SORT BY
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Tibetan Mastiff History: Guardian of Ancient Monasteries
Midtown Manhattan may be an unlikely place to have my first encounter with the Tibetan Mastiff, but there they were— four behemoths charging toward me from the far end of a long hallway at the home of Martha Felsenstein. president of the American Tibetan Mastiff Association (ATMA). The pack was led— naturally— by a little […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/tibetan-mastiff-history-ancient-guardian-monasteries/
| January 31, 2022
Expert Advice: Feature
How a Microchip Helped Reunite a Tibetan Mastiff With His Breeder 1800 Miles Away
In February 2021, Tibetan Mastiff breeders Dan Nechemias and his wife Lois Claus received the phone call that no breeder wants to hear. Waffle, a male puppy they sold to a new breeder in San Antonio, Texas three years ago, was one of several Tibetan Mastiffs seized in an animal neglect situation. The dog had […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/a-microchip-help-reunite-waffle-tibetan-mastiff-with-breeder/
| June 7, 2021
Dog Breeds
Tibetan Mastiff
Watchful, aloof, imposing, and intimidating: The ancient Tibetan Mastiff is the guardian dog supreme. These densely-coated giants are mellow and calm around the house, sweetly devoted to family, and aloof and territorial with strangers.
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/tibetan-mastiff/
| November 6, 2017
Press Releases
Tibetan Mastiff Joins Working Group; Plott to Compete in Hound Group
New York, NY – The Tibetan Mastiff will become eligible for American Kennel Club® registration on September 1, 2006 and will compete in the Working Group as of January 1, 2007. Also on January 1, the Plott, which currently competes in the Miscellaneous class, will begin competing in the Hound Group. The Tibetan Mastiff, […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/tibetan-mastiff-joins-working-group-plott-to-compete-in-hound-group/
| July 12, 2006
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Lhasa Apso History: Tiny Tibetan Watchdogs
When dog lovers hear the phrase “mountain dog,” their thoughts naturally turn to the big guys: Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and other large, immensely powerful breeds created to guard flocks and rescue luckless travelers amid the world’s great mountain ranges. But dogs specially bred to thrive in high altitudes come in all […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/lhasa-apso-history-tibetan-watchdogs/
| July 1, 2021
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Mastiff History: The Huge & Noble Ancient Dog Breed
“What the Lion is to the Cat,” wrote Sydenham Edwards in 1800, “the Mastiff is to the Dog.” It’s a brilliant analogy, and one that goes well beyond size and strength. But in truth, the king of beasts has nothing on the Mastiff when it comes to the unflinching sense of self that is the […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/mastiff-history-huge-noble-ancient-dog-breed/
| May 11, 2021
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Tibetan Spaniel History: Sacred Dog of Buddhist Monks
If you are reincarnated as a dog, make sure you come back as a Tibetan Spaniel. The region with the highest altitudes on our planet – hence its nickname, “the Roof of the World” – Tibet was forever changed when Buddhism arrived from northern India in the 7th and 8th centuries. Sprawling white monasteries began […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/tibetan-spaniel-history-sacred-dogs-buddhist-monks/
| December 18, 2020
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Meet the Mastiff Breeds
Majestic. Massive. Muscular. Mastiffs are among some of the oldest breeds known to humans. They feature in legend, as well as recorded history, and were among the first canines to accompany humans on their migrations across the globe. The mastiff family is full of powerful breeds, each with its own unique personality. Mastiffs have been […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/the-mastiff-breeds/
| March 29, 2017
Sports & Events
Judges’ Study Guides
AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/judging-information/judges-study-guides/
| March 25, 2024
Expert Advice: News
The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023
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!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2023/
| March 20, 2024
Pages
Breed-Specific DNA Testing Recommendations
Test for what is recommended for your breed, not everything available. The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. Although the AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, not all genetic variants have been validated in every breed. Some tests may […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/dna/dna-resource-center/akc-dna-health/breed-specific-dna-testing-recommendations/
| March 12, 2024
Press Releases
2024 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP JUDGING PANEL NOW AVAILABLE
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2024 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2024. The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2024-akc-national-championship-judging-panel-now-available/
| February 21, 2024
Sports & Events
Fast CAT Invitational: Best of Breed
2023 AKC Fast CAT Invitational Best of Breed Winners Results as of 12/15/23 3:11PM ***All official and final results will be posted following the conclusion of the event*** Breed Call Name Owner Final Time Airedale Terrier Oliver Lauren Combs 7.754 Alaskan Klee Kai Isla Cheryl Simpson 8.746 Alaskan Malamute McKinley Nadaga Poist 8.645 […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/fast-cat/fast-cat-invitational/fast-cat-invitational-event-coverage-bestofbreeddiv/
| November 1, 2023
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Lhasa Apso Versus Shih Tzu: How to Tell the Difference
They're adorable. Those small, sturdy dogs with their regal bearing and long, gorgeous coats. But which breed are you admiring? The Shih Tzu (pronounced “sheed-zoo" or “sheet-su") or the Lhasa Apso? To the untrained eye, it can be hard to tell these two dogs apart, especially in full coat. But in fact, although these breeds […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/lhasa-apso-versus-shih-tzu-how-to-tell-the-difference/
| April 11, 2023
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2022
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
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-2022/
| March 15, 2023
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
7 Dog Breeds That Love the Cold Weather
With winter comes the cold. But some dogs don't hate the cold; in fact, several breeds absolutely love it! (Note: Just because these dogs were bred to withstand cold temperatures does not mean it is safe to leave them outdoors for long on cold days. They, too, can get frostbite and hypothermia.) Here are seven […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-breeds-that-love-the-cold-weather/
| February 3, 2023
Expert Advice: Events
Finding the Right Breed to Fit Your Lifestyle at AKC Meet the Breeds
Finding the right dog match for you from 201 breeds can be daunting. That's one of the best reasons to attend AKC Meet the Breeds!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/meet-the-breeds-find-right-fit/
| January 24, 2023
Expert Advice: Conformation
Dog Show Terms & Lingo: What Common Conformation Words Mean
If you've never been to a dog show, get ready for a culture shock. These gatherings of the dog-obsessed started in the 19th century, and much of the terminology from long ago still persists today. Some of the verbiage also evolved from the idiosyncrasies of this close-knit community, where the endless focus is purebred dogs […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/dog-show-terms-meaning/
| December 13, 2022
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
How to Know If Your Dog Is Ready to Breed
Chances are, eons ago, one of your parents sat you down, all strained smiles and adult awkwardness, and had that “birds and bees” talk. But did anyone ever have that same conversation with you about your dog? If you’ve decided to get into casual breeding, you need to know how to tell if your bitch […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/dog-is-ready-to-breed/
| November 1, 2022
Press Releases
2022 National Owner-Handled Series & National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes Judging Panels Now Available
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2022 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The NOHS Finals will be held […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2022-national-owner-handled-series-national-breed-puppy-junior-stakes-judging-panels-now-available/
| July 22, 2022