American Kennel Club Updates on COVID-19 Pandemic Please see the following message from the AKC Board of Directors and AKC Staff: Covid-19: Participating in Dog Sports The American Kennel Club continues to encourage each of its 5,000 clubs to adhere to federal, state and local restrictions pertaining to minimizing the spread of COVID-19.  As states […]

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. —Maya Angelou A young vet assistant carried my Lab, Fergus, into a room set aside for euthanasia. While Fergus lay on a large, soft pillow, I lay down beside him. I told him what a good guy he was and how I loved him. […]

A Finland airport has a new way to test passengers for COVID-19 — coronavirus-sniffing dogs. On Wednesday, September 23, the Helsinki Airport in Finland launched a four-month trial program that includes coronavirus-sniffing dogs. Researchers believe that changes in health, such as a virus, affects the way people smell. With this trial, researchers want to prove […]

In the dog community, the word "coronavirus" is far from new. For decades, we have known dogs can contract coronaviruses. In fact, Canine Coronavirus was first discovered in Germany in 1971 after an outbreak among guard dogs and vaccines have been available at most veterinary practices for years. These coronaviruses, however, are not the same virus […]

Puppy vaccinations can help prevent your new pet from getting very sick. Learn about some of the diseases that puppy vaccinations may help your dog avoid.

Opinions differ over the necessity of some dog vaccinations and the timeframe for vaccinating your dog. Consult your vet about your dog’s vaccinations. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) made headlines in 2003 when it published its vaccination recommendations. It suggested that a few vaccines are absolutely necessary, but some are only required in unique […]

One dog with kennel cough can quickly lead to every dog in your kennel contracting the illness. Find out below what you can do to prevent an outbreak in your kennel or home. What Is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough is a highly contagious upper-respiratory infection seen in dogs of all ages. Kennel cough is a […]

Kennel cough in dogs is a highly contagious respiratory disease. But what causes kennel cough, and how can you prevent your dog from getting it? Learn more about kennel cough in dogs to help keep your pet healthy. How Does Kennel Cough in Dogs Spread? The bacterium that most commonly causes kennel cough is called […]

You've likely seen viral photos of search dogs in Australia locating and saving Koalas amidst the country's devastating fires. But did you know those aren't the only dogs trained to support conservation efforts? Sniffing out animals, scat, plants, diseases, and more, specially-trained conservation dogs and their handlers are hard at work across the United States […]

Q. Who does an exhibitor call about an event being held or cancelled if it isn't listed on the AKC.org page of cancellations? A. AKC is working diligently to list all cancelled events on the Event Cancellation page as soon as we receive notification of a cancellation or postponement from the club. You may find […]

Depending on the type and intensity of a natural disaster or pandemic, it may be safer for you and your dog to stay where you are than to evacuate. FEMA advises that sheltering in place is appropriate when “conditions require that you seek immediate protection in your home, place of employment, school, or other location […]

In response to the latest coronavirus news, AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) has learned that Legislative Leaders in New England have taken various steps to mitigate the outbreak.  Please refer to the summary for each state below and know that we will keep you informed of changes as they develop. Connecticut: After initially re-scheduling public […]

As many Americans hunker down in their homes, emerging for only essential errands or obligations, small businesses and service industries are feeling their absence where it hurts the most – in their pocketbooks. The slowdown caused by the coronavirus containment is also affecting those who work in dog-related fields, including groomers, trainers and dog walkers, […]

Legislative Leaders in New England continue various steps to mitigate the outbreak of COVID-19.  On Tuesday, March 17, the Maine Legislature adjourned after sending Governor Janet Mills an emergency bill to help facilitate the state’s response to the coronavirus.  Governor Mills signed that measure into law yesterday.  Among its many provisions, Public Law Chapter 617 […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) today joined with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and other animal care leaders to urge government officials to help ensure the well-being of animals by allowing businesses that provide products and services for the care of pets to continue to operate during the COVID-19 response.  Dennis Sprung, AKC […]

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many states are shutting down all but what they deem to be essential services and businesses – and AKC is asking for your help in ensuring our dogs continue to get the supplies and services they need and deserve. The American Kennel Club (AKC) joined this week with the Pet […]

In an ongoing effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus, this morning Massachusetts Governor Baker ordered all non-essential businesses in Massachusetts to close beginning at 12pm on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.  The order is effective until April 7, 2020.  A stay at home advisory is also being issued by the state’s Department of Public […]

Typically breeders plan their litters far in advance. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped our world, there are issues to consider beyond the pedigrees and the physical compatibility of sire and dam. So, what should we as breeders be thinking about before we proceed with that spring breeding? Is now the […]

Bringing home a new puppy is incredibly exciting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are looking to add a dog to their lives as they self isolate. Many puppy seekers wonder: is now the right time to get a puppy? The answer to that question differs from person to person. Were you prepared […]

It's well known that dogs increase happiness, reduce stress levels, and improve overall health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs have been a source of relief: whether they're cuddling on the couch beside us, in cute online videos, or in refreshingly positive news headlines. We've rounded up the most positive dog-related stories from the week of […]

Coronavirus concerns did not dominate headlines when Beci Beasley boarded a plane for Canada in late January. Traveling with the North Carolina resident was her cherished Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sunny, who had a long-awaited date with a carefully selected stud dog. “I had been waiting two years to do this breeding," Beasley said. "There […]

More people than ever before are opening their hearts and homes to puppies during the coronavirus pandemic. For those who are self-isolating, puppies provide welcome wagging tails and comforting cuddles. Plus, many puppy seekers are discovering they now have the crucial element needed to raise a good dog: time. So, is now the right time to […]

It's been almost a decade since Sharon Gardner of Austin, Texas, had her most devastating experience as a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder. With no warning, her litter of five-and-a-half-week-old puppies began showing signs of lethargy. Then came the diarrhea and vomiting. A test performed by her veterinarian delivered the bleak diagnosis: parvovirus, a highly contagious disease […]

Dear AKC Club Officers and Delegates, Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we recognize that many of your clubs have had to make significant sacrifices, including cancelling the shows and events that you rely on for your viability. We want to assist you in every way possible. We have received a number of inquiries about whether […]

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 dog […]

It’s well known that dogs increase happiness, reduce stress levels, and improve overall health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs have been a source of relief: whether they’re cuddling on the couch beside us, in cute online videos, or in refreshingly positive news headlines. We’ve rounded up the most positive dog-related stories from the week of March 30-April […]

COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has drastically changed lives and requires a rethinking of even the most basic everyday tasks. That includes taking your dog to the vet—an essential service that many dog owners are wondering how to access safely in the COVID-19 era. But living in the age of COVID-19 doesn't […]

The AKC Paw of Courage is an award given to show appreciation for the work that dogs do in the service of humankind. This award recognizes dogs who serve their communities, making great impacts in the lives of their human counterparts. Paw of Courage awards can be presented to Police K-9s, Military Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, […]

During this age of COVID-19, you practice social distancing and abide by stay at home regulations. But even with all safety measures, you should be prepared if the worst happens and you become ill or hospitalized.  Create a plan and designate caretakers so your dogs are supported if your family and you are unable to do so. Being […]