What tugs at our hearts more than an adorable Chihuahua peeking out of Reese Witherspoon’s purse in the movie Legally Blonde? Perhaps it is the sight of puppies glee­ fully romping through scenes in 101 Dalmatians, or the exploits of Otis, the endearing Pug, in The Adventures of Milo and Otis. Dogs occupy a treasured [...]

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we've rounded up some fascinating facts about Mexico's native dog breeds: the Xoloitzcuintli and the Chihuahua. While only a minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a big deal in the United States. This popular observance is thanks in part to Mexican-American activists in the 1960s, who [...]

Ivy the Chihuahua may be tiny, but she is a survivor. Rescued from a dumpster as a puppy, the eight-and-a-half-year-old dog is a true Renaissance pup. Owned by Rockford, Illinois, resident Jennifer Walker, Ivy has earned over 40 titles as an AKC Therapy Dog and canine athlete. Bringing Ivy Home In 2014, Walker and her husband, Bill [...]

Discover how Suzanne Bauman and her senior Chihuahua "Teddy" became the oldest dog competing in the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship.

The range of sizes among dog breeds is greater than that of any other animal. For example, a 150-pound Newfoundland is 50 times the size of a three-pound Pomeranian. And as you might expect, large breed puppies and small breed puppies have very different nutritional needs. There are general rules for feeding any puppy, but varying [...]

Your dog is fast asleep, when suddenly he starts whimpering, moving his legs or tail, or engaging in some other odd behavior. Could your dog be dreaming? Scientists think so—in fact, they believe that dogs not only dream as we do, but also that they dream similarly to us, meaning that they replay moments [...]

Is Tibetan Mastiff just a bit too large for your taste? And a Chihuahua maybe, well, a little too small? You might find one of these eight breeds to be just right. Learn more about popular medium-sized dogs here: Bulldog: Gentle and protective, Bulldogs make excellent family pets. They form strong bonds with children and [...]

The last thing any new puppy owner or dog breeder wants to hear is a diagnosis of parvo. Parvo in puppies is unfortunately a common disease with deadly consequences, which is why it is important for anyone dealing with puppies on a regular basis to be aware of the symptoms of parvo and what to [...]

Do dogs have belly buttons? Yes, and learn how to find your dog's belly button and its purpose, plus what health issues to look out for when examining it.

The only breed to rank in the top ten breeds every decade since the founding of the American Kennel Club became the nation’s top breed in the 1950s—the Beagle. Not coincidentally, Charles Schultz’s pet Beagle, Snoopy, made his illustrious first appearance in national newspapers on October 4, 1950, and swiftly became a pop phenomenon [...]

Your dog’s dental health is just as important as your own and should be one of the things you take care of on a daily basis, especially since it’s not something your pup can do for himself. As you think about your best friend’s dental care, have you ever wondered exactly how [...]

Eleanor Winters didn't start breeding Dalmatians until she was 62 — she calls it her retirement career and has now had 17 litters. With every year and litter, she has picked up new tips, techniques, and knowledge. She recently wrote a book called “So Your Bitch is Pregnant: Raising Your First Litter of Puppies From Pregnancy to Placement [...]

While a toy puppy may increase its birth weight by a factor of 10 to 20, a giant-breed puppy may grow to be 100 times bigger than when he was born. Consider this: A newborn Chihuahua may weigh only three ounces at birth and three pounds at maturity. A newborn Great Dane, however, may weigh only one pound [...]

Here at the AKC, we never get tired of learning more about dogs, whether it's a new study on canine behavior, a statistic from our database, or even just cool facts about a dog's impressive physical and mental abilities. You may know some of these already, and others may be more of a "wait, really [...]

What do you think of when you hear the word Poodle? For many, it’s an overdone diva—big hair, polished toenails, and a phony French accent. Poodles are often described as “froufrou” dogs, a slur that means prissy and high-maintenance. The image has been widely embraced, even in the wonderful world of Disney, where [...]

Most of us put our all into producing fabulous puppies. We select breeding stock with care, emphasizing things like health clearances and temperament. We raise our pups in enriched pens and feed the best nutrition we can to sires, dams and pups. Yet we may be overlooking the importance of a key period in puppy [...]

EDITOR'S NOTE: A big, blinking, red stop sign of warning: There is absolutely no connection between the COVID-19 virus and any canine coronavirus referenced in this article. Most importantly, even though dogs can get a mild respiratory form of the canine-specific coronavirus, that virus is totally unrelated to the current human pandemic. Bottom line: Your [...]

Linda Grems has been a dog breeder in Miniature Pinschers for over two decades. Now a mentor, Grems got her start in the breed through Min Pin mentors.

Dog parks are fenced-in, outdoor grounds designated for off-leash dog play. There are many variations, and are some safer and more fun for your dog than others. Also, like any other social activity, it’s important for dog owners to know the expectations. In this case, it’s not just a matter of a social [...]

It’s one of the American Kennel Club’s smallest recognized breeds, but the Russian Toy is seldom overlooked with its substance and splash. Petite (up to 6 ½ pounds) and personable, it is now fully recognized as a member of the Toy Group after three years in the Miscellaneous Class and AKC companion events such as [...]

To raise strong, healthy puppies, you need a strong, healthy brood bitch. As a breeder, you choose your potential brood bitch carefully, probably earning conformation and/or performance titles with her and making sure she has all the health and genetic testing recommended for the breed. Extensive research goes into choosing a worthy sire that [...]

Most of life's major acquisitions require a legal contract, from purchasing a house to leasing a car. Add to that list bringing home a purebred dog. Reputable breeders almost universally require anyone who provides a home to one of their dogs to sign a contract. But if you've never purchased a dog from a reputable [...]

ASK AKC Dear AKC: I have a pet rabbit in my house and I'm thinking of getting a Beagle puppy. Is there a problem keeping them both in the same house? The puppy would only be loose when someone is home. -- Hound & Hare Dear Hound: Before considering adding a dog to your household [...]

If your dog suddenly develops aggressive, bloody diarrhea, they could have hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (also known as acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome).

When it comes to choosing the right dog chews, the options seem just about endless. You may have heard that rawhide chews aren't good for dogs, or that they're filled with awful chemicals, or that they will get lodged in your dog's intestine. But is this really true information about rawhide? Are rawhide chews safe [...]

Have you ever felt overcome with emotion at the sight of a cute and fuzzy animal? Does seeing a picture of a baby smiling make you want to pinch their...

If you’re like me, then the sight of your dog vomiting is a cause for immediate concern. I want to know why my dog is vomiting, and what I should do about it. The problem with trying to figure that out, of course, is that vomiting is listed as a possible symptom for a [...]

  -- Dog Experts Say "Put Your Pet in a Leading Role:" Research Breeds and Find a Responsible Breeder -- With the release of "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) reminds moviegoers about the importance of making careful, educated decisions when considering adding a dog to their home. Distributed by Walt [...]

MACH Laws' Sandy MXB MJB owned by Nelda and Vern Laws of Haverhill, MA Sandy is an 8-year-old Chihuahua mix. Nelda met her in 2012 while volunteering at the MSPCA at Nevins’ Farm and Equine Center in Methuen, MA where she helps both house and farm animals. Only the day before she and Vern had lost [...]

Can They Really Get Along?   The AKC Offers Tips to Cat Owners On Introducing a Dog to Your Home  The age-old phrase “fighting like cats and dogs” does not have to be the case. Despite popular belief, canines and felines can, in fact, live together in harmony.  If you’re a cat owner looking to [...]