New York, NY — The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced today the 2014 AKC Breeder of the Year Award group recipients, recognizing seven breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups that are dedicated to excellence and the advancement of the purebred dog. “Breeders are the heartbeat of the American Kennel […]

In an ongoing campaign to recognize the hard work and commitment of breeders dedicated to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs, the American Kennel Club® announced today the seven group recipients of the 2013 AKC® Breeder of the Year Award.    “The AKC Breeder of the Year Award celebrates several of AKC’s […]

"AKC Breeder of the Year" to be Announced at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Orlando, Fla.   The American Kennel Club® announced today the seven group recipients of the 2012 AKC® Breeder of the Year Award.  The award honors breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs.   […]

  Award Presented at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship  Debbie Butt of Toms Brook, Virginia was honored with the 2010 AKC Breeder of the Year Award for her Sporting Fields Whippets at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Sunday, December 5, 2010.  The annual award honors those breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament […]

Insight into your breed's health Most breeds' health testing requirements originate with an AKC Parent Club, the AKC-recognized national club devoted to that particular breed. AKC Parent Clubs represent experts of a single breed. The AKC approves only one national club per breed. AKC Parent Clubs generate Parent Club Health Statements to provide health testing […]

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 […]

As we near the end of our 133rd year as America’s strongest advocate for purebred dogs, it is a privilege to reflect on how much we have accomplished.  The cornerstone of our mission, AKC Sports and Events are our link to the past, present and future.  In 2017 we challenged ourselves to create a path […]

Last Modified: November 1, 2023 The American Kennel Club, Inc. (“AKC”) owns and operates this website (“Website”). These Terms of Use are an agreement entered into by and between you (“User,” "you," or "your") and AKC. By accessing and using this Website, you agree to each of the terms and conditions set forth herein, our Privacy […]

Breeder of Merit registration applications and registration certificates featuring a special designation Monthly credit for online reports Access to the AKC Direct toll free number Free litter listings on AKC Marketplace for qualified breed(s) Prime placement of AKC Marketplace listings A certificate of distinction Breed-specific web banners that participants can use to proudly promote their involvement […]

Header photo courtesy of Nancy Bishop, AKC Breeder of Merit The decision to get a puppy is a big one. First, there's deciding what kind of puppy you want, choosing a breed, and then, finding a reputable and professional breeder to ensure you are getting the dog of your dreams. And finding the right breeder […]