In 1939, a million Americans a year paid admission to attend AKC shows exhibiting over 100,000 dogs across the country. The mightiest events, Westminster and Morris & Essex, reported record-setting entry numbers during the 1930s that have still never been topped. Savvy publicity efforts and new AKC publications brought the formerly closed-circuit world of purebred dog breeding and exhibition to the American public, who clamored for more. […]

Love dogs? Love stocking up on back-to-school essentials? Then this is the shopping list for you. From lunch bags and backpacks to pens and pencils, here are some of our favorite supplies perfect for letting your — or your child's — pet-loving personality shine. 1. “Best in Show” Pencils for Dog-Lovers U.S. Toy Dog Pencils […]

The pathway to becoming a full-fledged detective has had its challenges for Rocco and Rider but it has never been a mystery to either, or their Midwest owner/handlers. The AKC Scent Work® Detective title, considered the pinnacle of success in the popular sport, went unclaimed since its inception on Oct. 1, 2017, until July 14 […]

Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the country—and for good reason. It’s incredible exercise for both you and your dog, and it forges an even deeper relationship between you. Plus, it’s exhilarating to watch as your dog nimbly and quickly crawls through tunnels, weaves around poles, and leaps through tires! Here’s everything […]

There was a time not long ago that nearly every advertisement featuring a child with a dog seemed to include a Lab or a Golden Retriever, consistently among the most popular dog breeds in America. Today, there’s a bit more variety in the breeds being photographed with children for commercial advertising. Perhaps the public perception […]

An undated video shows Anne Rogers Clark grooming a Poodle In the not-so-long-ago dog world, there used to be two kinds of fanciers: Those who knew the revered judge Anne Rogers Clark well enough to call her “Annie,” and everyone else, who, in a kind of verbal genuflection, referred to her simply as “Mrs. Clark.” […]

Just in time for the German Shepherd Club of America's 100th year, we are featuring as our Breed of the Week, the German Shepherd Dog! We love these wonderful dogs and hope you’ll share your love for them with us–your stories, images, videos, etc.! Congrats to the German Shepherd Club of America for reaching a milestone of […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2019 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2019. The 2019 event will showcase the top national and international canine athletes […]

Whether you are just entering the world of purebred dogs or have been a breeder, exhibitor and participant for many decades, joining your local and national dog club is hugely beneficial. You will derive different benefits from different organizations but all will contribute to your ongoing education in the sport. Your Local All-Breed Kennel Club […]

In 1960, the Poodle dethroned the Beagle as the AKC’s most registered breed and did it by the most decisive margin yet recorded in history. Its ascension could be largely credited to one 9.5-inch tall, 8-pound grey dog, claimed to have the highest appraisal value of any canine in history. This is the story of […]