Beth Kirven of West Columbia, South Carolina, has always had Sporting dogs — her first dog as an adult was an English Cocker. But once she married and had children, she decided to ditch the grooming and go for some smooth operators: namely, Pointers, acquiring her first from the late Susan Thompson of Solivia Pointers […]

Competition & Title Updates  We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, and Tracking, including another Champion Tracker! Agility AGCH Congratulations to this dog for earning the Agility Grand Champion title: AGCH MACH3 Tuckman Of San Francisco MXC PDS MJB2 […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Master Agility Championships (MACH)  Congratulations to these dogs who have earned more […]

Canine Partners Spotlight: Abandoned Pup Grows Up to Perform Heroic Act Zoee started life as an unwanted puppy, left by a Minnesota road with her littermates. Good Samaritans rescued the pups, and Zoee went to a foster home with the hopes of eventually becoming a service dog. Even though that career was not for Zoee, […]

AKC National Detection Dog Conference Returns to Durham, NC August 14, 2026 The American Kennel Club’s National Detection Dog Conference returned to Durham, North Carolina, August 4–6, 2026. The conference brought together researchers, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, law enforcement professionals, and industry experts to discuss advancements and challenges across the detection dog field. Pre-conference activities began […]

The AKC Rules for Retriever Trials state that the word "Retriever" includes the several breeds of Retrievers and/or Irish Water Spaniels. Continuing, it says that field-trial clubs formed to improve any one of the several Retriever breeds may hold field-trial stakes in which one or more of the Retriever breeds may compete. The organization of […]

This is the Trial Secretary/Superintendents page for Companion Events! We are pleased to offer this page as a resource to all Trial Secretaries, Superintendents, and Trial Committees. Here you can find the most up to date information on new regulations and proper procedures. We will post announcements and other information regarding AKC regulations on this […]

Somehow, it’s difficult to equate the endearing, low-key Basset Hound with speed. But Angelique, a 4-year-old, 34-pounder has defied expectations and has been on a fast pace since December 2020 at the American Kennel Club’s inaugural Fastest Dogs USA in Orlando, Florida. The Fast CAT competition, where dogs chase a lure in a 100-yard dash, […]

Dogs dancing were depicted in ancient pottery, and vaudeville-era included musical numbers with dogs. Modern musical freestyle dates back to the '80s, helped by "heelwork to music" displays at Crufts. Dogs of any breed capable of learning obedience and tricks can ultimately learn musical freestyle. In 2013, Zandra Brown took in a 5 1/2 –year-old […]

We found Molly in a newspaper ad in Ohio; her mom was a Collie and her dad was an Australian Shepherd. I've had dogs all my life as just pets. Our vet suggested puppy classes and that led to obedience classes. She passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen test at just 6 months old that […]