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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

AKC Public Education introduces The Canine Corner.  A free online newsletter packed with content and resources for teachers.  Each monthly newsletter contains lesson plans, read alouds and other activities to engage students in and out of the classroom.  Subscribe to receive the newsletter monthly.  Want to check out the first issue? You can do so […]

  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 […]

In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, now in Season Four, host Bud Boccone tells the tales of breeds, dogs, and personalities who’ve shaped America (and Americans) over generations. Using the American Kennel Club's historical records, archival material, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show brings dog […]

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 […]

This article originally appeared in the AKC Canine Partners News newsletter. Chris Moore and her family were content with owning two small dogs until a crime stripped their security away. The family returned home one day to discover a theft had taken place. Their home had been broken into, but thankfully, their Miniature Dachshunds, Mocha […]

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 […]

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 […]