On show days, Clapton stalks points. The Standard Poodle champion is a seasoned competitor, knowing when to move out and when to freeze like a majestic statue. Out of the ring, Clapton continues his hunt, but for birds at field competitions where his talents have taken him to the top level.   Clapton recently became […]

Originally published in the AKC Gazette Almost all the spaniels and setters were developed in the British Isles—but of the AKC pointing breeds, only the Pointer has its roots in England. The rest come from all over Europe. European breeds are less specialized than those of the British Isles. None of the retrievers—developed as the […]

The Finnish Spitz is famous for its charming, fox-like appearance, and its love for children, but there is so much more to adore about this breed. Here are a few things you probably didn't know about the Finnish Spitz. 1. They Have a Long History in Scandinavia The Finnish Spitz has been around for a […]

This sleek, silver-gray breed originated in the 19th century, developed to hunt bear, boar, and other large game. Here's what else makes Weimaraners unique.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a hound bred to hunt raccoons. Learn more about its unique history and what makes it such a versatile hunting dog.

The Harrier may look like a taller version of a Beagle, but this breed has its own distinctive history and talents. This member of the Hound Group, recognized in by the American Kennel Club in 1885, is known to be friendly and outgoing. Learn more about the breed with these Harrier fun facts. The First […]

2021 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL December 18 & 19, 2021 All Sporting, Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting Breeds and Junior Showmanship Competition  will be Judged on Saturday All Working, Terrier, Herding Breeds, Miscellaneous and Best in Show will be Judged on Sunday   The 2021 event will showcase the top canine […]

AKC appreciates the time that was taken to complete the survey about Junior Showmanship.  We will be including results throughout the next few issues of the Junior Newsletter.  We appreciate the comments and suggestions and are pleased to share the following with you.  The AKC Board of Directors approved Reserve Best Junior at the February […]

(updated 9/1/26 ) 7/14/2026 From the July Board Meeting - one new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Nenets Laika. 5/11/2026 From the May Board Meeting - one new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Lucas Terrier. 4/13/2026 From the April Board Meeting - three new breeds […]

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