Earlier this week, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) posted changes  to the state’s proposed animal health regulations for dogs temporarily imported into the state for shows.  The changes clarify animal description requirements and allow veterinarians to be on call instead of on the show premises.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports these […]

The American Kennel Club - National Core Professional Dog Grooming Educational Standards aims to establish clear expectations that ensure all professional dog groomers have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the dog grooming industry. The American Kennel Club -CoreNational Professional Dog Grooming Educational Standard allows flexibility in the design and method of instruction and recognizes that the standards reflect an […]

When should you give your dog a reward? Every time they perform a behavior or just once in a while? Learn how to schedule rewards effectively.

The world of dog agility is fast-paced and exciting, but the terminology can be intimidating. Learn the language of dog agility so you can jump right in.

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?

UPDATE #2 - 2/7/2024: Florida Senate Bill 660 is on the agenda of the Senate Committee on Rules for February 8, 2024. Florida residents are urged to contact committee members to express their concerns with this bill. UPDATE:  Florida Senate Bill 660, which seeks to exempt from public records requirements the identifying information about persons who […]

New York Assembly Bill 6244 and Senate Bill 4993 will allow responsible dog owners more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and socialization with their well-behaved pets, while still protecting and respecting the ability of all New Yorkers to enjoy state parks.  New York residents are encouraged to use the information below to contact your state […]

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

If you're at your first AKC Trick Dog Event, you may hear some terms you don't recognize. Here's what people are saying, and what it all means.

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 […]

Pulling on the leash is a common yet frustrating dog behavior. These 10 tips will help you teach your dog leash manners so you can both enjoy your walks.

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (JCMRG) has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 1pm to 5pm, and will accept comments until October 3, on multiple animal bills, including two opposed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). TO INCREASE KENNEL SAFETY, AKA “OLLIE’S LAW” In the wake of […]

Dogs pee in the house for many reasons, but they also urine mark. Learn to tell the difference between these behaviors and how to reduce marking.

Any dog can learn and perfect new tricks, and trick training is becoming more popular with both pet owners and experienced dog sports competitors. AKC Trick Dog is a great way to bond with your dog and provide your pet with mental and physical exercise.

Here's what questions to ask before sending your dog out in a dog hiking group and how to know if your dog is a good fit for dog hiking groups.

Stewarding Webster's Dictionary defines a steward to be, among other things, either "one employed to manage domestic concerns, supervise servants, collect rents, keep accounts, etc.," or "one who actively directs affairs, a manager." Dog Show Stewards Individuals should be selected for stewarding who are familiar with the most current judging procedures, breed classifications, and the […]

Continued action is needed on extremely overreaching and punitive dog breeder bills in Florida. Senate Bill 1492 and House Bill 1581 would define any unsterilized female dog over the age of six months as a “breeding female” and would require her owner to register with the state as a “breeder,” pay significant fees, and be […]

If you’ve ever watched an agility competition, you know it’s basically a canine obstacle course. The dog must run through tunnels, leap over jumps, and weave through poles. But the dog isn’t working alone – this is a sport of exquisite teamwork. A successful run requires taking each obstacle in a certain order, and the […]

Several extremely overreaching and punitive dog breeder bills have been filed in Florida. Senate Bill 1492 and House Bill 1581 define any unsterilized female dog over the age of 6 months as a “breeding female” and would require her owner to register with the state as a “breeder,” pay significant fees, and be inspected by […]

To borrow a popular phrase, Eli isn’t a one-trick Poodle, nor does he hide a thing. Right now, the Miniature Poodle and his 68-year-old owner, Leslie Gelesh, of Akron, Ohio, are at the top of their game after winning the 2021 American Kennel Club Trick Dog Competition with a dazzling six-minute routine called “Batman Furever.” […]

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 […]

Show Secretaries – Full Service or Onsite Show Secretaries have serviced clubs since dog shows began, often a member of a club with the skills and knowledge to manage the event. Show Secretaries may manage an entire event from the publishing of the premium list to submitting the close out report to the AKC, this […]

Participating in dog shows can undoubtedly feel daunting for newcomers. Follow these tips to help you and your dog to feel comfortable in the ring.

If you and your dog have been training in dog sports, one way that you can help prepare to enter a true competition is to enter a match first. An AKC Match Shows or "fun match" is an opportunity for dogs and handlers to enter a show-like environment but without the pressure of a show […]

There’s probably only one time in his life when Reas finished last. That’s when he was the final puppy in a litter of five to go to his new home three years ago. That was obviously not his doing. Four other owners passed over him for various reasons. And now the muscular, 51-pound Whippet, owned […]

Sometimes the biggest challenge in dog training can be preventing a well-meaning family member from sabotaging the process. In some respects, teaching people how to train their dog is the equivalent of asking them to be the student and the teacher at the same time. And because consistency is key with dog training, it gets […]

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails. The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. In honor of AKC's Responsible Dog Ownership Day, on September 17th, […]

Regardless of what sport you compete in it's important to have good sportsmanship when engaging with fellow competitors. Good sportsmanship should...

After taking part in the fast-growing, fun, and accessible sport of dog parkour, you're not likely to look at park benches, tree stumps, or playground equipment the same way again. It's an ideal activity if attending Agility or Obedience classes isn't possible or practical. And, with a bit of imagination, any neighborhood offers boundless opportunities […]