The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest dog registry and leading industry authority and advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that 12 exceptional students from 11 states have been awarded American Kennel Club (AKC®) Junior Scholarships for 2021 in Companion and Performance events.  The scholarships are offered to high school and college students. […]

Each breed’s health testing requirements originate with a “parent club,” the AKC-recognized national club devoted to a particular breed. To assist breeders in fulfilling these requirements, AKC has compiled the health testing requirements for each breed, organized by group on the left navigation of this page. AKC Breeder Programs that Require Health Testing: Breeders that participate […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – HB 235, a bill supported by AKC GR, authorizes food service establishments to allow pet dogs in outdoor restaurant seating areas and sets out access, sanitation, and other requirements. It also specifies that emotional support animals […]

Like the humans who care for them, dogs are not exempt from the battle of the bulge; they, too, struggle with weight gain and the health problems that come along with carrying around extra pounds. “Dogs of all ages can be obese, although the greatest prevalence of obesity occurs in dogs between 5 and12 years […]

No matter what your interest in dogs, the chances are good that there’s a dog club near you where you can meet people who share your interests. AKC recognizes fifteen (15) different types of clubs: Parent Specialty, All-Breed, Specialty (single breed), Group (limited breed), Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Rally, Field Trial, Hunting Test, Herding, Coonhound, Lure […]

Dog Breed Health Testing Requirements Listed below are all AKC breeds and their health testing requirements. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z Affenpinscher Ophthalmologist Evaluation Patella Evaluation Afghan Hound Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Airedale Terrier Hip Evaluation Cardiac Exam Renal Disease DNA Test Ophthalmologist Evaluation Akita Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Alaskan Malamute Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Polyneuropathy DNA test American […]

Good dog names are hard to come by. In the popular television series “Columbo,” the detective played by Peter Falk was sometimes accompanied by his droopy-faced basset hound. His dog’s name: Dog. Most dog owners are a bit more imaginative when it comes to naming their pets. The list of the most popular dog names generally doesn’t […]

Dogs have made their way through pop culture over the years, in headlines, television, movies, books, and more. Whether you need some name inspiration for your new furry friend or want to enjoy some nostalgic trivia, here’s a list of some famous dog names from A to Z. Astro Astro, a Great Dane, was the […]

Are you searching for the perfect name for a new dog? In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve compiled a list of Irish names, along with their meanings. You don’t have to be Irish to give your dog one of these names; you can choose one that’s descriptive of your dog’s coat, eye color, or […]

When it comes to canine architecture, The Creature doesn’t fit any mold. But when you see Nessie (her call name, for the Loch Ness monster) in action at an American Kennel Club Agility trial you’re left grinning with a wow factor – and wondering what was that? In other words, once you see her, you […]