When you see a little dog with a long white coat sweeping down the sidewalk, do you know which breed you're about to meet? Is it the playful Maltese or the happy-go-lucky Coton de Tulear (pronounced KO-Tone Dih TOO-Lay-ARE)? Both breeds are adorable and charming, but their history and personality are different. Read on to […]

Arguably the world’s first “fad dog,” the Maltese was a persistent motif in Roman culture. Learn more about Maltese history.

Glamorous, charming, and adaptable, it's hard not to be bewitched by the Maltese. Find out why the breed is more than good looks.

The tiny Maltese, “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. Famous for their show-stopping, floor-length coat, Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions.

The breed standard for the Maltese sums it up: “The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair.” But words can't really convey the flashy visual drama and glamour of a Maltese in full show coat. When a stunningly groomed Maltese champion enters the show […]

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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!

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 […]

New puppies are curious and full of energy, but how much exercise does a puppy need? Mental and physical exercise depends, but both are important for growing puppies.

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 […]

It's easy to panic when you see something on your dog's eye, especially if it's a large pink or reddish bump, which could be cherry eye in dogs.

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 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 […]

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.

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 footage, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show […]

Meet Michael Kolath: Working Toward a Bright Dog Sports Future Name: Michael Kolath Age: 11 Hometown: Amarillo, TX Grade: 6th Family: Parents Bill & Sarah Kolath, brothers William and Andrew; sisters Elizabeth, Rebekah, and twin sister Annie Michael lives in the Texas Panhandle city of Amarillo with his dog-loving family. His parents and sisters enjoy dog […]

Luxating patella in dogs is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, diagnosed in 7 percent of puppies. How do you treat it?

Marthina Greer First presented Pure Dog Talk Jan 2023 Bladder stones are the quintessential “which came first, the chicken or the egg” question. By this, we mean that a dog can have a bladder symptoms that are caused by a bladder stone, or the bladder infection can cause bladder stones to form. Which then becomes […]

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

Yeast infections in dogs are common. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications.

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

For a lot of new dog owners, it can be difficult to determine how often you should bathe your puppy or adult dog. The truth is, the answer depends on a lot of factors. “How frequently a pet needs a bath greatly varies based upon their breed, lifestyle, length of coat, and how much homework […]

Meet Alyssa Daube, a Dedicated Agility Competitor Name: Alyssa Daube Age: 17 Hometown: Edwardsville, IL Grade: 12th Family: Parents, Rosemary Jones, Jason Daube, brother Jacob Daube, and stepfather Mike Jones Allyssa is an avid agility competitor who has qualified for the NAC two years in a row - 2022 and 2023 (which she will be attending […]

While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds are better than others for allergy sufferers. By taking an allergy test, you can better determine the best dog for you. There are multiple ways to reduce dog allergens, including grooming and keeping a clean home. Sharing your life with a dog is a special experience. After all, […]

"If I could get one idea across in my teachings, it would be that hair and fur are different and must be treated differently." So says Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, a Certified Master Groomer with more than four decades of experience. But how do dog hair and fur actually differ from one another? Do Dogs Have Hair […]

If you are unfamiliar with the spunky, sturdy breed known as the Havanese, you might make the mistake of thinking it is some sort of Poodle. Or, you might think it is related to the Bichon Frise. If you guessed any of these well-known breeds, you’d be on the right track, because all of them […]

When Emily Johnson first got involved in dog sports, she knew she needed a dog that would keep up with her after initially working with an Australian Cattle Dog and an adamant Maltese. Eventually, she settled on a Belgian Tervuren named Helo, now 5 years old. “I wanted something with a little bit more drive. […]