It is generally acknowledged that the first Basset Hounds came to America from France. George Washington's friend Lafayette sent him hounds for pack hunting in America, and these hounds were probably the so-called Old Virginia Bench-Legged Beagles. Other imports in the early nineteenth century were obtained from France, but some also came from British packs, […]

The purpose of noncompetitive herding tests is to offer herding breed owners a standardized gauge by which a dog's basic instinct and trainability are measured. The purpose of the competitive herding trial program is to preserve and develop the herding skills inherent in the herding breeds and to demonstrate that they can perform the useful […]

A special Master Hunter Excellent (MHX) Test, hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC Performance Events Department took place on November 4-5, 2023 in Oxford, NC.  This event was the first Master Hunter Excellent test to be held and consisted of two series, one each day. The purpose of this MHX test is […]

(updated 6/1/26 ) 5/11/2026 From the May Board Meeting - one new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Lucas Terrier. 4/13/2026 From the April Board Meeting - three new breeds was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Silken Windhound, Saarloos Wolfhond, Old Danish Pointer. 1/12/26 The Peruvian Inca Orchid […]

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

Age Doesn’t Stop Rescue Dog from Launching Agility Career When you watch Lizzie running an agility course, she looks like an old pro as she navigates the jumps, tunnels and weaves. But the 10-year-old is actually a newbie, who only started training in the sport two years ago. Her owner Catherine Kist of Illinois tells […]

AKC Rally: Teaching the Right Finish This month’s training tip walks you through training the Right Finish exercise for AKC Rally or Competition Obedience. It is contributed by AKC staffer Paisley Lunchick KPA-CPT RVT, a registered veterinary technician, professional dog trainer and member of the AKC GoodDog! Helpline. Paisley and her mixed-breed Eyre have earned […]

Photo by Bethany Howell / Dogs in Motion Photography Snickers, formally known as The Joke’s On You AX AXJ OF DS AM, was a sad-looking young dog when Joan Kossaras of Phoenix, AZ, found her in the animal shelter and gave her a home.  Snickers turned out to be super smart and active and loved […]

First AKC Agility Grand Champion: AGCH MACH4 PACH2 Greer’s Ellie MXB2 MJS2 MXP6 MXPS PADP MJP6 MJPS PJSP PAX2 MFB TQX MFPC TQXP T2B4 T2BP RATS CGC & Carol Greer of Mineral Bluff, GA Carol had never heard of agility when an obedience instructor suggested that she enroll her mix, Luke, in a beginner agility course. “I […]

How are you spending the holiday weekend with your best buddy? This cute little mixed-breed guy, named Buddy, is sporting his red, white and blue bandana, in this photo shared by his owner Jeanette Templeton. Watch for more cute photos this week of our Canine Partner members in their patriotic gear. Learn how you and […]