AKC and UKC are two of the most well-known kennel clubs worldwide. These organizations focus on the breeding of various dog breeds, promoting them, and showcasing them to the public.
AKC
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a club for dog owners with purebred dogs only, meaning no mixed or crossbred dogs are allowed. They are responsible for organizing the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a two-day event held in Madison Square Garden, New York. The AKC is not a registered member of the World Canine Organization (WCO).
UKC
Formally known as the United Kennel Club, the UKC was established in 1898 by Chauncey Bennett. Like the AKC, the UKC is not registered with the WCO. As the second-largest and oldest dog breed club globally, it registers over 250,000 dogs annually. The primary focus of the UKC is to showcase working dogs, emphasizing not just appearance but also their ability to perform tasks.
Key Takeaways
- AKC was founded in 1884 by Elliot Smith, J.M. Taylor, and 12 others, while UKC was founded by Chauncey Bennett in 1898.
- AKC is the world’s largest kennel club with 1.2 million members in the 1900s, whereas the UKC is the second-largest, having 250,000 members.
- Both AKC and UKC aim to give respect to dogs in society, acknowledging their importance in people’s lives and ensuring they are not treated poorly.
 and the United Kennel Club (UKC)? Find out the difference here.){kind=link}