Different Types of AKC Clubs

The American Kennel Club (AKC) was established in 1884 to promote the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs. It is the largest not-for-profit purebred dog registry in the nation.

AKC approves and maintains the official records of over 15,000 sanctioned and licensed events each year. These events, which draw nearly two million entries annually, include dog shows, field trials, obedience trials, lure coursing, hunting tests, herding trials, tracking and coonhound events.

The AKC has approximately 500 member clubs and over 5,000 affiliated clubs. These clubs are more than show-giving entities. They are public service, educational organizations whose activities benefit their entire community. Some AKC club activities include: public education through school presentations, fairs, libraries, shelters, hospitals, rescue leagues, scouts and 4-H; training classes; and health clinics.

Member Clubs are clubs that hold AKC licensed events. There are many required steps for a club to be an AKC Member Club and the process can be a lengthy one. It starts with a club that begins as Inquiry Status, having notified AKC of their existence but not given approval for holding AKC Sanctioned Events. The next step is to become a Sanctioned Status Club, being given permission to hold AKC Sanctioned A or B Events (normally Matches ), where titles may not be won. Once all of the prerequisites have been met AKC will approve the club as a Licensed Club, allowing them to hold events where championship points and/or titles may be won.

These Member Clubs can be divided out into the following types:

Parent Club: a specialty club representing one breed on a national basis. The AKC recognizes only one Parent Club for each breed.

The Chihuahua Club of America is a licensed club recognized as the Parent Club for the Chihuahua breed. Local Specialty Clubs may hold events under the license of the parent club (CCA) provided they have met the following criteria;

1. That they are formally recognized by the parent club.

2. That they have applied to the appropriate committees to hold these events, and such events have been approved by the parent club Board of Directors.

Local Specialty Club: a club that represents the interests of a single breed on a local level. i.e. Tampa Bay Chihuahua Club.

Group Clubs: represent the interests of particular Group in a geographical area. i.e. Toy Dog Club of Central Florida.

All Breed Clubs: Represent the interests of all breeds recognized by the AKC in a geographical area. i.e. The Seminole Dog Fanciers Association, Inc.

With a clearer understanding of how AKC Clubs are organized, your next step in finding your very own show quality Chihuahua is to get to know the clubs in your area and start attending events!