The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization

which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and

oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States.

The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of

purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.

Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC

advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health

and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes

responsible dog ownership.

More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing,

coonhound events, hunt tests, field trials and earthdog tests.

Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal

Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org