Ivy the Chihuahua may be tiny, but she is a survivor. Rescued from a dumpster as a puppy, the eight-and-a-half-year-old dog is a true Renaissance pup. Owned by Rockford, Illinois, resident Jennifer Walker, Ivy has earned over 40 titles as an AKC Therapy Dog and canine athlete. Bringing Ivy Home In 2014, Walker and her […]

When Christian Stoinev was 10, he was gripped by a yearning that is common among boys of that age. “I wanted a pet, really bad,” he recalls. But Stoinev’s life was not like that of most little boys. He was a child of the circus, the youngest member of a big-top family that stretched back […]

There’s a new "Toy" in town! The Russian Toy is one of the latest breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. But this lively little dog might remind you of another beloved member of the Toy Group: the Chihuahua. If you saw them standing side by side, would you know which was which? Learn […]

Rottweilers. American Staffordshire Terriers. Loving, loyal, ideal family pets. Yet they are sometimes misunderstood, assumed to have traits that a good representative of their breed would not possess. So why is a story about the smallest of all AKC-registered breeds talking about the big guys? Because Chihuahuas have also been subjected to a few undeserved […]

The Chihuahua is an adorable, athletic, and smart dog. There’s a lot of personality and attitude packed into that compact body. Here are nine things to know about this member of the Toy Group. Chihuahuas Were Important to the Aztecs The Aztec nobility of Mexico kept Chihuahuas. The breed was so sacred that, when an aristocrat […]

Chihuahuas are a beloved breed who are known for their loyal and loving nature toward their owners, their tenacious spirit and, yes, their diminutive frame. But while small in size — they're actually one of the smallest recognized dog breeds — Chihuahuas are sure to get themselves noticed and be heard. So, if you have […]

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 […]

The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality. A national symbol of Mexico, these alert and amusing "purse dogs" stand among the oldest breeds of the Americas, with a lineage going back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times.

  As a Chihuahua owner, you get used to the endless stream of “Awwww!”s and “He’s so cute!”s from strangers. But there are some things they could only know if they lived with, and loved, these adorable dogs.   1. Your Chihuahua didn’t get the memo telling him he’s a toy breed. The saying, “a […]

On September 29, 2013, I awoke to a cool summer day. I leaned over the bedside and called to my long-coat Chihuahua, “Today is the day we have been training for these past three months. Izzy, are you ready?” She looked at me as if to say, “Are you kidding, mom? I’m ready for anything.” […]

AKD 5.9 1956-2004 9.5 linear ft (in 14 doc boxes and 4 flat boxes). Collection processed by Norma Rosado-Blake, , 2007; Additions, edits, and conversion of legacy finding aid by Brynn White, 2016 Click here for a printable PDF of the collection finding aid   The Chihuahua Club of America (CCA) records collects some of […]

Now holding the title of world's smallest dog, a one-pound chihuahua named Milly has become a celebrity in her hometown of Dorado, Puerto Rico, KING 5 reported. Measuring at less than four inches tall and weighing only one poud, four-year-old Milly has been officially recognized by Guiness World Records as the smallest dog in the […]

The Hollister City Council has given the city attorney permission to draft an ordinance to mandate the sterilization of all Chihuahuas and "pit bulls" in city limits. This is in response to a recent report by the Hollister Animal Control stating that there has been a significant increase in shelter intake, euthanasia, and dog attacks […]

  -- Dog Experts Say "Put Your Pet in a Leading Role:" Research Breeds and Find a Responsible Breeder -- With the release of "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) reminds moviegoers about the importance of making careful, educated decisions when considering adding a dog to their home. Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures […]

PetLab Co.'s ProBright Advanced dental powder for dogs is a hassle-free way to support healthier, whiter teeth, and fresher breath.

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 […]

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!

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2024. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Review and FAQ's on Conformation Judging Procedures, Policies and Guidelines Tuesday, January 16, 2024 View […]

Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed, not everything available. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit 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 […]

At age 28, Katurah Hall from Fairfax, Virginia, is stepping into her own as a conformation handler with her Poodle and Afghan Hound puppy.

We asked a veterinarian about Imodium® (loperamide) for dogs, why you should use the drug cautiously or not at all, dosages, and the safer alternatives.

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 […]

Clothes like dog coats, jackets, and boots can be important safety measures when it's very hot or very cold outside. But how do you get your dog comfortable with them?

Over their lifetime, cancer affects one in three dogs. Understand this high risk and life threatening disease so you know the signs and treatments.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of the AKC Junior Versatility Scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to the top 10 Juniors who competed in a minimum of three different competitive AKC Events. The dates of eligibility were […]

If your dog suddenly develops aggressive, bloody diarrhea, they could have hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (also known as acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome).

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 […]

GCHP CH Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World, a Shih Tzu known as “Comet” triumphed over more than 5,700 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 16-17, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. […]

The Group Winners are chosen to decide who will compete for Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship. See the group winners here.