American Kennel Club facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | AKC |
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| Formation | 1884 |
| Type | Kennel club |
| Headquarters | New York City |
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Region served
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United States |
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Official language
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English |
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a group in the United States that keeps records of purebred dog families. Think of it like a family tree for dogs! Besides keeping these records, the AKC also organizes and approves many events for purebred dogs. These events include famous shows like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the National Dog Show. The AKC works with other dog organizations around the world. As of 2022, the AKC officially recognizes 200 different dog breeds.
Contents
History of the AKC
In the early 1800s, people in England started caring a lot about how dogs looked, not just what they could do. This idea became popular in North America too. In 1877, the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was held. Soon, people realized they needed a group to set rules for dog shows and breeding.
In 1884, a group of 13 dog clubs came together to create the American Kennel Club. Ten of these clubs were from the U.S., and three were from Canada. They promised to help study, breed, show, and keep purebred dogs healthy. The AKC was different from other dog clubs. Individuals couldn't join directly. Instead, people joined smaller, specific breed clubs, and those clubs were members of the AKC.
Arguments started between the American and Canadian clubs in 1886. Because of this, the Canadian clubs left the AKC. Two years later, they started their own group called the Canadian Kennel Club.
In 1894, the AKC decided that Canadian dogs without an American family record couldn't enter its shows. Later, in 1911, rules changed. Any dog registered with a dog club in its home country could enter the U.S. without extra fees. Soon after, the AKC, the Canadian Kennel Club, and The Kennel Club (in England) made agreements. This meant a dog registered in one country could easily be registered in the others. In 1909, the AKC moved its main office to New York City.
On July 1, 2012, the AKC started to accept certain awards from the North American Flyball Association. These awards include Flyball Champion (FDCh), Flyball Master (FM), and the ONYX title.
How Dogs Get Registered
The AKC is the biggest group that registers purebred dogs in the U.S. It's also the only one that doesn't make a profit, and it's very well-known. For a purebred dog to be registered with the AKC, both of its parents must already be registered with the AKC. They also must be the same breed. The group of puppies born at the same time (called a litter) must also be registered with the AKC.
Sometimes, if a dog's parents or litter aren't registered, an exception can be made. The AKC might do special research to see if the dog can still be registered. Once a dog is approved, it can be registered as purebred by the AKC.
It's important to know that registration only means the dog's parents were registered as a recognized breed. It doesn't mean the dog is super healthy or perfect for shows. It also doesn't say anything about how good the breeder was or how the puppy was raised.
Foundation Stock Service
The AKC has a special program called the Foundation Stock Service. This is for new purebred dog breeds that have come to the U.S. but aren't yet fully recognized by the AKC. It helps keep track of these breeds as they grow.
AKC Activities
The AKC approves many events where dogs and their owners can compete.
- Conformation shows
In AKC conformation shows, dogs compete based on their breed and sex. Breeds are put into different groups like hound, terrier, working, herding, sporting, non-sporting, toy, and miscellaneous. The most famous AKC conformation shows are the Westminster Dog Show and the AKC National Championship.
- Dog agility
The AKC also organizes dog agility contests. Dogs over 12 months old that are registered with the AKC can take part. In agility, dogs run through obstacle courses.
- Obedience trials
The AKC holds obedience trials. These are open to all AKC registered dogs over 6 months old. In obedience trials, dogs show how well they can follow commands.
- Performance dog sports
The AKC organizes many outdoor competitions called performance dog sports. These include trials for herding and farm dogs, scent work, earthdog trials, lure coursing, and field trials. Field trials are for specific breeds like Bassets, Beagles, coonhounds, Dachshunds, pointing dogs, retrievers, and spaniels.
Other Programs
The AKC also offers the Canine Good Citizen program. This program tests dogs of any breed (even mixed breeds) to see if they have good basic manners and a calm personality. It helps make sure dogs can behave well in public and at home.
Another group connected to the AKC is AKC Reunite. This service helps find lost pets. It's the biggest non-profit pet ID and recovery service in North America.
The AKC Humane Fund is another affiliate. It helps groups that rescue specific dog breeds. It also supports shelters that let victims of domestic violence bring their pets. Plus, it teaches dog lovers how to be responsible pet owners.
The AKC also gives special titles to therapy dogs. Dogs get these titles after they are certified by AKC-approved therapy dog groups. They also need to complete a certain number of visits to people who need comfort.
See also
- List of dog breeds
- List of kennel clubs
- United Kennel Club
- Dogs in the United States
- Dogs portal
