Meet Tessa Trusner: The Family Pet Became Her Sports Partner Name: Tessa Trusner Age: 14 Grade: Eighth Hometown: Stephens City, VA Family: Sisters, Audrey and Ella; Parents, Katie and Ryan Trusner Just a few months after Molina became the Trusner family pet, it became clear that she would really be Tessa’s dog. Now the pair […]

Meet Madelyn Pelzer: Planning a Career in Dogs Madelyn began training dogs as a child and has been hooked on agility since she was about 14. She has participated in the AKC Agility League and is aiming for titles with her All American Dog, Aspen. She is looking forward to trying other dog sports and […]

Meet Keslyn Kampschroeder: From Basic Training to Competing in Portugal Keslyn began training her family’s dogs at an early age. When they brought home a rescue who urgently needed help with his manners, Keslyn got busy right away. This led to an interest in dog sports, and watching Crufts Agility competition inspired her to get […]

Meet Mia Federico: A Junior Career led to big Agility Goals In just three years, Mia has gone from beginner to top-winning competitor in obedience, rally, and agility. With her All American Dog, Mochi, she was a member of the Junior Open Agility World Championship Team in 2023 and was High Combined at the Juniors […]

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, […]

Former Shelter Dog Becomes Top-Titled Fast CAT All American! Turned in as a stray to a shelter in Alabama and then turned back in by her first adoptive family, Holly was lucky that Danny Terry realized her potential and took her home. The now 8-year-old dog has the impressive formal name of DMT's Christmas In […]

Put Your Dog’s Nose to Work in the Fun Sport of Tracking This issue’s training tip is brought to us by Sue Kotlarek of Romulus, Michigan. Sue has had great success in a variety of dog sports with her two rescue mixed-breeds, including the sport of AKC Tracking. Her All-American, Rodger Rowbinawitz UD GO VER […]

Getting involved in AKC Virtual Sports and Titling opportunities is an easy and exciting way to get started in dog sports! Whether you and your dog are looking to get active in AKC Agility, earn a training title in home manners, or plot a crowd pleasing AKC Trick Dog routine, the opportunities to get started virtually are endless. Virtual programs act as a great steppingstone to further in-person AKC Sports and Events, and participation allows […]

Part of the mission of the American Kennel Club is to "Take whatever actions necessary to protect and assure the continuation of the sport of purebred dogs." The AKC's Junior Showmanship Program is just one example of the kennel club's commitment to fulfilling this portion of its charter statement. In the late 1920's a group […]

Although giant breeds aren't necessarily what people first think of when it comes to canine athletes, these biggest dogs love having a job to do. Most...