If your dog has received the AKC Canine Good Citizen (and perhaps also the AKC CGCA) title, you may have asked “What’s next?”  One answer could be the AKC Beginner Novice obedience title. The Beginner Novice class is a great “next step” for CGC dogs since it works on advancing the skills your dog has […]

If your dog loves the water and loves to retrieve, then the fun sport of dock diving should be a natural. The AKC began recognizing titles of the new North America Diving Dogs (NADD) organization in June 2014 so now you can also add a dock jumping title to your dog’s AKC records. The sport […]

The AKC Canine Partners℠ program not only provides valuable benefits but also connects you with other dog owners. You'll be able to participate in all kinds of exciting dog events like Agility, Tracking, AKC Rally® and Obedience. You'll learn about some great programs like AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® and AKC Canine Good Citizen®. Basically, you'll learn more, […]

“A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” -- Colin Powell There are many reasons to put in the time and resources necessary to earn recognition of your dog’s abilities: You might do it to show off his superior abilities; or you might do it for the personal […]

Giving all purebred dogs a chance to compete The AKC, PAL and You Many people have discovered the fun of teaming up with their dogs and competing in AKC Events. But, not all of those wonderful canine athletes that you see at these events are registered with the AKC. Some might be enrolled in the […]

...because you love your dog. The AKC - We're more than champion dogs. We're the dog's champion. Register your purebred dog with the AKC®. It’s fast and easy. Permanently record your name and your dog’s place in breed history. Become part of the nationwide AKC voice championing canine health research, search-and-rescue teams, acceptable care and […]

  If your dog meets the criteria and you would like to apply for an AKC Therapy Dog title, please complete this AKC Therapy Dog Title Application and mail to the AKC address shown on the application with fee.. AKC accepts the following forms of payment: Check or money order made out to "American Kennel […]

  The purpose of this program is to recognize AKC dogs and their owners who have given their time and helped people by volunteering as a therapy dog and owner team. The AKC Therapy Dog™ program awards official AKC titles to dogs who have worked to improve the lives of the people they have visited. […]

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

Our Beginnings On September 17, 1884, a group of twelve dedicated sportsmen, responding to a "meeting call" from Messrs. J. M. Taylor and Elliot Smith, met in the rooms of the Philadelphia Kennel Club in that city. Each member of the group was a representative or "delegate" from a dog club that had, in the […]