Each of the AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. Current as of June 1, 2023 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Herding Group"] HERDING GROUP The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. […]

Humans aren’t the only members of the workforce!  The American Kennel Club (AKC®) celebrates the evolution of our canine coworkers – what jobs they were originally bred to perform and what work you can see them doing now.  Dogs go above and beyond each and every day, not only as beloved family pets, but as […]

With a joyful bark and bound, Philo, a 5-year-old Samoyed, pressed his shoulders against his padded harness. Behind him, a cart loaded with gray concrete cinder blocks slowly moved forward, as his handler called out, “Work, work, work.” On that day, Philo pulled a load of more than 1,800 pounds—winning the event at Doggie U […]

Rowdy Cuz E Iz CD BN RAE owned by Mary Patterson of St. Michael, MN Mary brought Rowdy home when he was an 8-week-old puppy and started training soon after. The now 6-year-old Shih-tzu – Poodle mix is “extremely smart and a wonderful performance dog,” Mary said. “I've never really cared for obedience until I […]

Then a hero, clad in a life jacket, appears, rips open the car door and --- licks the driver all over his face as the crowd goes wild. Meet Radar the Weather Dog, star of Tray’s Wild Weather Camp – a fun show with a very serious message – teaching children how to be safe […]

Swarms of setters, hordes of herders, oodles of Poodles— with the seemingly endless variety of dogs gaiting around AKC show rings, you might assume every breed in creation is represented. Actually, hundreds of breeds from around the world are outside the AKC orbit. Here are just a few:   ESTRELA MOUNTAIN DOG Birthplace: northern Portugal Job […]

Always on the go and looking to keep a canine by your side? We have rounded up the most active dog breeds. They have no short supply of energy and are a perfect fit for an owner looking for a running buddy or an agility partner. Pembroke Welsh Corgi Pembroke Welsh Corgis are strong, athletic […]

AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Milena Barreto has taught her Standard Poodle, Phoebe, dozens of tricks. They use their repertoire of tricks to entertain on their therapy dog team visits. Spinning is an easy trick to teach your dog. First get his attention, using a treat. Holding the treat in your hand, hold it above his […]

AKC GoodDog! Helpline trainer Milena Barreto has taught her Standard Poodle, Phoebe, dozens of tricks. They use their repertoire of tricks to entertain when they make their therapy dog visits. This is a good trick to teach your dog when she is tired and ready to rest. She needs to know the DOWN cue before […]

Lemke’s Rudy THDD owned by Judy Lemke of West Sacramento, CA Ten-year-old Rudy is an unassuming little dog who is a mix of Schipperke and Toy Poodle. “Packed within this small dog is a loving and willing heart,” Judy said. Rudy tested in March 2009 for Lend A Heart, Lend A Hand Animal Assisted Therapy […]