Though the AKC presents itself to Congress and elsewhere as an animal organization, in reality it serves only as a breed registry that opposes progress towards improving dog welfare. Parent clubs set appearance and breed standards; licensed events provide health tests; DNA sampling occurs; instinct/ability tests occur at licensed events etc.
It is the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs

The American Kennel Club serves many functions, from registering and keeping track of purebred dogs to classifying breeds, sponsoring competitions, awarding winners, encouraging responsible breeding, encouraging owners to train their pups, encouraging responsible breeding practices, as well as upholding its strict code of ethics for its breeders and judges. Additionally, the AKC maintains one of the world’s largest libraries dedicated to dogs – it boasts over 15,000 books! As well as being the national repository of records on dog breeding history; including rare books; literature; private printings; international publications; as well as vertical files of photographs pamphlets and clippings!

As well as their registry and shows, the AKC sets breed standards and sponsors research into canine health. Furthermore, it strives to protect breeder rights and advocate for responsible pet ownership while supporting canine sports such as agility and obedience competitions while encouraging adoptions through its Canine Good Citizen program.

AKC stands as one of three global kennel clubs – alongside Federation Cynologique Internationale and British Kennel Club. All three of these organizations classify breeds into specific groups for specific purposes; AKC sets standards for dog shows as well, such as minimum age requirements for competing, number of allowed dogs per category, etc.

Dog shows typically feature seven regular classes. Here, each dog competes against others of its breed in its class; then a judge selects their favorite male or female to win championship points at the show and be awarded Best in Show honors as an added honor.

The AKC provides educational programs such as breeding seminars and canine health webinars free to both members and non-members, with recorded webinars archived on its website for future viewing. Furthermore, in 1995 it established the Canine Health Foundation, an independent non-profit that advocates groundbreaking canine research to prevent, treat, and cure debilitating diseases.
It is the world’s largest dog show organization

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is one of the world’s premier dog show organizations and an indispensable source for anything related to dogs in America. Promoting wellbeing for dogs while encouraging responsible pet ownership. Maintaining national standards for breeds. Hosting dog sports competitions for purebred and mixed-breed canines alike.

On September 17th 1884, twelve committed individuals received an invitation from J. M. Taylor and Elliot Smith of Philadelphia Kennel Clubs to meet and discuss ways of improving dog showing as well as creating a more uniform code of ethics that all breeders could follow. They met for two days in Philadelphia to develop this groundbreaking organization.

They enacted legislation establishing a committee dedicated to researching various breeds and creating rules to standardize them, while simultaneously organizing sanctioned matches designed to train dogs and make owners aware of proper show procedures. By the 1940s, professional judges had formed their own separate group; tracking became part of obedience competition as official performance testing became mandatory; finally in 1950 the AKC allowed dogs that weren’t registered with them to compete in certain events and established its Foundation Stock Service program to document rare breed births and parentage records.

In the 21st century, the AKC has continued to adapt and broaden its activities. Now housing a museum dedicated to canine history and an online catalog featuring breed photos from years gone by and current ones as well as working to increase use of therapy dogs as emotional support in hospitals or other settings, its efforts continue to expand and evolve.

The AKC has run advertisements purporting to show its dedication to dog health, yet this claim remains highly contentious. Temple Grandin, an expert on animal welfare issues has pointed out that its standards only regulate physical appearance but do not address mental or behavioral health. Furthermore, lobbying against stronger animal welfare protections such as those proposed by Congress gives the AKC an unfair edge in the marketplace of breeders.
It is the world’s largest dog rescue organization

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a dog registry and organization dedicated to purebred dogs, sponsoring dog shows, obedience events and rallies as well as operating a responsible breeder locator service. Furthermore, it maintains a foundation supporting responsible breeding practices, canine health research initiatives as well as dog rescue.

The AKC began as an association of breeders seeking to compare and improve their dogs. Early efforts included attending dog shows, recording wins, establishing pedigree standards and holding its inaugural meeting on September 17th 1884 in Philadelphia where its Constitution and By-Laws were written – Major James M. Taylor was elected first President.

Over time, the AKC expanded to encompass many activities. Beginning in the late 20th century, they recognized additional breeds and expanded competitions while endorsing Junior Showmanship to introduce younger generations to dog conformation and handling. Furthermore, for the first time they recognized Belgian Malinois dogs – now highly esteemed due to their abilities working alongside law enforcement K9s or serving as search and rescue dogs.

Today, the AKC stands as one of the world’s premier dog organizations, hosting more than 2 million canines competing in its sanctioned events and over 15,000 registered litters. Additionally, it keeps a database of lost and found dogs as well as providing a veterinary reimbursement program; moreover, in 1995 they launched a companion animal recovery program and established the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

In the past, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has opposed laws intended to reduce irresponsible breeding while interfering with animal rescue organizations. This may be partly because it presents a conflict of interest: AKC registrations represent its primary product – more puppies registered increases profits for them.

The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) history is one of remarkable achievement and milestones, yet has also seen some controversy. For example, commercial breeders often lobby against humane laws that require adequate space and care for their dogs during breeding operations. Furthermore, the AKC often misled government leaders into believing it “inspected” Petland stores when in reality this typically meant reviewing paperwork rather than conducting physical inspections.
It is the world’s largest canine health foundation

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a breed registry and dog performance events organizer that hosts conformation shows, agility competitions, obedience trials, tracking events and rally. Every year it organizes over 22,000 canine events that it governs with integrity; encouraging responsible ownership while working toward canine health improvement and protecting rights of dogs.

In 1884, a group of men came together with the goal of comparing and improving their breeding stock. They started keeping pedigree records and showing their dogs at local dog clubs before eventually creating the AKC to oversee these activities.

In the 1970s, the AKC implemented several significant reforms. They added five new groups – including one specifically dedicated to hounds – to their show rules, including women being eligible to become delegates; in 1974 the inaugural women delegates were elected. Furthermore, AKC established its library service for parent clubs; now one of the world’s most extensive dog libraries!

Today, the AKC is widely considered to be the leading canine organization in America. Best known for their dog shows, it also provides many other services relating to canines including litter registration and keeping databases of dog owners. Furthermore, it tracks dog related legislation and lobbyists with lawmakers directly. Legislative alerts on their website urging people to contact their legislators are issued regularly while specifically fighting breed-specific legislation is an area in which AKC excels.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) oversees several programs to train dogs, such as Canine Good Citizen. This program promotes responsible pet ownership and encourages people to interact with their dogs. Furthermore, AKC also has a Canine Health Foundation dedicated to dog wellness and welfare; research projects funded include genetic disorders as well as breeders interested in participating in AKC events; as well as providing financial assistance. Previously criticized by critics of supporting puppy mills; however the AKC is making efforts to overcome such criticism.