Failing to comply with these dog park etiquette tips could put your dog and other pets at risk. Here's how to know if your dog should go to the dog park.

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

Most reputable breeders will require you to sign a contract before you bring your new puppy home. How do you know what's typical in a dog breeder contract?

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 […]

Puppies are exciting. However, any experienced breeder will tell you they're also a lot of work. A responsible breeder prepares long in advance—to identify the purpose of the breeding; to carefully plan and research the breed, the standard, the health history, and available healthy males of good temperament; to form partnerships with their veterinarians and […]

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.

Worms like roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms can be dangerous to your dog. Learn more about preventing worms plus diagnosis and treatment tips.

Why do dogs like belly rubs? Here's the reason your dog might enjoy having their stomach touched: and why it's also OK if they don't.

Keep your dog safe by learning which household items could be extremely harmful to them. Make sure to keep these safely away from your pet.

If your dog seems to be uncomfortable around other dogs, don't lose hope! Here are some tips to help your pet get along with other dogs.

While a small dog is as much of a dog as any of the larger breeds, smaller breeds tend to get less training time than bigger dogs.

AKC Meet the Breeds events are a fun and educational way to spend a day with the whole family, and maybe even figure out which dog breed is right for you! If you are attending an AKC Meet the Breeds event, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can find out […]

Dogs of all ages benefit from playtime, but how do you know if your dog is getting enough for their life stage? Learn to assess your dog's play routine.

I can hardly believe the first day of winter is almost upon us! Where did the warm summer sunshine go? Cold weather is just around the corner, and I must be honest: My dog loves winter and I do not. This means we must meet in the middle. Meeting in the middle will look different […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! Agility Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their […]

Her name is Soleil, French for sun. The 10-week-old Pharaoh Hound showed up at an AKC rally trial in New Jersey, during the summer.

The AKC currently registers 201 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  (last updated 11/20/24) DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  […]

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 from […]

Training dogs has been a way of life for Roxane Dutson since she was a teen. She taught the family dogs tricks and then became involved in competition through an obedience training group. “My love for working with dogs became stronger as my husband and I got our first Labrador in 1996,” Dutson says. “From […]

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 […]

Do all dogs need a winter coat? If so, what are the best winter coats for dogs? We break down our favorites for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

White noise machines emit a constant, ambient sound meant to soothe anxious dogs. They're best used in combination with other training methods.

What is lymphedema in dogs? Lymphedema refers to a disorder in which fluid accumulates in the space between cells, causing swelling.

There are many reasons why your dog might have a seizure. Learn more about what causes seizures in dogs, triggers, and how to help prevent them.

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.

How long can you keep your dog outside? Here we explore just how to determine when it's time to call your dog back inside after a day of outdoor fun.

Introduction to Autosomal Recessive Conditions Dogs have 78 chromosomes, or 39 pairs in each cell. Genes are located on these chromosomes, and they can have different genetic variants related to genes, known as alleles. Each gene typically has 2 copies, one from the dam and one from the sire. The dam and sire randomly contribute […]

Cold temperatures and inclement weather can make it hard to do normal activities outdoor with your dog. Learn how to keep your dog entertained indoors.

If two dogs are wrestling and it seems too rough to you, with all that growling and snarling, body-slamming, and biting of each other’s necks, should you intervene? How can you tell if dogs are playing or fighting? This is normal dog play. Puppies play with their littermates constantly. From around two weeks, when their […]

Snow, sleet, ice, and wind: There's a lot to prepare for when it comes to winter weather. Just like we're affected by the cold, our dogs are, too. Here are a few simple measures you can take to make sure your dog stays warm, happy, and healthy throughout the winter. Limit Your Dog's Time Outside […]