One meaningful achievement that I am very proud of was the earning of my Master Title as a Junior Handler through the American Kennel Club (AKC) dog hunt tests. These hunt tests are designed to test and qualify dogs in a rigorous series of field exercises intended to demonstrate both the dog’s hunting ability and […]

We'd like to answer as many of your questions as we can before you attend, exhibit, or volunteer at AKC Meet the Breeds events! Whether you're coming as an attendee or participating as a volunteer, please find our most Frequently Asked Questions to help you get the information you need. I'm Attending AKC Meet the […]

My name is Shahntae Martinez. I am 18 years old and have been involved with AKC Dog Shows for about 5 years. I started in my local 4-H Dog Program, which I have taken part of for 12 years now. My very first 4-H leader had gotten my sister involved in dog shows and I […]

Judges that apply to judge Scent Work are first approved for provisional status and can begin judging Novice and Advanced levels only for all elements and Handler Discrimination. After meeting further requirements, provisional judges can progress to approved status for Novice and Advanced only and will receive provisional status for higher levels - Excellent, Master […]

Thirteen-year-old Halli was only 2 years old when the cute terrier mix joined her family, but the partnership that was meant to be almost did not happen, Halli’s mother Cathie Tyler recalls. Shelter staff felt that the scruffy little dog was too much dog for a mother with a young child and did not even […]

Bruiser loves nothing better to run down a dock and fling himself off the edge into the water. His dock diving prowess has earned him numerous awards in the sport. “Bruiser is full of personality and is always ready to take on new challenges,” said his owner Pete Majerle of Peoria, AZ. Bruiser’s career in […]

Jerry RAE BN GN owned by Emily Kocon of St. Paul, MN Jerry was adopted from a small shelter in Minnesota back in 2006. He is my first competitive performance dog and he has taught me patience, diligence and humility. I started taking him to obedience classes just to learn the basics. We both enjoyed […]

AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Elizabeth Sandling teaches therapy dog classes and is a long-time therapy team volunteer with her Shetland Sheepdogs, Sandy and Nivy. Here she gives owners some helpful tips on becoming a therapy dog team with their canine partner. Why Volunteer As a Therapy Dog Team: Therapy dogs provide affection, support, and comfort […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) honored recipients of the AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards at the annual Delegates Meeting Luncheon, in conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. The winners received an engraved silver Revere bowl. A larger Tiffany and Co. bowl, engraved with the names of all recipients past and present, will remain on permanent display […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 205 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 3/10/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]