Header photo courtesy of Nancy Bishop, AKC Breeder of Merit The decision to get a puppy is a big one. First, there's deciding what kind of puppy you want, choosing a breed, and then, finding a reputable and professional breeder to ensure you are getting the dog of your dreams. And finding the right breeder […]

In the 1700s, an ancient German breed, the Pinscher, contributed its genes to a new breed of small pinscher, which evolved into today’s Miniature Pinscher. Two centuries later, the Min Pin returned the favor and, with the assistance of a single brave and dedicated breeder named Werner Jung, saved the German Pinscher from extinction. The […]

Did you miss any of the camera-ready canines who lit up the screen during Sunday's big game? From avocados to beer, this year's Super Bowl ads certainly seemed targeted at dog lovers. Check out some of the four-legged stars from the dog Super Bowl commercials and see if you recognize their breeds. Afghan Hound - […]

If you want to become one of the many millennials who have made dogs a part of their household, here are some breeds that you may want to consider.

The 2021 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Dec. 18 and 19 hosted more than 5,000 dogs who all competed for the coveted title of Best in Show. The competition began with each dog competing for best in their breed. Best of Breed winners then advanced to compete in the group competitions to […]

Following two nights of challenging competition, GCHP CH Belle Creek's All I Care About Is Love, a Bichon Frise known as "Flynn," has been awarded the coveted Best in Show title at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® at Madison Square Garden in New York on Feb. 13. The decision was made by […]

So, you want a dog but you seem to have an allergy attack whenever you're around one? You're not alone! It's estimated that 10 and 20% of people are allergic to cats and dogs, causing many prospective puppy owners to wonder which dogs are hypoallergenic. Spoiler alert: none of them are. That's right: no dog […]

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  3/12/26, last updated 3/13/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2016 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “We are proud to honor some of the nation’s finest breeders with this award,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “The dogs that […]

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 […]