American Kennel Club

The American Kennel Club, AKC short, is the largest umbrella organization of purebred dog breeders in the United States. Together with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI ) and the British Kennel Club (KC ), it forms one of the three major umbrella organizations in today's dog breeding. He also works closely with the Canadian Kennel Club ( CKC ).

History and Organization

The club was founded on October 22, 1884 in Philadelphia, leaning in organization and activities on the model of the UK Kennel Club to.

As members of the AKC not persons but breed and other dog clubs are out, the members of which are by the membership of their clubs in the AKC as members of the AKC.

Racial groups

There are certain differences in both the number of recognized breeds, as well as in their division between AKC, FCI and KC. As the British Kennel Club also shares the AKC breeds in seven groups ( FCI: Group 10 ), its classification but which is different from the British system.

In the Sporting Group (Category: Sporting Group (AKC ) ) races are conducted, the hunters in finding the Wilds support ( Pointing, Flushing Dogs, Spaniels ) and / or a shooting prey retrieval ( Retriever).

In the Hound Group ( category: Hound Group (AKC )) are out hunting dogs that can track and make wild self. A distinction is made between Scenthounds who hunt with the sense of smell (running hounds, Bracken ), and Sighthounds, who pursue their prey by sight ( greyhounds, hounds ).

In the Working Group ( Category: Working Group ( AKC) ) dogs have been bred as guard dogs, draft dogs, guard dogs and for similar tasks.

In the Terrier Group (Category: Terrier Group (AKC )) are out dogs that were originally bred to hunt under the ground and for the control of mice, rats and similar animals.

In the Toy Group (Category: Toy Group (AKC ) ) small dog breeds are performed that have been bred from the beginning not for certain jobs, but as lap dogs.

In the Non-Sporting Group ( Category: Non- Sporting Group (AKC )) can be performed with very different uses of dog breeds that were bred as hunting dogs, neither nor as guard or herding dogs.

In the Herding Group (Category: Herding Group ( AKC) ) Shepherd and sheep dogs are out, which were originally bred as herding dogs and cattle dogs.

In addition to these seven groups and the Foundation Stock Service there (Category: Foundation Stock Service ( AKC) ) for breeds for which the AKC keeping a herd book in view of a possible recognition. The Miscellaneous Class (Category: Miscellaneous Class (AKC ) ) is part of the Foundation Stock Service. Here breeds are classified, which are not yet fully recognized by the AKC, but may be already issued. Once these breeds can boast a high enough national distribution, a nationally active breed club and a certain minimum number of throws, the AKC can recognize them as fully and assign one of the above groups.

See also: Category AKC dog breed.

Activities

Events

Under the supervision of the AKC dog shows, lure coursing, hunting dog competitions (Field Trials ), Obedienceprüfungen, agility competitions and other events are organized with respect dogs. As part of these events (eg Champion ) will be awarded according to criteria established by the AKC title.

The prestigious exhibition under AKC rules since 1877 in New York City held Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which is held each February at Madison Square Garden.

Breed

The AKC leads the Stud Book, a directory of all farmed or imported by its members purebred dogs. For registration it charges a fee. The AKC registration is recognized by FCI and KC, provided these clubs recognize the corresponding race; The same applies vice versa.

Breeding Hygiene

The AKC operates a foundation that research projects on diseases of dogs with a pedigree supports (AKC Canine Health Foundation). He writes for breeding but no health tests compulsory before.

Political Activities

Politically, the AKC requires in particular for the rights of dog owners and breeders, so fights in general laws which are directed against certain forms of breeding and / or certain breeds.