For over a century, The American Kennel Club has been dedicated to responsible breeding practices and to responsible dog ownership. With this experience comes valuable research, articles, and advice for all breeders. President's Reading List – Suggested reading by AKC CEO, Dennis Sprung Vine, Louis L. Breeding, Whelping, and Natal Care of Dogs. New York: Arco, […]

Most large breeding programs that raise service puppies are philanthropies with pretty deep pockets. Government programs are similar in excess spending, but with very myopic vision for the future. With a steadily rising need for working detection dogs and current emphasis on a domestic supply of these dogs, and economy of time and resources are […]

Below are some frequently asked questions about finding information on the new AKC.org website. If you have a moment, we encourage you to read the step-by-step instructions or watch the video to familiarize yourself with the structure of the new site to help you during future visits. Select your device: Desktop Instructions Mobile Instructions Please note: Larger […]

June 2023 AKC Detection Dog Task Force (DDTF) events and activities are in full swing! The DDTF and Patriotic Puppy Program (PPP) are planning several exciting events. The first hands-on training seminar is scheduled for July at K2 Solutions, Inc. in Southern Pines, North Carolina. At this event, K2 Trainers and AKC Patriotic Puppy Program […]

About the Breeder of Merit Program The AKC Breeder of Merit program celebrates breeders who go above and beyond to prioritize the health, temperament, and well-being of their puppies. This program recognizes those dedicated to maintaining breed standards and ensuring their AKC-registerable puppies find loving homes.  As a Breeder of Merit, you’ll show your commitment […]

1st AKC Rally Masters Title: PACH Uggie Bug Jones CDX RM RAE FDC AX AXJ MXP7 MXPG MJP7 MJPS PAX2 OF MFPB T2BP2 SIN SEN SBN CGCA CGCU TKP & Shannon Jones of Cary, NC It was a cold day in February 2003 when a tiny puppy, freezing and starving, was discovered hiding in Shannon’s […]

This story originally appeared in a 2011 issue of the AKC Canine Partners News newsletter. Since the story was published, Harley, now 9 years old, has earned the AKC’s highest honor in agility – the Master Agility Championship (MACH) and is now pursuing her Preferred Agility Championship (PACH). Most puppies spend their early months being […]

This story originally appeared in the summer 2012 issue of the AKC Canine Partners News and later was reprinted in a 2013 issue of AKC Family Dog magazine. The story won first place in the 2013 Dog Writers Association of America writing competition in the category of “Magazine Feature Article with the topic of Rescue.”Since […]

Sending puppies to their new homes with a “new puppy kit,” which includes a selection of useful items for the dog, is a thoughtful way to help puppy buyers get off to the best possible start with their new friend. Even if this is not the buyer’s first puppy, a thoughtfully curated kit ensures he […]

WELCOME TO VIRTUAL HOME MANNERS! If you have trained your puppy or adult dog at home and would like to earn the AKC’s Virtual Home Manners titles to demonstrate your accomplishments, this is the place for you! What is Virtual Home Manners? Virtual Home Manners (VHM) is the answer when you want to train your dog at home. […]