The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Gregory McCarthy of Avon, Massachusetts has been hired as an Executive Field Representative in Conformation. He starts effective May 2021 and will cover the Pacific Northwest territory. “Gregory has been involved in AKC dog sports since 1979 and certainly possesses the level of expertise that we […]

Originally bred to help hunters, retrievers were tasked with finding birds or other game and bringing them back undamaged. For this sort of job, the dog needed a “soft,” gentle mouth, where they would carefully carry the prey without damaging it. Also required were strength and agility to traverse a rugged landscape or work in […]

Here at the AKC, we never get tired of learning more about dogs, whether it's a new study on canine behavior, a statistic from our database, or even just cool facts about a dog's impressive physical and mental abilities. You may know some of these already, and others may be more of a "wait, really?" […]

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); the North American […]

In the final hours of one of the most exciting dog sports weekends of the year, 29 dogs qualified to run in the National Agility Championship Preferred Finals. In preferred competition, the jump heights are one height lower than the dog would ordinarily qualify to compete at. This makes it possible for senior dogs and other […]

Which breeds make the best family dogs? What are the best dog breeds for kids? We've compiled some of the best dog breeds for families and kids.

For the most updated statistics, check out the latest rankings of America's most popular dog breeds. Is your dog’s breed winning popularity contests this year? Now you can find out! The most popular dog breeds of 2020 were released on March 16, 2021, based on American Kennel Club registration statistics. America continues its love affair […]

According to 2021 registration statistics, the Norwegian Lundehund is the rarest and least popular dog breed, ranking 197 of 197 breeds. But there's still a hole lot to love about this dog. A dozen or so years ago, potty-mouthed TV chef Gordon Ramsay visited Iceland for his first taste of puffin. With its orange beak […]

From tenacious terriers to stunning sighthounds, learn more about the 8 AKC-recognized Irish dog breeds that hail from the Emerald Isle.

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]