New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award finalists in the categories of Conformation, Companion Events and Performance Events. The Awards, created and first awarded in 1999, are presented in recognition of exceptional participation and achievement within the dog fancy. The finalists chosen, based on […]

National Champion Beats Dogs from 49 States and Hundreds of International Competitors   GCHB CH Cordmaker Mister Blue Sky, a Puli known as “Preston” triumphed over nearly 5,000 dogs to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, held this weekend in […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2017 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17, 2017. The 2017 event will showcase the top national and international canine athletes […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2017 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “The breeders honored with this award are truly committed to excellence, consistency, breed standard and type,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO.  “They […]

The Pack Has Expanded! Nederlandse Kooikerhondje and Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Gain Full American Kennel Club Recognition   

How do you feel about a grand adventure, with a bit of challenge and surprise tossed in? If this appeals to you, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen may satisfy that urge. With fewer than 400 in the United States, the rough-coated scenthound, a native of France, is one of two new breeds the American Kennel […]

The AKC will now offer two new entry-level agility classes. These classes, Agility Course Test (ACT) 1 & 2 will allow beginners an easier entry into the sport. The classes will have shorter courses with basic obstacles specifically designed for beginners. ACT 1 & 2 will serve as the graduation exercise for training classes and […]

Each year, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the men and women who dedicate their lives to improving the health, temperament, and quality of purebred dogs. These breeders are the heart of our organizations and they deserve to be recognized for their incredible work. One breeder is chosen from each of the seven groups […]

Every year in conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin the general public is given the exciting opportunity to meet (and more importantly, play with!) over 100 different dog breeds at AKC Meet the Breeds. Attendees get the opportunity to learn about the different breeds and find out which dog might be […]

Header image courtesy of Lenni Cipriotti, AKC Breeder of Merit The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, or GBGV, is a rare breed in the United States. He is energetic, curious, and always makes his presence known. Here are more interesting facts about the GBGV: 1. They Come From France If you're familiar with the French language, […]