There are nearly 5000 dog clubs in the United States that hold affiliated events under the umbrella of the AKC for competition by AKC registered dogs. Some are national parent clubs, others local specialty clubs, and still others are devoted to a broad variety of events from agility to obedience and tracking, from field trials […]

Responsible breeders work hard to keep their litters safe and happy in the kennel, but puppies are known for their inquisitive natures and ability to find trouble. While choosing the right owner is the first step in ensuring a healthy life, even the best match can't keep all puppies away from unexpected accidents. To help […]

What information does the DNA testing provide? AKC DNA Profiling is for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes only. It does not provide information regarding genetic health, conformation, performance ability, coat color, etc. AKC DNA testing does not determine the breed of a dog. Can DNA testing determine the breed of a dog? No. AKC […]

You’ve made the decision to welcome a new dog into your family. Now comes the fun part – finding the perfect dog. There’s a lot to consider. Before you commit, ask yourself these five questions. What’s Your Schedule? Think about your lifestyle. Do you work long hours? Struggle to get out the door in the […]

Traditional Media Ways to Increase the Chance of Coverage for Your National Specialty Encouraging local media to cover your National Specialty is a great way to promote your breed and educate potential owners about the type of lifestyle that is suitable for your breed. Aside from inviting the local news station or newspaper reporters to […]

The AKC Club Relations Department handles the accreditation, licensing and member club approval process for all AKC clubs and administers the development of new clubs so they may qualify for the holding of sanctioned matches, mentored and licensed events. TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I General Information PART II Organization  PART III AKC Accreditation  PART IV […]

Attention Parent Clubs: Reach Your Newest Puppy Owners! Public Education begins with people understanding their breed's needs. Help get the newest owners of your breed off to a good start by taking advantage of one of the AKC's programs -- a service that distributes flyers written by national breed clubs along with each AKC registration […]

Finding a Friend in Fido: Tips for Considering a Dog A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society demonstrated that independently-living seniors with pets tend to have better physical health and mental well being than those who don't. But for many seniors, the fear of not being able to provide the proper […]

Why Purebred? Welcoming a canine companion into your life is a commitment that may last 10 years or more. Finding a pet whose temperament matches your lifestyle and personality is best achieved by researching and selecting a purebred--a dog with predictable characteristics. There are as many breeds as there are lifestyles. Some reasons to consider […]

A Canine for the Kids? What to Know When Considering a New Dog Choosing the right breed to fit your family's lifestyle After hearing "Please can we get a dog?" from your children for the one-thousandth time, perhaps you are considering adding a canine to the family portrait. There are many suitable options for families of […]