American Field Dog Stud Book. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Auction Policy (July 2003 Board meeting)"]  The Board reviewed its policy on Auctions, considering the […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Inside the Discussion: Comparing Multiple Approaches to Detection Dog Breeding and Training May 19, 2026 The AKC Detection Dog Task Force recently hosted a lively webinar featuring Tim Baird, Bart Rogers, and Stacey West, moderated by Sheila Goffe, on the many approaches to breeding, raising, and training future detection dogs. One […]

The spotlight shines on a dog representing a breed not seen in agility often – the Cane Corso, a mastiff breed that originated in Italy. Bjorn defies expectations, effortlessly jumping 24-inches and helping his Regulation Freshman win the Winter Season Reserve Championship! He is athletic and loves to please his owner Destanee, who is a […]

  [caption id="attachment_207615" align="aligncenter" width="577"] 2025 National Art Contest Winners[/caption] The AKC National Art Contest encourages young artists to celebrate their love of dogs through creative expression. Youth ages 5-18 are invited to submit unique artwork that adheres to the guidelines below. The 2026 contest opens on May 5, 2026, and closes on September 29, […]

When a pup’s age is still counted in weeks, they'd be lucky to get much farther than the front door. But in 1954, a 6-week-old black-and-tan puppy from the sub­urbs of Sydney made a 7,500-mile journey on Qantas Empire Airways to his new home in La Crescenta, California. His name was "Sir Boomerang," and he […]

Osteoarthritis is a common problem in dogs, particularly in seniors and large breeds. Here are the best ways to manage your dog's osteoarthritis.

Experiencing the Death of a Dog The death of a dog can affect people in the same way that losing a family member or close friend would. For those who've experienced the loss of a dog, the American Kennel Club makes the following suggestions: Grief should be expressed freely so the healing process can begin. […]

(updated 6/1/26 ) 5/11/2026 From the May Board Meeting - one new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Lucas Terrier. 4/13/2026 From the April Board Meeting - three new breeds was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Silken Windhound, Saarloos Wolfhond, Old Danish Pointer. 1/12/26 The Peruvian Inca Orchid […]

Trazodone is a medication used to treat depression in people, but your veterinarian may suggest Trazodone for dogs to help with behavioral issues.

Why do dogs sniff your crotch? Learn how sniffing crotches is a dog's way of learning about people, as well as how to redirect these this behavior.

Is your dog stealing food off the counter? Learn why dogs counter surf and how to curb the habit with smart training tips.

Window barking is annoying for you and frustrating for your dog. Learn why dogs do it, how to manage it, and how to get dogs to stop barking at the window.

The right dog collar isn't just a fashion choice; it should be safe, secure, and comfortable. So what goes into choosing the right dog collar?

Learn how to calculate dog years into human years with this helpful chart, and find out how researchers came up with the numbers.

Celebrating the diversity of our dog sports community is part of helping our sports to thrive, including the AKC LGBTQ community.

LGBTQIA+ dog owners have always been part of AKC dog sports. For some, the dog world has been a supportive haven, while for others, it has been more challenging.

As a child, Dresden Graff remembers being terrified. First, there was the fear that loomed over him in Baptist school: What if I'm gay? What will my parents think if they find out? Then, there was the scarier question: How would my parents handle me coming out as transgender? Coming into his own identity as a teen was […]