When you see a dog with their tail curled high over their back and triangular ears standing alertly, you might feel confident you're looking at a Japanese breed. But are you equally confident you know which one? The Akita and the Shiba Inu share a similar heritage and body shape. But the Akita, a member […]

In Japan, there are Inu (dogs) and there are Chin. To the Japa­nese. the distinction needs no clarification: Chin are royalty. They are descendants of dogs that warmed the laps of Chinese aristocracy and kept court with the women of the Imperial Palace. The Japanese Chin's true origin is in China, where the breed's chronol­ogy […]

Bold, spirited, and charming, Shiba Inus can also be a handful. But that doesn't diminish their popularity. Learn more and you'll become a fan of the breed.

The SoCal Shiba Before they became a dynamic duo in sunny Santa Monica, Desi Desario and Dioji the Shiba Inu both spent their days in California's sprawling Inland Empire. Dioji had been living with a family in Riverside who didn't quite know what to do with the young, energetic dog. Desario, meanwhile, had recently moved to the Los Angeles area […]

Five Shiba Inu littermates and their sire all rank in the breed's FastCat Top 20. Breeders and owners believe a high prey drive makes Shibas predisposed for dog sports success. Training Shiba Inus can be tricky, but FastCat is an ideal way to channel energy. Watch all five Shiba Inus in the Hanabi F litter chase a […]

An ancient Japanese breed, the Shiba Inu is a little but well-muscled dog once employed as a hunter. Today, the spirited, good-natured Shiba is the most popular companion dog in Japan. The adaptable Shiba is at home in town or country.

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The […]

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]