On a September day 140 years ago, long before the days of most dog sports, dog TV, and Instagram, a group of 12 dedicated sportsmen started it all. Major James M. Taylor called together these men from dog clubs across the country met in Philadelphia.
This meeting of the “club of clubs” would go down in history as the first gathering of the American Kennel Club, and 140 years later, remains the United States’ foremost source for all things dogs. Here are some of the notable events and pieces of history that shaped the American Kennel Club into what we know it as today.
AKC History in the 1800s
1878
The nine original charter breeds of the AKC are recognized in America for the first time. The list, comprised mainly of the types of hunting dogs commonly sought after at the time, included the Pointer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, English Setter, and Gordon Setter.
1884
The first meeting of the American Kennel Club is held in Philadelphia on September 17, 1884. This is where the Constitution, Bylaws, and Dog Show Rules are created. Major James M. Taylor is elected as the first AKC President.
1885
The Fox Terrier is first recognized by the AKC. The Wire Fox Terrier is one of the winningest dog breeds in conformation history, having claimed Best in Show at Westminster 15 times, in addition to winning the 2012 AKC National Championship.
1887
The AKC opens its first New York City office at 44 Broadway in 15×20-foot room.
1888
The Whippet is first recognized by the AKC. A Whippet named ‘Whiskey’ won 2018 AKC National Championships Best In Show winner.
1889
The first issue of The AKC Gazette is published. The Gazette would continue without interruption for over a century and it is now one of the longest-running dog publications of all time.
AKC History in the 1900s
1914
A reciprocal agreement is made between the AKC and England’s The Kennel Club, creating a successful trans-national partnership that continues to this day.
1917
The Labrador Retriever is first recognized by the AKC. The breed has become one of the most popular dogs in the history of the United States, having ranked first atop the most registered breeds for over 30 years.
1929
The first edition of Pure-Bred Dogs is published. Nine years later, the book was renamed The Complete Dog Book. To date, it has sold more than 2 million copies.
1933
The first Obedience Trial (then called “test”) was held in Mt. Kisco, NY. There were eight dogs entered in this first obedience test: two Labrador Retrievers, three Poodles, two English Springer Spaniels, and one German Shepherd Dog.
1934
The AKC Library & Archives is first established. It would go on to become one of the largest devoted dog libraries in the world, with over 15,000 volumes and counting.
1939-44
The AKC works with Dogs for Defense to mobilize dog owners to donate quality animals to be trained to help American troops during World War II.
1959
The Belgian Malinois is first recognized by the AKC. The intelligent, no-nonsense breed has gone on to become one of America’s most prized dogs for military work, police K9 work, and search and rescue operations.
1971
Junior Showmanship is officially recognized by the AKC for the first time, opening up the world of dog conformation and handling to younger generations.
1982
The Dog Museum of America opens in NYC with several oil paintings canines by well-known artists. The museum would ultimately move to St. Louis in 1987, and be renamed The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog. The AKC Museum of the Dog would ultimately return to NYC in a brand new space in 2019.
1984
The American Kennel Club celebrates its 100th Anniversary with the Centennial Show in Philadelphia, where a German Shepherd Dog won Best in Show.
1989
The first Canine Good Citizen tests are conducted, establishing a new and lasting foundational program for good dog behavior. Today, over 1 million dogs have received their CGC certification.
1994
The sport of Agility is established, and the first AKC-licensed Earthdog tests debuted. Later that year, the first version of AKC.org is launched.
1995
Judith V. Daniels becomes the American Kennel Club’s first female President. That same year, the Companion Animal Recovery program, now called AKC Reunite, is launched, and the AKC Canine Health Foundation is established with a $1 million AKC grant.
AKC in the 21st Century
2000
The first AKC Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) are distributed, honoring exemplary companion, law enforcement, search and rescue, service, and therapy dogs. Later recipients would include the legendary NYPD K9 and 9/11 hero Apollo.
2001
The first AKC National Championship was held in Orlando Florida. The National Championship continues to be held in Orlando each December.
2005
AKC Rally competition begins.
2009
AKC Canine Partners is launched as a way to allow mixed-breed dogs and their owners to participate in AKC Agility, Obedience, and Rally events.
2015
The Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program is launched as a means to improve responsible dog breeding. Later that year, the first Responsible Dog Ownership Day is held on September 19th, creating a new annual occasion to celebrate dog owners who go the extra mile.
2018
AKC.tv is launched, opening up a whole new world of informative and entertaining video content for dog owners and lovers across the world.
2019
The Azawakh is first recognized by the AKC, bringing the total number of breeds registered up to 193 and counting, making ours the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world.
2020
A global pandemic rocks the world as we know it. People are home more, and get more dogs because of this. The number of dog owners in the United States skyrockets.
2022
The French Bulldog dethrones the Labrador Retriever’s 31-year reign as the most popular dog breed in the United States. The Mudi, Russian Toy, and Bracco Italiano all became recognized AKC breeds in 2022, with the Bracco Italiano marking the 200th breed recognized.
2024
The Lancashire Heeler becomes an officially-recognized AKC breed on January 1st. The American Kennel Club celebrates its 140th anniversary in September.
