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 […]

The Poodle, recognized by the AKC in 1887, did not make the top ten breeds until the 1950s, when it ranked number seven. This glamorous show dog and companion strutted into the number-one position in the 1960s and would become the first breed to hold the number-one crown for two consecutive decades. German Shepherd Dogs, […]

The only breed to rank in the top ten breeds every decade since the founding of the American Kennel Club became the nation’s top breed in the 1950s—the Beagle. Not coincidentally, Charles Schultz’s pet Beagle, Snoopy, made his illustrious first appearance in national newspapers on October 4, 1950, and swiftly became a pop phenomenon. The […]

What tugs at our hearts more than an adorable Chihuahua peeking out of Reese Witherspoon’s purse in the movie Legally Blonde? Perhaps it is the sight of puppies glee­ fully romping through scenes in 101 Dalmatians, or the exploits of Otis, the endearing Pug, in The Adventures of Milo and Otis. Dogs occupy a treasured […]

Your dog counts on you for protection, so it's important you act as their advocate. Don't be afraid to speak up and put your dog's comfort first.

An event such as the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin offers an amazing opportunity to meet the many breeds competing in the ring. This year, the AKC Meet the Breeds individual booths represented more than 100 breeds. Like every breed, and, in fact, every dog, every booth is truly unique. Each breed club […]

Saturday’s Judging Panels View Saturday’s judging panels for the all-breed show and specialty judging by breed. All-Breed Panel Specialty PanelsAfghan HoundChihuahuaDoberman PinscherLabrador RetrieverXoloitzcuintli

2017 AKC Scholarship Recipient Samantha Van Buren I am currently attending the University of Minnesota. I am studying environmental studies and animal science. I plan to pursue a career in these fields. I also plan to stay involved with AKC dog events, as it is my passion and I think I can contribute positively to […]

Watch this great canine freestyle performance by junior handler and 4-H member Claire Wilcox of Wichita Falls, TX, and her Chihuahua mix, Shadow. Canine freestyle is also known as "dancing with your dog" and requires off-leash control, obedience training and tricks. Shadow is a member of the AKC Canine Partners program for all dogs, including […]

MACH Laws' Sandy MXB MJB owned by Nelda and Vern Laws of Haverhill, MA Sandy is an 8-year-old Chihuahua mix. Nelda met her in 2012 while volunteering at the MSPCA at Nevins’ Farm and Equine Center in Methuen, MA where she helps both house and farm animals. Only the day before she and Vern had […]