Welcome to the world of dog sports! Whether you’re brand new to dog sports or a veteran exhibitor, find everything you need: getting started, basic and advanced training tips, competition regulations, and more. Almost all AKC Sports welcome all dogs, including mixed breeds.

Getting Started in Dog Sports

It’s one of the best ways to deeply bond with your dog. It's great exercise. And it just might be one of the most personally rewarding endeavors of your life. Whether your dog is purebred or mixed breed, you're welcome to join in the fun.

Which dog sport is right for my dog?

About AKC Sports & Events

conformation dog shows

Conformation

“Conformation” is the official name for “dog shows”

As one of the most popular AKC events, conformation events range from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 purebred dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows that feature only one breed.
Agility done by a Flat-Coated Retriever

Agility

Dogs race against a clock as they navigate an obstacle course with strong concentration and speed

Agility is a growing all-breed dog sport in the United States, with over 1 million entries to the AKC’s program each year. Whether you just want to have fun exercising with your dog, or want to go further and enter an Agility competition, get ready for a fast-paced, rewarding experience.
Retriever Sports

Performance Dog Sports

When you and your dog participate in a performance sport, you show off your dog’s superior skills for performing practical functions that come naturally

Poodle retrieving a dumbbell in an Obedience trial.

Obedience

Obedience trials demonstrate the dog’s ability to follow specified routines in the ring and emphasize the usefulness of dogs as companions to humankind

The objective of obedience trials is to recognize dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs in a manner that will reflect credit on the sport of obedience at all times and under all conditions. All dogs are welcome.

Resources for Dog Sport Participants

With 22,000 events held each year, there’s a dog sport for every dog and every owner. Here are must-have resources for training and competing in the world of dog sports.