Dog trainer Brian Burton rescued Sammy and recognized his extreme intelligence which has been channeled into amazing performances in AKC Rally. Enjoy this video of one of Sammy’s perfect score AKC Rally trials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjvQn54xZH0 Read more about Sammy's story: It was nearly Christmas 2009 when the New York City Animal Control picked up the terrier […]

Read on to meet an All-American Dog and his handler who work with the Jefferson County (KY) Search Dog Association and have earned the AKC Search and Rescue Wilderness designation: Thompson’s Rex SAR-W & Gary Thompson of Pekin, IN – Rex is an All-American Dog that Gary Thompson first met at the local humane society’s […]

The American Kennel Club is the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, and uses these statistics to rank the most popular breeds — and the rarest breeds. The numbers are in: these are the rarest dog breeds according to AKC registration statistics. In 2025, 202 total breeds were counted in the registration statistics. In 2026, […]

If a leprechaun decided to disguise himself as a dog, chances are he would choose the Kerry Blue Terrier. Like the leprechaun, these joyful, full-of-life, and mischievous dogs are from Ireland, and it’s often said their hearts are sprinkled with Irish humor. The Kerry Blue Terrier is known as the Irish Blue Terrier in its […]

We often hear dog shows accused of being nothing but “beauty contests.” In reality, they’re organized more like job fairs. At AKC shows, dogs are exhibited in seven groups organized by the original work the breeds were created to do. The dog judged best in each group becomes one of the final seven to vie […]

Despite the word "terrier" in their name, the Boston Terrier is actually in the Non-Sporting Group and is known for being a world-class companion breed. With their large, round eyes, intelligent expression, and unique "tuxedo" coat, the Boston Terrier makes people fall in love with them at first sight. Here's what to know about this […]

The Scottish Terrier is among the most recognizable of purebred dogs. It has been a mainstay of American iconography since its great wave of popularity in the 1930s, when the breed was a celebrity fad. Humphrey Bogart was a Scottie owner. So were Charles Lindbergh and Shirley Temple. Both Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were […]

The AKC Agility League recently concluded its fifth season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. Team champions were named in each of the eight divisions. The AKC Agility League is sponsored by Purina Pro Plan, YuMove and AKC Pet Insurance. The League offers three 12-week long seasons a year. Teams, composed of […]

Cheering on your hometown team is a true American tradition. So, what better way for the American Kennel Club to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than with the introduction of an agility event featuring teams that represent major US cities. The six teams faced off June 7 at an exciting competition held in the historic city of […]

The AKC Puppy Pack tells the story of our puppies’ lives through engaging, educational and of course cute photos and videos on Instagram. This program covers the first year of 7 puppies’ lives as they attend veterinarian visits, participate in training, sports & events, and the day-to-day trials, tribulations and joys of raising a puppy. […]