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  [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 […]

AKC PAPERS AND IDENTIFICATION: WHAT PUPPY BUYERS NEED TO KNOW WHAT REGISTRATION MEANS The American Kennel Club is a registry body, responsible for tracking the lineage of dogs of a variety of breeds. WHAT TO EXPECT When you buy a dog represented as "AKC-registrable," you will receive an AKC Dog Registration Application, properly filled out […]

Why am I being contacted for an inspection? American Kennel Club rules provide that the AKC or its duly authorized representative shall have the right to inspect the records required to be kept and the practices that must be followed and to examine any dog registered or to be registered with the American Kennel Club.  […]

Effective for Frequently Used Sires and Foreign dogs registered on or after March 1, 2006; An AKC DNA profile must be on the dogs AKC record before registering its first litter with the AKC. This requirement does not affect foreign dogs registered with the AKC before March 1, 2006. This requirement applies to both males […]

Genetic health and traits testing combined with AKC DNA identification for a powerful breeder tool Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Offers AKC DNA Profile + over 328 markers for health and traits Helps to meet AKC registration and Breeder of Merit/Bred with H.E.A.R.T. certification requirements. Some exclusions apply. For breed-specific DNA test recommendations, click […]

Breeder Tax Options and ResponsibilitiesBreeders must be aware of all tax options and discuss them with a tax professional. Whether you owe a substantial amount or have a refund coming, start your tax planning at the beginning of each year. For many dog breeders, just like thousands of other Americans, the scramble to file taxes […]

If you are considering becoming a mentor for an aspiring breeder, first I would say congratulations and thank you for doing your part to keep all that we love growing and flourishing. Next, there are things I would like you to consider. Becoming a mentor should not be undertaken without a lot of soul-searching on […]

You've decided you'd like to show your dog -- where do you start? While there are different ways to proceed, some basic steps are important to your dog's future success and your enjoyment of the sport. First talk with the breeder of your dog. Is your dog show quality? Does the dog conform closely enough […]

A special Master Hunter Excellent (MHX) Test, hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC Performance Events Department took place on November 4-5, 2023 in Oxford, NC.  This event was the first Master Hunter Excellent test to be held and consisted of two series, one each day. The purpose of this MHX test is […]