We welcome all breeds, including All-American Dogs, to enroll in the AKC PupPals Program. Our goal is to have each breed represented. This allows us to fulfill special requests from children seeking a specific breed. It also allows us to introduce these wonderful, and sometimes rare, breeds to children. We are especially in need of […]

At AKC shows, dogs are organized into 7 groups: Hound, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Learn about what makes each group unique.

Whether you are just entering the world of purebred dogs or have been a breeder, exhibitor and participant for many decades, joining your local and national dog club is hugely beneficial. You will derive different benefits from different organizations but all will contribute to your ongoing education in the sport. Your Local All-Breed Kennel Club […]

When Caroline Myers moved from New York City to Nashville a few years ago, meeting new people was a priority. "As a military spouse, moving to a new location is always a challenge," the 26-year-old social worker explains. Little did she know that Riley Tucker Myers, her Labrador Retriever, would play a major role in […]

In many ways, our dogs are walking noses. Sniffing is how they make sense of the world, so activities that incorporate their sense of smell are a sure-fire way to make them happy. There are many types of nose work for dogs, from scent work with different organizations to various sports like tracking, Earthdog, or […]

Halloween can be a fun time for children and families. But for dogs, it can be a nightmare. Here's what you can do to prevent a night of frights. Candy is not for dogs. All forms of chocolate—especially baking or dark chocolate—can be dangerous, and even lethal. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, […]

It’s the time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day. Whether you're going to a small, intimate gathering, or a larger party, there is bound to be a variety of foods, drinks, and, of course, fireworks throughout the day. While this sounds like fun to most people, your dog may have […]

Education is paramount to the AKC’s mission. Through education, we preserve history, stay relevant to the needs of today’s dog owners and fanciers, and invest in the future health and well-being of dogs, dog sports, and the human-canine relationship. The AKC recognizes and appreciates the enormous contributions that Parent and All-Breed Clubs give to the […]

The following are the group designations that the current FSS breeds have been assigned. There are currently 83 breeds in the FSS program.  (Revised 7/27/23) Sporting Group - 15 breeds Braque du Bourbonnais Braque Francais Pyrenean Braque St. Germain Deutscher Wachtelhund Drentsche Patrijshond French Spaniel German Longhaired Pointer Large Munsterlander Pont-Audemer Spaniel Portuguese Pointer Pudelpointer […]

As of July 13, 2009, the AKC Board of Directors approved the eligibility of Foundation Stock breeds that meet the below criteria may compete in AKC Companion Events; this will be effective January 1, 2010. Dogs with three-generation pedigrees recorded in FSS® Breed Standard has been submitted As of February 9, 2007, the AKC Board […]