American Kennel Club (AKC) maintains the largest registry for purebred dogs in the world. The club registers more than 1 million dogs a year. It maintains a file called the Stud Book, which contains a family history of every dog ever registered with the AKC.
The AKC is made up of about several thousand licensed and member dog clubs and affiliated organizations in the United States. The national member breed clubs set the standards by which dogs are judged at AKC shows. Representatives from the clubs carry out the AKC’s activities. The AKC makes rules for dog shows and such competitions as obedience trials, field trials, and hunting tests. The AKC also approves dog show judges and maintains a staff to assist at competitions.
The AKC supports the ownership of purebred dogs as family companions, advances canine health and well-being, and promotes responsible dog ownership. The club publishes a number of periodicals, including AKC Gazette and AKC Family Dog magazines. Its reference books include The Complete Dog Book and The American Kennel Club Dog Care and Training.
The AKC produces videos on each breed and on other subjects of interest to dog owners. It also sells products to help owners care for their dogs. In addition, the AKC maintains a library and a museum. The AKC was founded in 1884.
