AKC Breeds

The AKC breeds (American Kennel Club) we recognize today have evolved from the genus Canus about a million years ago. It is commonly believed that all different types of dogs are descendants of the wolf.

At some point in their history, man and dog found mutually favorable reasons to team up, though there is some debate about when this occurred.

Fossil remains provide evidence of dogs' domestic involvement with man at around 13,000 years ago, though recent DNA findings have revealed much earlier connections.

In time it was discovered that dogs were not only good companions around the camp, but could help with various physical tasks.

Search The AKC Breeds

Here is a handy drop-down menu to help you find any AKC breed you may be interested in.

Did You Know

The DNA of Dogs and Gray Wolves is so similar (99+%) that analysis cannot tell the difference between them.

Dogs, Wolves, and coyotes can interbreed and produce healthy offspring.

DNA of Coyotes has variants that enable analysis to distinguish them from dogs and wolves.

Again, there are differing opinions about how dogs became so diversified. But I am one, among many, who agree with expert opinions that humans, being pretty quick to realize the dogs' potential, started selectively breeding dogs of certain physical characteristics for different types of tasks.

Those who could assist in hunting for food were probably pretty popular, as were those who could guard it!

And we are glad they did... for without that intervention we wouldn't be enjoying the companionship of these amazing animals today.

No matter what the conditions were that first brought about this relationship, the evidence is clear that dogs have become beloved and loyal friends over the years.

Classification of AKC Breeds

Today, some of the descendants of these early domesticated dogs are now classified in this list of AKC pure bred dog breeds by recognizable groups such as terriers, hounds, sporting, toy, non-sporting etc.

Purebred dogs are the result of one purebred dog being mated with another purebred of the same breed and becoming easily recognizable as you would expect for the breed in question.

While there are currently 193 breeds recognized into the AKC stud book, there are many breeds hopeful of being accepted. These 'hopefuls' are part of a group simply known as "miscellaneous". This category contains a list of dog breeds eagerly awaiting the opportunity for full recognition and registration into the AKC Stud Book.

There are almost 350 dog breeds around the world as well as individual kennel clubs setting their own classifications into which the various dog breeds are placed.

About The AKC

In 1884 the American Kennel Club was founded to promote, among other things, the breeding and sport of purebred dogs for type and function.

Parent Dog Clubs, that are formed to promote a particular breed, apply to the AKC for recognition. It takes many steps to do this, but if they are successful, the AKC subsequently reviews/approves the parent club's standards for that specific breed.

This then becomes the official guide to a given breed's profile.

Purebred dog breeds are classified by dog group. Most of these dogs and their group can be found within the list on this page.

AKC Breeds Can Help You Find Your Best Friend

If you are thinking about getting a dog and need help deciding what is the right or best one for you - you will be able to compare a wide selection of dog profiles from the AKC breeds listed here.

Almost everyone has its own page with a full description along with pictures so you can get a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Laminated Dogs of the World Animal Chart Poster

But, don't try to find the "perfect" one, because every pet has something special to recommend them. You might find it helpful to take a look at what our visitors have shared about their pets on the "popular dog breeds" page. This will give you a bit more first-hand information to go on.

Family Dog Or Couch Cuddler?

If you're looking for a family dog, we have just the page for you about dogs good with children that you may find useful. Additionally, our "empty nest" visitors or those who live alone, seemed to be interested in having a reference list of small dog breeds, you know ones they can cuddle on the couch with at night.

The Small Dogs list is available here.

And last, but not least, when you are searching for a particular AKC breed, use the quick and handy A-Z drop down menu above to look for different types of dog breeds by group or name. When you do this you will be taken to individual pages about the various dog breeds where you can read all about their personality, trainability and how to groom and care for them.