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); […]

Each month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) profiles breeders to hear how they got started and learn about their breeding program and experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with Cathy Lewandowski of SoftMaple Curly-Coated Retrievers in Croghan, N.Y. Lewandowski is an AKC Breeder of Merit who has produced versatile, top-winning dogs. Lewandowski's love for […]

What’s better than owning a top-winning show dog? Simple: Breeding one. In theory, anyone can purchase a canine competitor: All you need is a checking account with enough zeroes in it. But it’s far more challenging to produce quality purebred dogs that are consistently sound, well tempered and typey — that is to say, that […]

Motorized trucks may have replaced horses and Dalmatians in fire stations decades ago, but nine Dalmatians recently showed that spotted loyalty to...

Ozzy had tough beginnings at a shelter, but owner Kelly Halloran saw potential. The now-senior dog is an accomplished agility dog.

Natalia Backos, a 14-year-old from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has never known a time when she didn't spend her weekends at dog shows. A proud third-generation breeder/owner/handler, Backos is following in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother, alongside her sister. Her dogs include her Parson Russell Terriers BISS GCH Panther Creek Stone Cold Sober "Boozer" and […]

AKC Junior Event Opportunities There are many fun events offered by the AKC in which juniors may compete. Most often juniors choose to compete in just Breed and Junior Showmanship classes. There are, however, companion events that are often held in conjunction with the breed shows that rarely have any juniors competing. These companion events […]

  Performance Events Scholarship The Performance Events Department is pleased to announce the creation of a $10,000 scholarship fund for students that are active in AKC Performance Events. New AKC Performance Scholarship Program Announced! - Jan 2020 More information regarding the program can be found here.     When most people think of Juniors they […]

***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Trick Dog Title Application! Try the new - Title Application Portal (TAP) System.  From the 1920’s and 1940’s when trick dogs such as Rin Tin Tin and Lassie won peoples’ hearts, trick dog training has become one of the most exciting new areas […]

This program allows for the recognition of breed-specific Parent Club Performance Programs. Approved Parent Club titles are recognized on AKC records after title application is submitted. These performance programs allow breeds to be acknowledged for successfully performing the functions for which they were developed. A Parent Club will administer their own program in which their […]