One-year-old Rainbow was a homeless puppy wandering the streets in Tennessee when she was picked up and turned over to rescue. Retiree Jane Mendleson saw a photo of the little dog and offered to adopt her. Jane, who has trained and shown dogs for many years, has done wonders with the little rescue dog in […]

Many dogs were developed to pull heavy loads to assist their owners. Today, many dogs enjoy the sport of weight pull, which enables dogs to put on a special harness and pull a cart that is loaded with weight, often bags of dog food. Chase, a mixed-breed dog, loves the sport and shows his good […]

PACH Emmy Lue RA MXP12 MXPC MJPB PAX XFP T2BP CAX3 FCAT RATCH CGCA TKA FCAT owned by Jennifer Baiocco of Orlando, FL Emmy is a 13-year-old mix who loves coursing and agility, and despite her age she is still going strong! Emmy was adopted from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT in 2008. […]

Deaf dogs can participate in a number of AKC events and dog sports. Learn more about some amazing canine athletes who are deaf and how their trainers work with them.

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations (April 2024 Board meeting; amended May 2025)"] As an additional step in creating a safe and respectful sport environment for all, the AKC Board of Directors approved the following educational requirements policy and recommendations. Effective April 10, 2024: AKC Board of Directors, Inspectors, Field Staff across […]

The American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC® and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the […]

Children and teenagers are the future of the sport of dogs and responsible dog ownership. The more they learn, the more they will grow in dog sports and as a person. The values, attitudes, and responsibility learned while competing as Juniors serve children throughout their entire lives. Junior Showmanship Junior Showmanship offers children between the […]

      Welcome Michelle Persian – Director of Agility We are pleased to announce that Michelle Persian has been named Director of Agility for the American Kennel Club. Michelle brings extensive experience in AKC Agility to this role. Most recently, she served as an AKC Agility Field Representative, where she worked closely with clubs to […]

Photo Courtesy of Ben Lonergan The spotlight shines on Pixel, who is not only a talented agility dog, but has an amazing nose. Earlier this year, the Border Collie was crowned the 2023 North American Joriad Truffle Dog Champion, which required her to go into the Oregon forest and locate truffles. Pixel competes on the […]

The spotlight shines on two hounds that are proving their breed can do it all, including Agility! Basset Hounds, Gus and Wylie, love the sport and running on their Freshman Agility League teams in New York, where they deliver super performances. Their owner, Brooke says it is not true that Bassets are sleepy, laid-back dogs. […]