One of the AKC's oldest breeds, the Canaan Dog is the national dog of Israel. This quick, medium-sized pasture dog is docile with family, aloof with strangers. The ever-alert Canaan is a vocal and persistent guardian of flock and home.

Generally considered dogkind’s finest all-purpose worker, the German Shepherd Dog is a large, agile, muscular dog of noble character and high intelligence. Loyal, confident, courageous, and steady, the German Shepherd is truly a dog lover’s delight.

The compact but muscular Australian Cattle Dog, also called Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is related to Australia’s famous wild dog, the Dingo. These resilient herders are intelligent enough to routinely outsmart their owners.

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, tricolor “Laughing Dog” of the Swiss Alps, is a rugged and determined mover of cattle. These spirited, energetic workers and athletes are independent problem solvers and are happiest with a job to perform.

So you're at the store, buying dog food. You have numerous options, and every bag has a different label: "complete and balanced," "natural," "organic," and the list goes on and on. But what exactly do all of these different labels actually mean? We had the same question. Check out some of the most common dog [...]

Most dog owners would probably tell you that a cold, wet nose on their canine companion signals a healthy pup. Likewise, many believe a dog is sick when his nose is dry — but is this true? Before we get into that debate, we first need to understand why dogs have wet noses. The answer is [...]

The joy of four furry legs outstretched, flying like a superhero over a Bar Jump. The intense energy of a dog zig-zagging through a series of Weave Poles. The heart-stopping second that a dog stops at the edge of the Seesaw just before it tilts down. The exhilaration of a dog agility run simply has [...]

It’s been a decade since Uno (Ch. K-Run’s Park Me in First) put his paw print on Westminster Kennel Club and American dog-show lore with a crowd-roaring triumph on the green carpet of Madison Square Garden. The 15-inch Beagle, who bayed and barked his way into fame and died recently at age 13, will [...]

While all dogs should have a basic soundness, their construction varies depending on breed and purpose. Understanding a dog's conformation requires looking at the canine from all angles. Even though there is nothing you can do to change your current dog's genetics, you can prevent injury and work on strengthening weak areas. Let's be honest [...]

Our research shows that nearly a quarter of all owners warm their dog’s food. So, who are these owners and why are they going through this extra trouble at feeding time? Pet food companies suggest their products be served at room temperature so that, as Purina says, “your dog can taste and smell it [...]

Most prefab, doghouse products on the market tend to be a bit of a snooze: They're plastic or metal, and they're all built for pooches that spend a lot of time outdoors. But what if you've got a canine that sticks to the indoors, but still seems to crave his own space in your house [...]

At AKC shows, dogs are organized into 7 groups: Hound, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Learn about what makes each group unique.

Every dog is different. There are small dogs, big dogs, active dogs, dogs with sensitive stomachs, and dogs with dietary sensitivities. And that's why deciding on a food for your dog is a very personal choice. But in general, the best food for your dog should meet his nutritional needs. Learn about some of the [...]

Not all of the judging at a dog show takes place in the ring. As a breeder-exhibitor, your demeanor and interactions with others will be judged from the moment you set foot on the showgrounds. Stewards, the superintendent and AKC field staff, the show committee, the media, fellow exhibitors, and, perhaps most importantly, the public [...]

You love training and competing in dog sports, and chances are, your dog enjoys them even more. But at some point, they can't move like they used to.

Responsible dog ownership, dog showmanship, and dog sports are already part of the 4-H curriculum. As America's largest youth development organization, 4-H is designed to encourage kids 18 and under to participate in projects, many of which include raising/showing animals. Because the 4-H organization has some of the very best animal husbandry- and canine-oriented programs [...]

There is an unspoken line that seems to divide dogs and cats — and sometimes even "dog people" and "cat people." The idea that dogs dislike cats, or vice versa, is so pervasive that it's almost a cliché. But is there any truth behind it, or is it just another dog myth? Do Dogs Hate Cats [...]

Sixty-nine million U.S. households owned a dog in 2020, according to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Slightly more than one-quarter of dog owners provide homes to more than one dog. You’ve probably heard it said by devoted dog owners – dogs are just like potato chips; you can’t have [...]

Disney Plus (stylized as Disney+) is finally here and it is overwhelmingly full of content. There are so many shows and movies to choose from that it seems almost impossible to choose what to watch. First, Disney is known for its wholesome content, both animated and live-action, which often involves animals. Where do you go [...]

More than 7,000 dogs from 160+ breeds will compete at the four-day Michigan Winter Dog Classic Jan. 17-20, 2019. In addition to four days of all-breed conformation shows, there will be more than a dozen shows and exhibitions throughout the weekend, including Scent Work, Rally, Dock Diving, and My Dog Can Do That! Other exhibitions include duck herding [...]

Thousands of dogs from across the United States will relieve their cabin fever and celebrate the start of 2019 by traveling to the Kennel Club of Palm Springs All-Breed Dog Shows at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California on January 5 and 6. The Kennel Club of Palm Springs conducts two of the largest all-breed dog shows [...]

There's nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than a good night's sleep. This is true not just for people, but for dogs, too. Dogs sleep between 12 to 18 hours a day, depending on age. They deserve a comfy dog bed to snooze on just like you do. Although you might find your pup snuggled at your side [...]

Fiber is an often-overlooked nutrient in dog foods, but it's surprisingly beneficial to our dogs. Although it comes only from plant-based ingredients, there are plenty of healthy ways it can be included in your dog's diet—through ingredients such as sweet potatoes or green beans. The quality of the fiber is important, as well, so [...]

At a recent dog show, a dog of another toy breed entered the ring, and he had a very obvious marking that his breed standard calls an “extremely serious fault.”  A very longtime breeder of this breed was showing him. What was the breeder thinking?  Was he making points? Was he hoping the judge didn [...]

You are what you eat. We understand that to be fit and healthy, we need to eat quality food. The same rule goes for our dogs. Although they may be less discriminating than we are in their choice of what they gobble up, it’s a dog owner’s responsibility to make sure our dogs [...]

If you thought your travel and entry to that last dog show was a challenge, think again! For most involved in conformation, logistics are nothing compared to the anxiety and challenging weather scenarios that confront Letty Hughes and her Shiba Inu, Ryouta, each time out. While the Nome, Alaska-based pair bond with skill and gusto [...]

A promising puppy from your last litter has gotten off to a smashing start with his owner-handler. He made his debut at your breed’s national specialty by winning Best in Sweepstakes, and shortly thereafter beat impressive adult competition to claim his first major. His owner exhibits him beautifully; they have built a great rapport [...]

You may have seen dog shows on TV, but what exactly happens at a Conformation event? How are dogs judged, and how do they win?

When an Rat Terrier stands next to a Newfoundland, the physical differences in the breeds are obvious. But what about their cognitive differences?

When Leah Graham, 9 years old, commented on the AKC's TikTok asking them to find her showing her Chihuahua in a bright lime green outfit during the 2021 AKC National Championship, she never imagined it would actually happen. Or that the video of her showing would be seen by more than 250,000 people on the platform and who [...]