As we move into 2026, we continue to celebrate the various accomplishments and announcements here at the American Kennel Club. We are pleased to highlight these developments, including newly recognized breeds, the AKC-CKC partnership, the upcoming Junior Regional event schedule, and AKC publications’ DWAA nominations.
We are proud to welcome the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier as the newest additions to the American Kennel Club, bringing our total number of recognized breeds to 205. While these breeds are our most recent to achieve AKC recognition, they are far from new; each has a rich history spanning generations and regions across the world.
Joining the Hound Group, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, also known as the Fawn-Colored Brittany Basset, dates back to 16th-century France, where it was developed as a versatile hunting dog. Known for its determination in the field, this breed is equally admired as a companion, with a cheerful disposition, intelligence, and an eagerness to please.
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier enters the Terrier Group with deep American roots. Originally bred to control vermin on farms and in homes, this lively and affectionate breed is known for its loyalty, strong pack instincts, and protective nature toward its family.
Rounding out the group, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka joins the Toy Group. Originating in Russia, this small but spirited breed is clever, confident, and deeply devoted to its people. Bolonki are loving companions, well-suited for families, and known for getting along beautifully with children and other dogs.
To learn more about these newly recognized breeds and the AKC breed recognition process, visit: akc.org.
We are pleased to partner with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC®), Canada’s primary registry for purebred dogs, to recognize CKC titles earned in Conformation, Obedience, and Rally. Eligible titles earned through the CKC by AKC-registered or AKC-listed dogs may now be officially recorded on their AKC records and reflected on their AKC pedigrees. Dogs that previously earned qualifying CKC titles are also eligible to apply for recognition.
The AKC Title Application Portal (TAP) offers a streamlined and convenient way for owners to submit applications for CKC title recognition. To learn more about the Title Recognition Program and to access TAP, visit the AKC Title Recognition Program webpage.
As we look forward to the year ahead, we are excited about all the Junior Regional Events scheduled. These events will provide Juniors, ages 9-18, with the chance to compete and develop skills in a structured, regional format, fostering participation in dog sports. They will follow the same structure and judging format as the Limited Class Junior Showmanship Competition in accordance with the Junior Regulations.
To participate, the Junior must live in the region and have won first place in three or more Open Classes in Junior Showmanship competition at AKC licensed or member Dog Shows. This includes licensed or member Specialty Shows as well as All-Breed Shows. The Junior must be at least nine years of age at the time of each qualifying win. A Junior Handler who will be 18 years old or older on the date of the show may still compete, provided he or she was under 18 years of age on the date of the last win required to qualify.
To view the full schedule of events, visit: https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-announces-regional-junior-showmanship-events-begin-2026/
We are proud to share that the Dog Writers Association of America has honored AKC Publications and AKC Digital Content with over 20 nominations across multiple categories. Since its founding in 2003, AKC Publications, which includes AKC Family Dog and the AKC Gazette, and its writers have earned nearly 50 DWAA awards, numerous Folio Awards, and honorable mentions for feature stories. AKC’s Content Department has worked to make AKC.org’s Expert Advice, a tried-and-true resource for all things dogs, including, but not limited to, training, canine health & fitness, puppy info, and dog sports.
We would like to extend a special congratulations to all the winners who took home a DWAA Award this year from both our AKC Family Dog magazine and the AKC Gazette. We are overwhelmed by the talent and dedication of our writers. Thank you to everyone who reads and supports their work!
We are thankful for your continued support of the AKC over the years. If this is what the first month of the year looks like, we cannot wait to see what the rest of 2026 brings.
