I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. My life as a Junior Handler did not begin with Professional Handler parents who were showing dogs every weekend. My journey started as a twelve-year-old girl passionate about dogs and a letter. I have always loved Bernese Mountain Dogs, with their breathtaking appearance and […]

So many parts of our daily lives have changed in the past few years. While our favorite dog activities — from classes and seminars to shows — have resumed safely, there are now some permanent virtual training options that you can do from the comfort of your home or on vacation. You and your dog […]

The top dogs in the nation were crowned from an overall combined entry of more than 640 dogs this past weekend at the AKC National Obedience Championship and AKC Rally® National Championship. Competitions were held July 8th-10th, 2022 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, OH. “It was absolutely incredible to watch these outstanding performances as […]

Deciphering the registered names of show dogs can be a baffling process for the public. "Why are the names so long?" "Is that how they call their dogs?" "What do all those letters mean?" "What language is that?" Those are just some of the comments heard when commentators announce show dogs by their formal names. […]

Tracking Resources Tracking FAQ Tracking History Announcements for AKC Tracking Events (PDF) Trial Secretaries/Superintendents/Trial Committees A Beginners Guide To Companion Events (PDF) FSS Breeds in Companion Events Junior Handlers in Companion Events Rules and Regulations Tracking Test Manual (PDF) Training Resources VCD Links General Sports Resources Find an Event Club Search and Directory Participants with […]

Most people know a Basset Hound’s distinct look—soulful but droopy eyes, long, floppy ears, and a low-to-the-ground body that moves at a snail’s pace. What you might not know is that they’re also quite stubborn and possess superior scenting abilities – both of which make them incredible hunters! In fact, their innate ability to hunt is […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: James (Jim) Crowley (Conformation), Linda Mecklenburg (Companion Events) and Pluis Davern (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung in 1999, are presented […]

The AKC Paw of Courage is an award given to show appreciation for the work that dogs do in the service of humankind. This award recognizes dogs who serve their communities, making great impacts in the lives of their human counterparts. Paw of Courage awards can be presented to Police K-9s, Military Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, […]

2020 was a year of pain, sadness, and frustration. For our sport, it has meant many months of doing without the weekly dog shows where we compete and socialize. We’re all familiar with the old saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” That phrase was never truer than in 2020, when fanciers found innovative […]

Are you a canine instructor who works for other training companies? Do you think about working with dogs in a facility that you own and operate? When professional dog trainers imagined running a top-notch canine center, they made a big move.  The result? Two successful, state-of-the-art centers devoted to enriching dogs' relationships with their owners. Here's how […]