The Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) program assess practices and showcases the wide knowledge base of the working professional groomer. Worldwide, pet owners spend billions on pet services and products. Pets are a valued part of the family, and when it’s time to be groomed, owners expect the top in the industry. Earning the PGC [...]

2024 Schedule Hair vs. Fur. Thu, Apr 25, 2024 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT "Jenkins splits hairs on the core differences of coat types" Sign up here to join the April 25, 2024 webinar with Jennifer Bishop. Jennifer Bishop Jennifer has been a Certified Master Groomer since 1985. Jennifer's passion and mission is the well-being of all dogs . . . and to make sure [...]

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 [...]

Keeping your best friend happy and healthy. We cherish our dogs as valued family members. As responsible dog owners we need to keep our dogs healthy, give them lots of love and socialization and do what's best for them. Breeds Find the AKC breed that best fits your lifestyle. More Register Your Dog Registration helps [...]

While the benefits of pet ownership far outweigh the costs, every responsible dog owner knows that along with love and companionship comes financial responsibility. An online survey of more than 1,000 visitors to www.akc.org determined what responsible owners can expect to pony-up for their pooch:  One-time costs such as a crate, spaying/neutering or [...]

AKC Patch Program The AKC Patch Program is an interactive "scavenger hunt" hosted by clubs at a dog show. Youth groups and children are invited to attend a club's show to complete the Patch Program and learn about purebred dogs, AKC dog sports, and responsible dog ownership. Upon completion, participants receive an iron-on AKC Patch [...]

[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a_juniors_adventure__cristiana_crespo_video-720p.mp4" autoplay="true"][/video] The AKC Patch Program aims to introduce a new generation of young people to purebred dogs and dog sports through a fun, interactive program held at dog shows and events. The AKC Patch Program [...]

The American Kennel Club believes that grooming safety should be a top priority and is a genuine concern. We also recognize the importance of proper grooming for the health, well-being and overall comfort of dogs. As a result, the AKC has specifically designed its AKC® S.A.F.E Dog (Safety, Assurance, Fundamentals, Education) Grooming [...]

Find a Groomer Grooming isn’t only about looking great – it’s for the health, comfort and well-being of your dog, too. Search for a groomer near you who maintains our standards for grooming safety, care and conditions. AKC S.A.F.E Grooming Program The American Kennel Club believes that grooming safety should be [...]

The Dog Groomer's Journey Your journey has already begun! Being a dog groomer is no joke, and we know that better than anyone. Hours of hard work, quick reflexes, and artistic flare has gotten you here. AKC's Master Groomer certification offers the recognition you deserve. Dog Grooming Theory Our mission is to cultivate a culture [...]

The title of Master Groomer is hard-earned through years of consistency, integrity, and support of our best friends. Yet we all have to start somewhere. We encourage you to begin the Master Groomer journey wherever you're comfortable. Are you a pro with Bichons? Then get started with the Curly coat type! It's up to you [...]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="How to Train PUPPY VHM"] Allows Petting Grooming Sit on Command Down on Command Go to Place 15 Seconds Comes when Called 10 ft House Training Demonstrates Relationship Puppy Out For A Walk Puppy Exercise Outside Puppy [/accordion_panel] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="How to Train ADULT VHM"] Petting and Grooming Sit On [...]

A key component of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is a responsible owner. Our Canine Good Citizen® Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge is for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Program too. Responsibility should start the moment you decide to add a new dog or puppy to your family. AKC CGC℠ Responsible [...]

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy: 20 Steps for Success The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program focuses on all the things every puppy and owner need to have a great start together. STAR stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner and in six weeks of STAR puppy classes, puppies and dogs learn [...]

Hello, my name is Celeste Morelli and I am in Juniors. I am in Open Intermediate and I have Standard Poodles! I have been practicing since I was seven years old and I have been showing since I was nine years old. My breed is harder than most, but it is really fun to work [...]

1. How old were you when you started showing in AKC events? What got you started?  Was this a family affair? Did you compete in any events other than showmanship?   I started showing dogs when I was 12 years old. My family has a long history of being involved in equestrian sports. Both of my parents are [...]

What’s up With the Poodle Club of America Juniors? Well…They are up to learning and achieving and experiencing and forming great friendships with poodles in tow! This year at PCA there were 9 entries in Conformation as well as 2 entries in Obedience and Agility.  Congratulations to EVERY Junior who was able to attend, experience [...]

The AKC has approved title recognition for the "Certificate of Conformation Assessment" (CCA) title  for those breeds whose parent club has made the request. The purpose of the CCA is to provide education to owners on proper breed conformation. It is a non-competitive, one-on-one evaluation where dogs are assessed against the standard, not against each [...]

Ask AKC  All dog owners need expert advice from time to time to meet the challenges of caring for their canines. The American Kennel Club aims to provide you and your purebred dog with the help you asked for. Dear AKC: I have a new Bulldog I rescued from a shelter about two months [...]

Wondering how to groom a Labrador Retriever? Labs will need some basic care. Count on regular brushing, a bath, nail trims, oral care, and ear cleaning.

Wondering how to groom a Standard Poodle? Here's everything you need to know about caring for your Poodle's coat, skin, nails, and more.

Yorkies are famous for their human-like hair and show-worthy coats, and that's why learning how to groom a Yorkshire Terrier puppy is so important.

Wondering how to groom a Golden Retriever? Here's a grooming guide on how to care for a Golden's coat, ears, teeth, and more.

You wouldn’t want a roommate who never bathed, never brushed his teeth and hair and never clipped his nails. Your dog depends on you to prevent him from becoming that roommate. You’ll need a few tools to ensure that doesn’t happen. When people think about dog grooming, the first thing that comes [...]

ASK AKC  Dear AKC: When I take my floppy-eared dog to be groomed, he sometimes comes back shaking his head like his ear is bothering him. It appears to be a little irritated. He does occasionally get ear infections. Is there any connection between his grooming and ear infections? - Shaking My Head Dear [...]

Rebecca Stern grew up surrounded by dogs. But when she found herself in New York City after college with no pets in her life, she started looking for a way to spend more time with animals. At the same time, she was looking to explore new ideas for a documentary film. From the very beginning [...]

When it comes to choosing the right dog breed for you and your family, there are a lot of different things to consider. Temperament, exercise needs, size, and maintenance are all important aspects of your decision. Some people prefer a lower-maintenance breed, which often means that the dogs require little grooming. Of course, regular baths [...]

Jonah Moffitt THD CGCA is a certified therapy dog, pictured above, and so he is very accustomed to being petted by many people, as well as handled for examinations as he must be well-groomed and healthy to maintain his therapy dog status. Five-year-old Jonah is a member of the AKC Canine Partners program and holds [...]

Janie Semprevivo, owner of mixed-breed dog Tey-ha, tells how to give your dogs the ultimate vacation. Before rescuing Tey-ha in February of 2009, I never really went on any vacations as I own my own grooming salon that keeps me busy year-round. But Tey-ha changed my life.  Now we go to Camp Gone to the Dogs [...]

Keeper loved playing with his ball in the beautiful creeks of Glen Highland Farm in upstate New York. The Border Collie – Samoyed mix spent a vacation with his owner Jean Cruise at the farm. Glen Highland is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of abandoned and unwanted Border Collies and Border Collie-mixes. The [...]