How to Find Breed Information on the American Kennel Club Website

Updated

The American Kennel Club (AKC) website, akc.org, is the official source for breed information on the roughly 200 dog breeds it recognizes. You can browse the full breed list, search for a specific breed by name, or use the "Find The Right Breed" tool to narrow options by traits. The breed pages are free to view; only some services tied to the site, such as newsletter subscriptions or pet insurance referrals, involve separate sign-ups or purchases.

Where Breed Information Lives on akc.org

The homepage surfaces several entry points for breed content:

  • Find The Right Breed — a guided tool for narrowing breeds by characteristics rather than by name.
  • A breed selector menu — a dropdown listing recognized breeds alphabetically, from Affenpinscher and Afghan Hound through to breeds further down the alphabet.
  • Top Stories / Latest Stories — editorial articles that often cover breed-specific topics, care, and news.

If you already know the breed name, the alphabetical selector is the fastest route. If you are still deciding, start with the breed-finder tool.

Using the Breed List

The site maintains an alphabetical list of recognized breeds. Selecting a breed from this list takes you to that breed's dedicated page. The list is long and scrollable, so on a phone or small screen it helps to use your browser's in-page search (usually Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) and type the breed name.

Breeds appear under their official AKC names, which sometimes differ from common usage. For example, the list includes entries such as "Belgian Malinois," "Cane Corso," and "Dogo Argentino" under those exact spellings. If a search returns nothing, try the official name rather than a nickname.

What a Breed Page Typically Covers

Once you open a breed page, expect information organized around the breed's traits and care needs. Common sections include:

Category What you'll find
Temperament / personality Typical disposition, energy level, and suitability for different households
Care Grooming, exercise, and training needs
Health Known health concerns and recommended health testing
Breed standard The official description of the breed's ideal form and function
History Origin and development of the breed

Use these sections together rather than in isolation. A breed described as low-shedding may still need frequent professional grooming, and a high-energy breed may not suit a small apartment regardless of how affectionate it is.

Finding the Right Breed by Traits

If you don't have a breed in mind, the "Find The Right Breed" tool is the intended starting point. It works by having you consider what you need from a dog — such as size, energy level, and grooming demands — and then pointing you toward breeds that fit. This is more useful than browsing alphabetically when your priority is matching a dog to your lifestyle rather than confirming details about a breed you've already chosen.

What to Verify Before You Decide

Breed pages describe the breed in general terms. Individual dogs vary, and a few things are worth confirming against other sources:

  • Health claims — breed-level health information is general; specific risks and testing recommendations are best confirmed with a veterinarian.
  • Availability — the site's "Find a Puppy" and breeder resources are separate from the breed profiles, so a breed page doesn't tell you what's currently available near you.
  • Registration status — the AKC recognizes a specific set of breeds. A breed you're considering may not appear in the list at all, which is itself useful information about how the club classifies it.

Quick Path Summary

  1. Go to akc.org.
  2. To look up a known breed: open the breed selector and choose the breed, or use in-page search on the breed list.
  3. To choose a breed: start with "Find The Right Breed."
  4. Read the temperament, care, health, and standard sections together.
  5. Cross-check health and suitability questions with a veterinarian before committing.