What kind of dog would prompt an acclaimed food critic and writer to open one of his last bottles of very expensive French wine? If the critic is Jim Harrison, the answer is simple: an English Setter. I remembered that on this very day a friend had sent afresh foie gras ... I ate it […]

Curious about Gordon Setter History? Learn about one of Scotland's oldest dog breeds, and how the four setter breeds differ.

Header photo courtesy of Christina Phillips, AKC Breeder of Merit The Irish Red and White Setter is not as well known as his dazzling cousin, the Irish Setter, with only about 500 dogs in North America. Even in Ireland, the breed nearly went extinct during World War I. It took the dedication of a handful […]

What makes your dog's coat long, short, straight, curly, wiry or silky? Most coat types are determined by genes at just three genetic locations.

If your puppy has been wobbly since birth, they could have a non-progressive, non-curable neurological condition known as cerebellar hypoplasia.

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

Your dog's eye and vision evolved to emphasize the vision needed for hunting at night. Yours evolved for picking berries during the day. Here's how.

Get to Know the four dogs that are setter breeds: the English Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, and the Gordon Setter.

14-year-old junior handler Adam Kucera and 2-year-old Irish Setter "Stryker" already have some impressive titles under their belt, including NOHS BIS.

How did modern dogs shows get to where they are today? Learn about the histroy of Conformation shows, that began over 150 years ago.

Seborrhea in dogs can cause flaking skin, oily skin and coat, and odor. Learn to recognize and treat this skin condition.

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 in 2024, or are thinking about attending an event in the future, you can […]

Periodontal disease in dogs is a very common health concern. Learn how to spot it and prevent it to protect your dog from potentially serious consequences.

Can dogs with missing tails, ears, or eyes compete in AKC conformations shows? It depends on the missing part and the breed standard.

Update: Season 4 is coming soon! In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, host Bud Boccone tells the tales of breeds, dogs, and personalities who’ve shaped America (and Americans) over generations. Using the American Kennel Club's historical records, archival material, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show […]

Learn more about blue tongue dogs. Which breeds have them (its not just Chow Chows) and why, and when it's something to see your veterinarian about.

Fastest Dogs USA showcases dogs that can go fast, but Rose the Australian Cattle Dog is one to watch, topping out at over 32 miles per hour!

Kathy Hubbard owns and handles two of the three Gordon Setters competing in this year's AKC Rally National Championships. Meet AKC Rally stars Jesse and Gibson!

There’s a new top dog in town! The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, announced this morning that the ever-popular Labrador Retriever’s record-breaking reign has ended. The playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the first time. While it […]

The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot

Showing dogs—the formal term for it is “Conformation”—is a sport. Like any football game or tennis match, dog shows have rules, too. But folks who sit on the sidelines can easily become bewildered if they don’t understand how guidelines apply to the game at hand. Whether you’re taking aim at a fastball or trotting with […]

From Washington's Foxhounds to Obama's famous Portuguese Water Dogs, presidential dogs are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. Almost all of our presidents have shared the White House with a dog, and often more than one. These presidential dogs became as much a staple of the capitol as the rest of the First Family […]

On Valentine’s Day, humans give chocolate, teddy bears, and roses to our loved ones to show appreciation and affection. But what about our favorite canine companions? Here are some tips on how you can show your four-legged Valentine some love. Take a Long Walk What better way to spend Valentine’s Day with your dog than […]

GCHG CH Cherokee Legend Encore, a Bulldog known as “Star,” triumphed over more than 5,300 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 17-18, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. “Star,” owned by Alaina […]

GCHS CH Bramblebush Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, an Irish Setter known as “Declan,” was named Best in Show at the December 17 AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals. Judge Dominic Palleschi Carota awarded the crown to the dog during the event, held during the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, Florida. […]

The AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show honors went to GCHS CH Bramblebush Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, an Irish Setter known affectionately as “Declan” owned and handled by Cheryl L Stiehl DVM and bred by Cheryl L Stiehl DVM & Craig Larson. The 2022 NOHS Finals Best in Show winner […]

"If I could get one idea across in my teachings, it would be that hair and fur are different and must be treated differently." So says Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, a Certified Master Groomer with more than four decades of experience. But how do dog hair and fur actually differ from one another? Do Dogs Have Hair […]

While many of us already know we're going to overeat on Thanksgiving, we still need to apply some restraint when it comes to sharing Thanksgiving foods with our dogs. It's not just the obvious cautions—like splintering roasted turkey bones or toxic onion-filled stuffing—that are unsafe choices for your dogs. There are fatty dishes, salty dishes, […]

With its fantastic food and mouthwatering aromas, Thanksgiving is one of the most delicious days of the year. As football plays on TV and family members gather around, most of us look forward to dinner as the highlight of the day. But will your begging dog detract from the occasion? Begging is a full-time job […]

Fresh and dried cranberries are popular human snacks. Many owners may want to share these with their dogs, especially around Thanksgiving. But can dogs eat cranberries safely? The answer is both yes and no. Fresh or cooked cranberries, when plain, are not inherently toxic for dogs. When fed in moderation, they are generally safe and […]