We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Tracking and Trick Dog, including the first and second All-American Dogs to become AKC Rally® Champions and two new AKC Champion Trackers! And many All-American Dogs had big success at the 2019 AKC National […]

The AKC works with several non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog titling program and the AKC Search & Rescue title program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); and the North […]

The AKC Museum of the Dog will feature Constance Bannister's work starting July 9. The new exhibit is titled "Women & Dogs in Art in the 20th Century" and will highlight several female artists. That great comedian and curmudgeon, W.C. Fields, warned of the perils of sharing the stage with animals or children. Both, he […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2019 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. Alabama – SB 10 would provide for the rights and responsibilities of an individual with a disability […]

From Our Nation's Capitol The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2019 Legislation Tracking page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the […]

Breeder of Merit recognition and benefits are based on the BOM’s commitment to registering their puppies and health testing the parents. Are you living up to your contract?  The agreement signed when you applied:  I hereby apply to participate in the Breeder of Merit Program. I certify by my signature that I have read, understand, […]

In 1960, the Poodle dethroned the Beagle as the AKC’s most registered breed and did it by the most decisive margin yet recorded in history. Its ascension could be largely credited to one 9.5-inch tall, 8-pound grey dog, claimed to have the highest appraisal value of any canine in history. This is the story of […]

Meet Gayle Watkins, breeder of over 100 titled Golden Retrievers that have excelled in multiple sports and co-founder of Avidog International.  A Gold-level AKC Breeder of Merit, Gayle Watkins of Highlands, North Carolina, puts the “purpose” in multi-purpose dogs: Her Gaylan’s Golden Retrievers have earned more than 140 American and Canadian conformation, obedience, tracking, Rally and agility championships, as well as Master Hunter titles. Dozens […]

Game of Thrones may be over, but dogs and dog lovers around the world are still feeling the show's repercussions. For eight years, more than 30 million viewers watched dire wolves protect the Stark family. For many viewers, Ghost, Summer, Nymeria and pack's intelligence, fierce loyalty, and imposing stature were more than entertaining: it inspired them […]

By April 2019, Bryan Bailey was a desperate man. In September 2018, he and his wife Kira had welcomed a Siberian Husky puppy into their lives. Tikaani was beautiful—solid black with white paws—reminding Bryan of the sled dogs from his childhood in Alaska. But Tikaani was wasting away. Almost as soon as he arrived at Bryan and […]