The 3,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee"), the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, is today a loving companion and vigilant watchdog. The alert and loyal Xolo comes in three sizes, and in either hairless or coated varieties.

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we've rounded up some fascinating facts about Mexico's native dog breeds: the Xoloitzcuintli and the Chihuahua. While only a minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a big deal in the United States. This popular observance is thanks in part to Mexican-American activists in the 1960s, who saw […]

Even if you haven’t heard of the Xolo (pronounced “show-low”), you’ve likely seen one of these unusual dogs at some point. The Aztecs considered the Xolo sacred, and invested them with mystical healing abilities. The breed’s full name, Xoloitzcuintli, derives from the name of the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, as well as […]

The Xoloitzcuintli, also called the Mexican hairless dog, dates back millennia to ancient Aztec times. The Xolo comes in three distinct sizes, as well as both hairless and coated varieties. Xolos have developed thick, tough skin, but some dogs may require sunscreen for protection. Though they descend from regal dogs dating back over 3,500 years, […]

For millennia, dogs have accompanied us pretty much everywhere, from the bush-shaking throes of the hunt to the contemplative crackle of the evening fire. So it shouldn’t be too hard to understand why in some long-ago civilizations, their presence was required on life’s final and most critical journey – to the Great Beyond. This ancient […]

Plus, Hairless Breeds: Nothing To Sneeze At  While no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, there are many breeds which the American Kennel Club (AKC®) suggests people with allergies consider. Most of these breeds have non-shedding coats, which produce less dander. It's the dander, not the hair, which causes most pet allergies. For those who can't […]

  New York, NY – Whether you're a pooch parent looking for tips on training, grooming and health or are currently considering adding a precious pup to the family, be sure to circle the month of September on your calendar to mark "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day." This month-long celebration involves hundreds of organizations around […]

Eukanuba World Challenge Brings Dogs From Around the Globe; Canine Competitors in Agility and Obedience Also Descend on Long Beach, CA December 13 & 14   The American Kennel Club® and Eukanuba announced today that 2,312 dogs will compete for a total of $225,000 in cash prizes at the Eighth Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on […]

Ever hesitate to bring up a hard-to-pronounce foreign name because you’re afraid you’ll pull a Travolta and totally butcher it? To help you avoid these uncomfortable moments, WOOFipedia presents this handy pronunciation guide to five breeds whose names you’re embarrassed to say aloud at the dog park. Entlebucher Mountain Dog ENT-leh-boo-cur This Swiss herder’s name […]

-- New Additions to the Grand Championship Program and AKC/Eukanuba National Championship -- Since the introduction of the new AKC Grand Championship title in April, we've had hundreds of dogs in nearly every breed complete the requirements for a Grand Championship title. Thus far, the program has fulfilled the hopes we had for it - […]

Record-Breaking Entry of 3,233 Top Competitors Will Participate At Tenth Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship   Dogs from 49 States and More Than 40 Countries Compete for Over $225,000 in Prize Money and Prestigious Wins Event Broadcast airs on ABC Network Television Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 NEW YORK, NY – Nearly 2,500 dogs will compete for […]

-- New Programs and Services Introduced in 2010 -- As we wind down the year, I am pleased to highlight programs and initiatives we have introduced in 2010. In April, the first agility, obedience and rally trials open to mixed-breed dogs in the AKC Canine Partners program were held. So far, 853 AKC-licensed clubs have […]

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Six-Toed Norwegian Lundehund and the Ancient and Rare Xoloitzcuintli Gain Full AKC Recognition  The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) expanded its litter of registered breeds on January 1, to welcome the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Norwegian Lundehund and the Xoloitzcuintli --growing AKC’s family to 170 breeds. "The AKC is delighted to […]

  Lab Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary in the Top Spot, While the Bulldog Continues Its Ascent to Reign Supreme in the Dog World The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced its nationwide registration statistics today, revealing that for the 20th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in America. This year’s list included […]

Watch the Top Dogs in the Nation Compete for Best in Show and $225,000 in Prizes   Don’t miss the World’s Greatest Dog Show, the AKC Eukanuba National Championship.  This year’s show will air on ABC on Saturday, February 4th at 2:00 pm EST (check local listings). Watch as the country’s premier dogs vie for […]

Worlds Largest Showcase of Dogs & Cats Returns to the Javits Center October 20 & 21   Opportunity to Pet and Play with Thousands of Rare Dog & Cat Breeds – Tickets On Sale Now at www.MeetTheBreeds.com Ever meet a Xoloitzcuintli? How about a Sphynx without having to go to Egypt?  This October, New Yorkers […]

Opportunity to Pet and Play with Thousands of Rare Dog & Cat Breeds – Tickets On Sale Now at www.MeetTheBreeds.com Ever meet a Xoloitzcuintli? How about a Sphynx without having to go to Egypt?  This October, New Yorkers will get the opportunity to meet these rare dog and cat breeds face-to-face along with more than […]

From one of the most popular breeds to one of the rarest, the American Kennel Club (AKC®) celebrates Mexico’s two native breeds in honor of Cinco de Mayo.    While neither will be shaking their maracas in celebration of their country’s heritage, both have played integral parts in Mexico’s history, having been known as healers. […]

There are also ways to prep your home that will help keep allergens at bay when you have a dog. Be sure to wash your pet‘s bed often, keep up with his grooming, and don‘t let him sleep on your bed. It‘s also helpful to remove heavy carpets and drapes that trap dander. Best Breeds […]

There are a variety of breeds that don’t shed, each with different temperaments and energy levels, so you can find the right breed for your lifestyle. Breeds that Don‘t Shed Bedlington Terrier: The gentle, loveable Bedlington Terrier is known for its curly, wooly coat that resembles a lamb. The breed doesn’t need intense exercise – […]