An American association deticated to registration and confirmation showing guidelines for purebreed dogs. Also known as the AKC
Contrary to what you may hear from various sources, an AKC registered dog is not a gaurantee of health or showability. The AKC only gaurantees that the dog is a purebreed dog with a registered pedigree.
The AKC also stipulates the guidelines of the breed standards used for judging at dog shows.