Each month, we are pleased to share the numerous developments and announcements here at the American Kennel Club. In this edition, we will highlight these developments, including the AKC Humane Fund’s Critical Veterinary Care expansion, AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, AKC Rare Breeds announcement, and the AKC Celebrates USA 250 event.
Owning a dog is one of life’s greatest joys, but it also comes with a responsibility we must never take lightly. That is why I encourage you to take an active role in your community by hosting a Responsible Dog Ownership Day this year. These events are powerful opportunities to educate the public on what it truly means to care for a dog—through engaging activities such as educational booths, demonstrations, microchipping clinics, health screenings, and more.
Your leadership helps to shape better-informed dog owners, stronger communities, and a brighter future for dogs everywhere.
Please visit: https://www.akc.org/sports/responsible-dog-ownership-days/hosting-akc-responsible-dog-ownership-day-event/ to learn more about how to host your own Responsible Dog Ownership Day and explore ideas for impactful activities.
The “American Kennel Club Celebrates USA 250” will take place June 5th through June 7th at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. As part of the AKC on ESPN Sports Series, this multi-day celebration will showcase elite AKC competition across Diving Dogs and Agility, bringing together top canine athletes and handlers in honor of this historic American milestone.
Set against a patriotic backdrop, the event will transform the Navy Yard into a festival-style experience for attendees of all ages. In addition to high-energy competition, guests can explore the AKC Doghouse featuring a dedicated kids’ zone, enjoy a mini Meet the Breeds experience, and cheer on an exciting new Agility Teams competition—adding even more action and engagement to the weekend.
Across all three days, this event will blend world-class dog sports with interactive, family-friendly experiences, creating a one-of-a-kind celebration in recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The AKC has documented the rarest dog breeds of 2025 in the United States. Coming in first, the rarest dog breed in the US is the Norwegian Lundehund. Originally developed to hunt puffins along Norway’s cliffs, the Lundehund has six fully functional toes, exceptional flexibility, protective folding ears, and uniquely mobile shoulders. These traits make it unlike any other breed in both form and function.
While rare, the Lundehund, and all breeds on this list, represent far more than numbers; they are living links to centuries of history between dogs and humans. They are, in every sense, treasures shaped by purpose, environment, and partnership.
Protecting these breeds requires active stewardship, thoughtful breeding, and continued public awareness. Preserving them ensures that future generations can experience—not just read about—the extraordinary legacy of the human-canine bond.
To view the full list of the 2025 rarest breeds, visit: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/rarest-dog-breeds-2025/.
The AKC Humane Fund’s new initiative is providing direct support for low-income pet owners struggling to afford the cost of critical veterinary care. As part of this expanded effort, the AKC Humane Fund is making its first round of donations to three public charities, amounting to a total of $25,000. These charities include the Banfield Foundation, BluePearl Cares, and VCA Charites. These donations aim to help expand access to veterinary services for income-qualifying pet owners whose animals are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
This initiative aims to help bridge the gap between the cost of veterinary care and the financial strain it puts on many pet owners, particularly when unexpected illness or injury occurs. By partnering with trusted veterinary providers and directing resources where they can have an immediate meaningful impact, the AKC Humane Fund hopes to have a positive impact on pets and the people who love them.
To learn more about AKC Humane Fund grants and scholarships, please visit: https://akchumanefund.org/. We appreciate your dedication and commitment to AKC and our efforts in supporting canines and the people who love them.
