American Kennel Club

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America's Most Popular Dog Breeds
America's
5 Top Dogs
Mar 18, 2026 12:47 PM CDT

America's 5 Top Dogs

The Frenchie still reigns supreme, but the dachshund cracks the top 5 breeds, says AKC

(Newser) - Americans love their dogs, but they apparently love some more than others. The American Kennel Club is out with its annual rankings of our most popular breeds, reports Today , and while the French bulldog is hanging onto the throne it seized in 2023, the wee dachshund is suddenly the hot...

American Kennel Club Adds 3 New Breeds
AKC Adds 3 New
'Good Dogs!'
Dec 30, 2025 1:54 PM CST

AKC Adds 3 New 'Good Dogs!'

Unleash the hounds! And the terriers and lapdogs

(Newser) - They're ready to embark on 2026. Three more dog breeds joined the American Kennel Club's roster of recognized breeds on Tuesday, making them eligible for many US dog shows and likely increasing their visibility to the pet-loving public. One of the newcomers is a terrier named for a...

Meet National Dog Show's Winner of 'Best in Show'

6-year-old Belgian sheepdog Soleil beats out nearly 2,000 dogs for 'Best in Show'

(Newser) - A 6-year-old Belgian sheepdog named Soleil took home the top prize at the 2025 National Dog Show after outshining more than 1,900 canine competitors. Soleil, known for her glossy black coat and steady demeanor, appeared unfazed by the commotion as she and her handler, Daniel Martin of Princeton, North...

PETA Sues the AKC Over 'Blueprints' for 'Deformed' Dogs

Group says standards for popular dog breeds cause health problems, premature death

(Newser) - PETA is taking the American Kennel Club to court, claiming that prized dog breed standards are fueling a legacy of pain and premature death for beloved pets. The animal rights group has filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court, seeking to end the AKC's official requirements...

The Top Dog in US Hangs On
Je Suis the Top Dog in America
Mar 18, 2025 11:47 AM CDT

Je Suis the Top Dog in America

French bulldog is still No. 1 in AKC statistics, but keep an eye on the cane corso

(Newser) - The US still has a major case of French bulldog fever, but a very different breed is staunchly chasing dog lovers' hearts, according to American Kennel Club statistics released Wednesday. For the third year in a row, the comical, controversial Frenchie tops the club's annual rundown of the nation'...

This Dog With a 'Smile' Just Got Into American Kennel Club

The Lancashire heeler will now be permitted to compete against other breeds at dog shows

(Newser) - It's small in stature, big on activity, and known for a "smile," and it's ready to compete with 200 other dog breeds. Say hello to the Lancashire heeler, the latest breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, per the AP . The organization announced Wednesday that the...

10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in US
10 Most Popular
Dog Breeds in US
Mar 15, 2022 12:09 PM CDT

10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in US

Labs are still king, but poodles are gaining

(Newser) - Labrador retrievers are still tugging hardest on US dog lovers' heartstrings, but poodles just strutted back into the American Kennel Club's top five most popular dog breeds for the first time in nearly a quarter-century, per the AP . The club's annual popularity rankings came out Tuesday, drawn from...

Meet the American Kennel Club's 2 Newest Breeds

Sloughi, American hairless terrier join 187 others

(Newser) - A hairless terrier and an ancient North African hound are ready to run with the pack of dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. The organization announced Tuesday that the American hairless terrier and the sloughi have joined 187 other recognized breeds. The newcomers can now compete in most...

Kennel Club Recognizes 3 New Dog Breeds

Icelandic sheepdog, Leonberger, and Cane Corso make the cut

(Newser) - The American Kennel Club has recognized three exotic breeds, clearing the way for the pooches to compete in the highest level dog shows. Though new to the AKC, these aren't Labradoodle-style canine innovations: the Icelandic Sheepdog, for example, one of the newly recognized breeds, may be the oldest established breed...

Mutts Finally Break Into Dog Shows

They're allowed to compete in 'skill-based' events, but not beauty contests

(Newser) - The purebred Labradors, spaniels and collies of the dog-show world have a new rival: mutts. The American Kennel Club has changed its rules after 125 years to allow mixed breeds to compete in some events for the first time ever. At a dog show in Virginia this weekend, Otis, the...

Allergies Complicate Obamas' Pooch-Vetting Process

Malia's issues have AKC pushing 'hypo-allergenic' breeds; docs say there's no such thing

(Newser) - Animal advocates are chomping at the bit to sway President-elect Obama’s choice of first dog, and they’re using daughter Malia's allergies to do it, the New York Times reports. The American Kennel Club suggests the Obamas buy a “hypoallergenic” breed like a poodle or Bichon Frise, but...

A Tough Decision for Obama: Picking the First Dog

AKC wants a poodle, PETA wants a mutt

(Newser) - Barack Obama promised his daughters a dog after the election, win or lose. So it was no surprise when he told the girls during his acceptance speech they “have earned the puppy that is coming with us.” But what kind will the first family choose? Malia, 10, wants...

Bulldogs Back in AKC's Top 10
Bulldogs Back in AKC's Top 10
Jan 17, 2008 5:46 PM CST

Bulldogs Back in AKC's Top 10

Beefy canine was last on list in 1935; lab is tops for 17th consecutive year

(Newser) - The bulldog has returned to the American Kennel Club's list of top 10 most popular American dog breeds for the first time since 1935, the AP reports. The Labrador retriever held on to #1—it’s been top dog for the past 17 years. Check out the other popular pooches:...

Neutering Bill Ruffles Feathers
Neutering Bill Ruffles Feathers
Jul 10, 2007 10:16 AM CDT

Neutering Bill Ruffles Feathers

Calif. legislation would require owners to 'fix' cats and dogs

(Newser) - Legislation that would require Californians to "fix" their cats and dogs has captured the state's attention, inspiring more more controversy than any other measure this year, including an assisted-suicide bill. TV legend Bob Barker backs the spay/neuter bill, but groups like the American Kennel Club don't want the state...

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