Insight into your breed's health Most breeds' health testing requirements originate with an AKC Parent Club, the AKC-recognized national club devoted to that particular breed. AKC Parent Clubs represent experts of a single breed. The AKC approves only one national club per breed. AKC Parent Clubs generate Parent Club Health Statements to provide health testing […]

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 Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their […]

2022 | 2019 | 2018 The second AKC US Detection Dog Conference was a success with a capacity attendance. Internationally known subject matter experts delivered thought provoking presentations that covered the breeding, training and deployment of Explosives Detection Canines as well as discussions on the domestic shortage of these amazing dogs. Thank you to the […]

RATCHX Rex Von McKinney Rausch BCAT CGC owned by Jeanette Rausch of Mount Juliet, TN Eight-year-old Rex was once a stud dog at a kennel that was shut down by the authorities. “I stumbled across his photo online and fell in love with him so I reached out to the organization to arrange meeting him […]

It didn’t sound that hard – Beginner Novice Obedience.  After all, we already had our AKC Canine Good Citizen and AKC Rally Novice titles!  And this is an optional title, meant to give dogs experience before the regular Novice Obedience class.  Our trainer walked us through the steps, saying, “I think Magic can do this, […]

Several of the pointing breeds have a heritage of retrieving from water. These breeds are required to pass the AKC Water Test in order to be awarded field trial or hunting test titles. An ongoing issue that owners have faced is the lack of water tests. To address this issue, the AKC Performance Events Department […]

A special Master Hunter Excellent (MHX) Test, hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC Performance Events Department took place on November 4-5, 2023 in Oxford, NC.  This event was the first Master Hunter Excellent test to be held and consisted of two series, one each day. The purpose of this MHX test is […]

Ever hear of the phrase, “the-nose-knows”? It’s something that Beagle owners know well: Their keen sense of smell means they follow their noses wherever they take them. It also means they’re excellent hunting companions -- and why Beagles competed in one of the first field trials (“competitions”) we ever held over 125 years ago in 1888. In […]

Most people know a Basset Hound’s distinct look—soulful but droopy eyes, long, floppy ears, and a low-to-the-ground body that moves at a snail’s pace. What you might not know is that they’re also quite stubborn and possess superior scenting abilities – both of which make them incredible hunters! In fact, their innate ability to hunt is […]

After CGC: What's Next? A well-trained dog is a joy to live with, and the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is a great first step in providing your dog with a solid foundation of basic training skills and intellectual stimulation. When you complete CGC training, you will have a canine companion who responds to core […]