Merrick, a 4-year-old black Labrador Retriever, works as guide dog for a blind man. But his career as a savior started when he was just a tiny pup. Lorraine Trapani, the volunteer puppy raiser who took 11-week-old Merrick under her wing in 2011, says that this tiny bundle of black hair, high spirits, and energy […]

It was the last blast of summer sunset gathering of the French Bulldog NYC Meetup group. Sophie, 5 months old, was determined to make the most of it. First, there was some serious rough-and-tumble with her pal, a Bernese Mountain Dog who was born just one day after Sophie in April. Then she was off, […]

Breed 2018 Rank 2017 Rank 2016 Rank 2015 Rank 2014 Rank Labrador Retrievers 1 1 1 1 1 German Shepherd Dogs 2 2 2 2 2 Golden Retrievers 3 3 3 3 3 French Bulldogs 4 4 6 6 9 Bulldogs 5 5 4 4 4 Beagles 6 6 5 5 5 Poodles 7 7 […]

Monday, July 15, 2019 On Monday, July 22nd, two bills of concern will be reviewed by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.  Those who reside in Massachusetts are strongly encouraged to contact the committee to express concerns with these bills, which would significantly impact dog trainers and consumer protection. Summary: SB […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners reports the following: On March 24, 2004, H4537 was voted out of the Steering Committee and sent to the House floor listed with low priority, not requiring a vote for approval. Rep. James Eldridge (D, Acton) blocked it so the next […]

The Massachusetts Joint Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee (JCPPL) has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, June 26, 2023, from 1pm to 4pm, and will accept comments on a bill of concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC). REGULATION OF GROOMERS HB 310 would require anyone who grooms a pet for money to pass […]

  Breeders Honored at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Winifred Stout of Foster, Rhode Island was presented with the 2013 AKC Breeder of the Year Award for her Quissex Smooth Fox Terriers at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Sunday, December 15, 2013.  The annual award recognizes the hard work and commitment of breeders dedicated to improving the […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2018 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16, 2018. The 2018 event will showcase the top national and international canine athletes and will also […]

What’s New from AKC Government Relations September means the end of summer, going back to school, and for some states it also signifies the convening of legislative sessions after summer breaks, and a final push on bills before the end of the year.  We encourage you to continue to keep an eye on our Legislative […]

Each of the AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. Current as of June 17, 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Herding Group"] HERDING GROUP The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. […]