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 […]

  -- 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 Disney Pictures […]

Thinking of adding a small dog with a big personality to your life? Learn if the Chihuahua is a good breed for you and your lifestyle.

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 […]

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 saw […]

Two Papillons and a Chihuahua Help Owner Nancy Muller Celebrate Her 10th Year Competing at 2024 AKC National Obedience (NOC) Papillons "Mickey" and...

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 […]

MACH Dewey MXB MJS OF T2B owned by Elise Strauss of Anchorage, AK Dewey is a 7-year-old Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua mix and is Elise’s first agility dog. She never would have discovered the fun sport if it was not for trying desperately to find a way to keep Dewey busy! “I got him when he […]

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 […]

With AKC Canine Partners from the Beginning: Teah OA OAJ OF THD and California’s Little Orphan Annie NA NAJ NF owned by Deborah Hoeflich of Morro Bay, CA Debby’s dog, Teah, has been part of the AKC Canine Partners program since it started 10 years ago. Before Canine Partners, “Teah was competing (in another venue), […]

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 […]

An event such as the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin offers an amazing opportunity to meet the many breeds competing in the ring. This year, the AKC Meet the Breeds individual booths represented more than 100 breeds. Like every breed, and, in fact, every dog, every booth is truly unique. Each breed club […]

Michael Delgado’s family thought they lost everything when powerful tornados roared through the town of Rowlett, Texas, the day after Christmas. Their home and most of their belongings were gone, but they still have something to be thankful for—their yellow Labrador Retriever, Sawyer, and Chihuahua-mix puppy, Lucy. Both survived, even after being buried in rubble […]

Meet Margaret Steinrock: Solution to Boredom Led to Agility Success Margaret Steinrock got her start in agility by playing around on her mother’s equipment with her dog Princess. Now she and her mother enjoy the sport together. At the 2017 AKC Juniors Agility Competition in Orlando, FL., Margaret and Princess Sassy Steinrock NAP OAP EAP […]

  Small dogs—those weighing less than 20 pounds—have held a steady place in the hearts of Americans over the past four years according to American Kennel Club registration statistics. Since 2000, four of the top ten most popular breeds have been small dogs, indicating that while Americans may be gravitating towards bigger cars and appetites […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge III. This virtual conformation event is open to all AKC-recognized breeds and Miscellaneous class breeds. Best in Show and Best Puppy Michael Canalizo   Regular and Puppy Groups SPORTING Mr. Douglas A Johnson HOUND Mr. Eugene Blake […]

The AKC® National Championship presented by Royal Canin has a grand total of 5,557 dogs that will compete for the title of America’s National Champion on December 13 and 14, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Additionally, 1,602 puppies and juniors will vie for Puppy/Junior of the Year in the AKC/Royal […]

The AKC® National Championship presented by Royal Canin has a grand total of 5,637 dogs that will compete for the title of America’s National Champion on December 14 and 15, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Additionally, 1,756 puppies and juniors will vie for Puppy/Junior of the Year in the AKC/Royal […]

AKC Gazette breed column, Chihuahuas—Don’t be in a hurry for that great one. It is far better for a breeder to move slowly toward an eventual goal by tackling one problem at a time, collecting virtues into the genotype and breeding away from faults through careful selection.We all start at the same place, but it […]