AKC Library and Archives
American Kennel Club Library & Archives logo
American Kennel Club Library & Archives
The American Kennel Club Library & Archives preserves the history of purebred dogs, the AKC, and the wider dog sport dog community. As one of the largest canine research collections in the world and the only national repository dedicated to the sport and enjoyment of the purebred dog, the American Kennel Club Library & Archives has provided researchers, breeders, historians, and dog enthusiasts with unparalleled access to the history of the dog fancy since 1934.
About the Collection
American Kennel Club Library & Archives bookplate designed by original library committee chair Edwin Megargee.
committee chair Edwin Megargee.
The American Kennel Club Library & Archives houses more than 15,000 volumes, including rare books, breed histories, kennel club publications, encyclopedias, stud books, and training manuals. The Archives, established in 1998 as a service to AKC national breed clubs, maintains administrative and historical records of the AKC, its member clubs, and notable individuals in the fancy. Show catalogs, photographs, scrapbooks, ephemera, and organizational documents provide a unique window into the evolution of dog sports and AKC history.
Library at the Museum of the Dog
The AKC Library at the Museum of the Dog includes the bulk of our collection on individual breeds as well as children’s literature and other dog-specific topics in art, history, photography, training, sports & events, and more. A display case within the Museum Library features a rotation of objects from the Library & Archives that support current Museum exhibitions and programs. Prepare for your visit by searching our library catalog to discover related titles and materials in advance.
Hours:
The Museum Library is open to visitors on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11am-6pm. Visitors can use the Museum entrance and are expected to adhere to the Museum’s Ticketing and Admission Policies.
Please note that last admission is at 5pm and the third floor gallery closes at 5:30pm. The Museum is closed on certain holidays. Please check the calendar for the most up to date closures.
Digital Library
The AKC Digital Library provides online access to a complete run of the AKC Gazette, the official journal of the sport of purebred dogs since 1889, as well as over 100 years of show catalogs from events hosted by AKC clubs across the country.
- Gazettes can be filtered by year AND section.
- Show catalogs can be filtered by club/event name or year.
For help navigating the AKC Digital Library click here.
Research Access & Services
The American Kennel Club Library & Archives are open to visiting researchers on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10am-3:30pm, by appointment only.
- To request a research appointment, please use this form.
- Remote researchers can explore our archival database here.
Digital Collections & Preservation
The American Kennel Club Library & Archives maintains an ever-growing digital collection that includes scanned AKC meeting minutes, registration statistics, historical AKC Gazette issues, event rules, breed standards, and other key documents. These digital resources allow remote researchers convenient access to the rich history preserved within the archives.
Ongoing preservation efforts ensure that both physical and digital materials remain accessible for generations. Collection management includes cataloging, conservation, classification updates, metadata review, and environmental monitoring. Staff continually improve access by refining methods and expanding practice.
Pedigree & Registration Requests
All pedigree requests and registration-related inquiries should first be directed to the AKC Registration and Customer Service department at info@akc.org or 919-233-9767. If additional resources are required, Registration or Customer Service will contact the Library & Archives on your behalf.
Links
