Christina Merten is a wildlife rehabilitation technician at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast in Astoria, Oregon. Here, she recounts the story of her "once-in-a-lifetime dog", Jay the Papillon. A chance encounter with an old, sick, smelly dog turned out to be an unexpected gift. I was on my way to work as a […]

The quick, curious Papillon is a toy dog of singular beauty and upbeat athleticism. Despite his refined appearance, the Pap is truly a “doggy dog” blessed with a hardy constitution. Papillon fanciers describe their breed as happy, alert, and friendly.

Sometimes called the "butterfly dog" because of its unusual ear shape—"papillon" means butterfly in French—the Papillon is one of the oldest toy breeds. Originally called the Dwarf Spaniel or Continental Toy Spaniel, the Papillon was depicted in artwork as early as the 16th century. Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette were known fans of the breed. […]

Papillon celebrates 100 years in AKC Stud Book In 1915 the AKC registered an itty-bitty dog named Joujou, its first Papillon. In the 10 decades since, the small breed with the big ears has beguiled American owners with its sunny personality and surprising athleticism. This year we welcome the Papillon, along with the Flat-Coated Retriever, as […]

Like humans, dogs lose water and electrolytes through sweat, urination, vomiting, and diarrhea. Out of the options to rehydrate, is Pedialyte good for dogs?

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.

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 […]

The French Bulldog reigns supreme! The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, announced this morning that the playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the second consecutive year, according to AKC registration statistics. Since overtaking the loveable Labrador Retriever […]

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 […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Agility Grand Championship (AGCH) AGCH MACH6 Mister Tedley MXS2 PDS MJS2 PJD PJDP MFG TQX T2B6 ACT2 TKA owned by Kathy Crain of […]

Every dog owner thinks their dog is intelligent. In flashes of brilliance, your dog lets you know what time it is because he wants dinner and runs to...

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 […]

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 […]

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 18th annual AKC® Agility Invitational Presented by YuMOVE® took place December 16-17, 2023 in Orlando, FL in conjunction with the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, demonstrating the highest level of training and teamwork between dog and handler. The top five dogs in each breed received an invitation to compete in this prestigious […]

The top dogs in the nation were crowned from an overall combined entry of 217 dogs this past weekend at the 10th AKC® Obedience Classic. Competitions were held December 16-17, 2023 in conjunction with the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The 12th AKC® Obedience […]

The National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show winners were crowned on December 16 in Orlando Florida.

The AKC® National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show honors went to GCHB CH Kinloch So There!, an Irish Setter known affectionately as “Stryker” owned and handled by 14-year-old Adam Kucera and bred by Patty Fanelli and Mike Fanelli. Adam and Stryker beat out 874 other dogs to take highest honor. Additionally, 15-year-old Savanna […]