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 […]

Terms of Use The American Kennel Club, Inc. ("AKC®") owns and operates this website. By accessing and using this site, you agree to each of the terms and conditions set forth herein and agree to abide by the AKC's Bylaws, rules, regulations, procedures as set forth in the AKC Charter and Bylaws, rules, regulations, published […]

Kathy Santo, a dog trainer and AKC Family Dog columnist, offers tips on what to buy for your dog, whether you're training for Canine Good Citizen or just brushing up on the basics. TreatsFind out what treats motivate your dog most, and stock up on 'em. Also, have a mix of "regular" treats and "high-value" treats—the […]

Some people live by the motto "bigger is better," and it extends to their dogs too. There are many large dog breeds, each with different care and training needs. Exercise Most large dog breeds were bred for a purpose or function. Some breeds were meant to be hunters, others guard dogs. Dogs with great endurance […]

Ever read about therapy dogs offering just the right touch to an elderly individual or someone in need of comfort and think "my dog can do that?" Well, good news: He can! Here's how: 1. Basic Training: The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test All therapy dogs need to be under control and have basic training. […]

  New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce that Rebecca Ann Gerevics, a second-year student at the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University, is the recipient of the 2014 AKC/American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) Veterinary Scholarship. First offered in 2009, this $5,000 scholarship is designed to […]

New York, NY – Upper Potomac Valley Kennel Club (UPVKC) has been selected as the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) Community Achievement Award honoree for the second quarter of 2014. The AKC Community Achievement Awards support and recognize outstanding public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations and their members. The AKC selects award […]

The AKC Veterinary Outreach Program welcomes the veterinary community to the AKC website. Did you know that the AKC is the only registry for purebred dogs that routinely inspects breeders using its registry, and eliminates from the registry those who do not meet AKC standards for humane care and canine welfare? Did you know that […]

AKC Community Achievement Awards Honorees For The First Quarter of 2014   New York, NY - Pioneer Valley Kennel Club and Tracy Sanderson of the Greater Ocala Dog Club have been selected as American Kennel Club® (AKC®) Community Achievement Awards honorees for the first quarter of 2014. The AKC Community Achievement Awards support and recognize […]