The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

How to tease with a toy/towel Examples of exaggerated animation of the towel as a reward object. If the dog is not enticed or excited about playing with the towel, they will likely ignore it. You must bring it to life and remember "The bunny never jumps in the dog's mouth". DO NOT practice play […]

2026 AKC Agility League Championship Entries Are Open Entries are open through Midnight ET Oct. 15 for this fun event that features competition for all levels of League dogs, from PhD through Elementary. Taking place Nov. 6-8 at the Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh, NC. Captains should first enroll their teams: 2026 AKC Agility League […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

In 2014 the TSA surveyed their detection dog handlers to find out what traits in their canine partners the handlers considered important to their success as detection dogs. The goal of the study was to determine whether the traits assessed by the staff of the breeding program during the dogs’ development (using standardized assessment tools […]

Children and teenagers are the future of the sport of dogs and responsible dog ownership. The more they learn, the more they will grow in dog sports and as a person. The values, attitudes, and responsibility learned while competing as Juniors serve children throughout their entire lives. Junior Showmanship Junior Showmanship offers children between the […]

Thanks to Avery and Mara for sharing their experience in Junior Showmanship. We wish to feature as many juniors as possible, so please send your stories to juniors@akc.org. Avery Miller Hello, my name is Avery Miller and I am 12 years old. I started in the competition dog world with Barn Hunt about 5 years […]

The purpose of non-competitive Earthdog tests is to offer breeders and owners of small Terriers and Dachshunds a standardized gauge to measure their dogs' natural aptitude and trained hunting and working behaviors when exposed to an underground hunting situation. The noncompetitive program begins with a basic introduction to den work and quarry and progresses through […]

All the forms and resources your club needs to host AKC Basset Hound Field Trials:   Basset Field Trial Event Forms Other Forms and Publications Event Application Junior Handler Certification Event Secretary Report Memo: Junior Handler Basset Field Trial Judges Book Cover Procedural Checklist for Event Committee Basset Hound Field Trial Report Page Dealing With […]

Shameless Poc-Ket Of Petunias CD BN RM RAE AX OAJ CAX FCAT3 SEN RATCH CGC TKP ATT owned by Kelly Castle of Chuluota, FL In early June, Kelly and Zuri traveled to Greenback, Tennessee where they competed in a multi-sport, multi venue, week-long event called Bark Week. Zuri earned her Barn Hunt RATCHX5 and CZ8S, […]