One of the leaders of the Detection Dog Task Force was told by a potential participant “that they would like to be involved, but understand the dogs are not allowed to be obedience trained”. First, we need to consider what level of obedience is required of an active detection dog. Should a detection dog spend […]

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB PRIVACY NOTICE Last Updated: 6/22/2026 We have updated our Privacy Notice, effective from 6/22/2026, to: Highlight what personal information AKC collects and how AKC uses, discloses and protects your personal information Update State or Country-Specific Disclosures If you have any questions about these changes, do not hesitate to contact us at privacyinfo@akc.org. Prior versions of […]

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); […]

Since the inception of dog registries and the shift from dogs as functional livestock, divisions have occurred. I will not add to the debate that will never end, but will expand on the differences in finding dogs for detection roles in law enforcement. You can train many dogs to perform tasks both simple and complex. […]

As 2024 moves quickly through the first quarter of the year, it’s easy to get focused on the next big thing.  Afterall, AKC is hosting the Detection Dog Conference again in July, which requires significant effort and focus to ensure a quality event.  However, 2023 was a banner year for the AKC Detection Dog Task […]

The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced in your city or county. We will provide you with resources and […]

Meet Officer Sammy of the Walnut Cove Police Department, Walnut Cove, NC Did you think all police dogs were German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois? Not so! A mixed-breed dog who was abandoned by his owner is a valued member of a police department in North Carolina. Officer Sammy was not always deemed law enforcement material. […]

Not every dog is cut out for the demanding role of a therapy dog. Rachel Shaw shared this story about her rescue Catahoula Leopard Dog and her discovery along the training road that Odette preferred not to do therapy work - except for one special moment that she will never forget. This story originally appeared in […]

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 […]

Strong, agile and full of life, the Belgian Laekenois (pronounced "Lak-in-wah") is one of four native dogs of Belgium. Although similar in body and temperament to the Malinois, Shepherd and Tervuren, the Laekenois differs in coat color, texture and length, as well as region of origin.