When it comes to sports training, people oftentimes underestimate the drive and potential of giant dogs. I'm always thrilled when my three-and-half-year-old Newfoundland, Sirius, is able to break some stereotypes about what giant dogs can do, especially dogs that have a history of medical conditions. This March, just as the COVID-19 quarantine began, Sirius became [...]

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.

Dog owners are always thinking about their dogs' health and physical activity plays a big part in that. While light walks and pee trips are a regular part of having a dog, keeping your dog active can help improve their overall physical health and get out any restless energy. It can even help prevent or [...]

For Valerie Schuter, doing a good deed for a dog turned into her downsizing Pinschers. The 30-year Doberman Pinscher breeder and rescue volunteer helped another breeder and ended up transitioning to the smaller German Pinschers—notably Bentley—GCH Diamond Bay A Chevelle Bentley Tribute. This conformation Grand Champion has a passion for people and racked [...]

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.

Rory is a well-versed Collie with 12 titles in dog sports On his dam's side, Rory's litter represents 13 generations of Kaye's Chelsea Collies Give Rory, a sable and white Collie, the chance to compete in a dog sport, and he struts his athletic stuff with fluff and finesse. The 13th generation of AKC Champion Collies for [...]

Linda Grems has been a dog breeder in Miniature Pinschers for over two decades. Now a mentor, Grems got her start in the breed through Min Pin mentors.

To raise strong, healthy puppies, you need a strong, healthy brood bitch. As a breeder, you choose your potential brood bitch carefully, probably earning conformation and/or performance titles with her and making sure she has all the health and genetic testing recommended for the breed. Extensive research goes into choosing a worthy sire that [...]

Each month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) profiles breeders to hear how they got started and learn about their breeding program and experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with Cathy Lewandowski of SoftMaple Curly-Coated Retrievers in Croghan, N.Y. Lewandowski is an AKC Breeder of Merit who has produced versatile, top-winning dogs. Lewandowski's love [...]

What’s better than owning a top-winning show dog? Simple: Breeding one. In theory, anyone can purchase a canine competitor: All you need is a checking account with enough zeroes in it. But it’s far more challenging to produce quality purebred dogs that are consistently sound, well tempered and typey — that is to say [...]

Motorized trucks may have replaced horses and Dalmatians in fire stations decades ago, but nine Dalmatians recently showed that spotted loyalty to...

Natalia Backos, a 14-year-old from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has never known a time when she didn't spend her weekends at dog shows. A proud third-generation breeder/owner/handler, Backos is following in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother, alongside her sister. Her dogs include her Parson Russell Terriers BISS GCH Panther Creek Stone Cold Sober [...]

- Juniors Division Added To This Years’ Competition - The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest dog registry and leading industry authority and advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the 2021 AKC Trick Dog National Competition. The event will once again be virtual allowing trick dogs everywhere to enter. New to this years’ competition is [...]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced today the launch of the Breeder of Merit program, a new initiative designed to recognize AKC’s core breeders. "The Breeder of Merit program allows the American Kennel Club to celebrate our dedicated, passionate breeders who truly are the backbone of the sport and the foundation of our organization [...]

Luke and Diane Ehricht were presented with the 2023 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Hallmark Jolei Shih Tzu at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 16, 2023.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the health, temperament and [...]

Lnh's Shot Of Fire FCAT ACT1 CGC TKE owned by Lindsey Hazlett of Mount Horeb, WI “Heisman is a 5-year-old rescue who has spent the last year learning complex tricks and routines for the AKC Trick Dog program,” Lindsey said. He earned his Elite Performer title in December 2021 after performing a routine called Heisman Solves [...]

Flopdoodle Chloe Bean TKE owned by Christina and Gary Jones of Cibolo, TX Christina and Gary adopted Chloe from a local city shelter on November 13, 2018. She weighed just over four pounds. After they brought her home and nursed her to health, she became a happy, healthy, 10-pound dog. Christina began teaching her basic commands and [...]

One day in April of 2010, I was walking past a cemetery with my Standard Rat Terrier, Lucky, when a puppy came from behind a house across the street and began following us. Despite my efforts to shoo her off, she followed us for about three blocks. When she nearly got hit by a car, I [...]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] March2026 Charles Wallace - JH Annabelle Stevenson - JH Tullus Arthur - DCAT Penellope Pecho - SIE Kirbie Allen - CA Cleo Struve - SEN, SIN Evelyn Cunningham - SCA February 2026 Madalee Ella Kasperski - JH Benjamin Kuhns - SIN Evelyn Thorp - CA January 2026 Brodie Nicholson - SEN Sarinah Landowski [...]

We are pleased to provide you with some examples of outstanding Elite Performer Trick Dogs as they perform for audiences. Sharon Page and “Dash” <Click for Video Sharon Page was the AKC Trick Dog’s judge at the first trick dog event at the 2018 AKC National Championship in Orlando. Here is a link to [...]

Attention AKC Trick Dogs! We are pleased to announce the 2024 Virtual AKC Trick Dog National Competition. AKC Elite Performer Trick Dogs everywhere can participate in this exciting annual event. How it works: Submit a video of your dog’s AKC Trick Dog routine. As long as your dog has the Elite Performer Trick Dog title [...]

It’s That Time Again to Get Ready for the 2024 AKC Trick Dog National Competition! It’s Virtual! You could win Best Trick Dog for Your Breed! We are excited to announce the AKC Trick Dog National Competition for 2024. All AKC Trick Dogs who have earned the Elite Performer title can enter the competition. As [...]

***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your FIT Dog Title Application! For faster service, try the new – Title Application Portal (TAP)  Welcome to AKC FIT DOG Titles! The American Kennel Club is committed to improving and maintaining the fitness and health of all dogs and their owners. AKC FIT DOG [...]

Welcome to the AKC Trick Dog Program! AKC Trick Dog is one of AKC’s most popular training programs because trick training is fun for both dogs and their trainers. You can teach your dog tricks yourself, or you can go to a training class. Tricks are behaviors that are designed to entertain others. AKC [...]

Part of the mission of the American Kennel Club is to "Take whatever actions necessary to protect and assure the continuation of the sport of purebred dogs." The AKC's Junior Showmanship Program is just one example of the kennel club's commitment to fulfilling this portion of its charter statement. In the late 1920's a group [...]

--AKC Adds New Titles in Conformation, Companion and Performance Events -- New York, NY– Since the start of the year, each event type – conformation, companion and performance – now offers its exhibitors a brand new AKC title. The conformation and performance titles will appeal to the long-time exhibitor while the companion title will help bring along [...]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, and Tracking. Many of you have had great success taking advantage of AKC’s Virtual Titling programs too!   Agility Master Agility Championships (MACH)  Multiple Master Agility Champions Congratulations to these dogs [...]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Moreof you continue to enjoy success taking advantage of AKC’s Virtual Titling programs too! AGILITY AGCH (Agility Grand Champion) AGCH MACH4 Sassy RAE2 MXB2 PDS MJC PJS [...]

Meet Alyssa Lanier: Dogs are a Family Affair Name: Alyssa Lanier Age: 11 Hometown: Ocklawaha, FL Grade: Sixth Family: Parents Chad and Jennifer Lanier; Brother, Zachary; Sisters, Brianne and Skyla Dog training started as a 4H activity for Alyssa’s older siblings. Alyssa tagged along and soon was training her own dogs. Now showing dogs is [...]

Meet Sophie Penson – Trick Trainer Extraordinaire! At age 17, Sophie has achieved more than many dog trainers do in a lifetime. She is already a celebrated trick dog trainer and has achieved many firsts in the field.  Name: Sophie Penson Age: 17 Hometown: Marietta, GA Grade: 11th Family: Parents, Nicole and Jimmy AKC: How old is Ducky [...]