The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  7/16/26, last updated 7/17/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC Member Clubs for nominees in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance. The American Kennel Club honors […]

The other day, Molly and I were working the puppies through Tractor Supply. As I got out Pitter Patter, an older woman was in the parking lot with a German Shepherd puppy. Her puppy was showing obvious aggression toward the Malinois puppy, so I moved quickly and got the pup in a routine of following […]

Good breeders breed good dogs, and the best breeders know that education is paramount to their success. In 2023, the AKC launched the AKC Eddy Award program to recognize Parent Clubs who go above and beyond in their breeder education efforts. Despite working towards the same goal, each club took their own approach and produced […]

Stud dogs with frozen and/or fresh extended semen used for artificial insemination must have an AKC DNA Profile. Order AKC DNA Kits Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center Activate your kit at dna.akc.org prior to submission The AKC Board of Directors has modified the policy dealing with the use of frozen and fresh-extended semen as follows: […]

Two All American Dogs were crowned champions at the AKC National Agility Championship presented by YuMove. Nimble (pictured) won the 12-inch division, and Strider won the 20-inch Preferred division (his second time taking this honor). Many other All Americans placed or made the finals! Nearly 1,300 of the top Agility dogs in the nation competed […]

Did you know that Dachshund translates to "badger dog" in German? Indeed, there are many similarities between a Doxie and a badger: From their long and low bodies to their abilities to hunt both above- and below-ground. Dachshund Field Trials (“competitions”) are held in fenced-in areas, and the objective is to “track the game,” meaning to follow […]

Select each link below to view the materials Conformation For Beginners Conformation For Beginners - Part 1 - Welcome to the Show Conformation For Beginners - Part 2 - The Basics Conformation For Beginners - Part 3 - Professional Guidance Conformation For Beginners - Part 4 - The Best Dog in Two Minutes He’s your […]

The AKC Agility League recently concluded its 10th season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. The AKC Agility League is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan. Team champions were named in each of the 10 divisions. In addition, the League introduced a new award for the Most Improved Teams and Dogs in each division. […]

For Picks of The Litter, a regular book review series, Ranny Green critiques “Two Dogs and a Parrot: What Our Animal Friends Can Teach Us About Life" (Blue Bridge). This cranial jukebox of enriching stories reflects a tough realism throughout whether the subject is an Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, or a medium-sized parrot. The internationally […]