A well-socialized and secure puppy is a happy puppy. This means helping him early on to feel that the world is a fun and safe place to be—whether encountering other dogs, children, or strangers on the street. Ideally, your pup will be content in any setting, and even when you’re not home. Give him plenty […]

In the market for a station-waggin'?When parents of young children are shopping for a car, their priority is the comfort and safety of their family. Online car marketplace AutoTrader recognized that pet owners would have the same concerns about their animals. The site claims that 55% of its visitors seek cars that are pet-friendly, so to […]

A few simple measures can keep your dog safe and happy through the winter.   Avoid Thin Ice Too often we hear stories of dogs that had to be rescued from icy waters (and those are the lucky ones). It might look like fun to slide across that frozen pond, but ice can easily crack and your […]

The Missouri House Local Government Committee will consider a bill tomorrow (Wednesday, February 22), that seeks to protect the rights of responsible dog owners in Missouri by prohibiting municipalities from enacting breed-specific policies. All who reside or participate in dog events in Missouri are encouraged to contact the House Local Government Committee in support of […]

An Illinois House committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, March 7, that would allow the court to appoint a 'special advocate' to represent the interests of animals during cases that involve the animal's health, safety, or an injury.

The St. Clairsville (Ohio) City Council, will be voting on March 20 on proposed breed restrictions in order to address vicious dog concerns in the city.

The Alabama House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider a bill tomorrow (Wednesday, April 26) that would allow a private citizen to forcibly enter a vehicle if they believe a person or pet in the vehicle is in danger. Alabama citizens are encouraged to contact the committee prior to the meeting tomorrow to respectfully express […]

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced changes to the application process to import a dog inadequately immunized against rabies. Effective August 18, 2017, an importer must apply online for a Permit to Import a Dog Inadequately Immunized Against Rabies at least 10 days before arriving into the United States with the dog.

New York residents are encouraged to ask Governor Cuomo to support Senate Bill 2589, which would allow owners to take their companion animals on public transportation if a state of emergency is declared.

Summer officially arrives next month, but hot temperatures have already hit many areas of the country. Get your kennel ready for the warm weather and assure your dogs are comfortable and avoid heat stroke even on the hottest days. Clean and service your fans and air conditioners prior to using them.   Make sure your […]

  Dogs bring tons of fun and love to our lives, but they also require a lot of care by dedicated owners. In recognition of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month , we have a list of things every good dog owner should do for his or her canine family members. No matter how adorable and […]

Earth Day (April 22) is around the corner and is the perfect time to consider ways to reduce your household’s carbon foot- (and paw-) print. This DIY dog toy, with instructions and photos by DogVacay, allows you to upcycle your old T-shirts and turn them into something good enough to chew. What you’ll need A […]

Each year, the American Kennel Club and Theriogenology Foundation hold a series of seminars geared toward educating breeders, members of the veterinary community or anyone interested in dog breeding, about healthy breeding practices including the latest research in canine reproduction. The AKC Breeder of Excellence Symposiums are held at multiple locations nationwide throughout the year […]

  Does your dog have a lot to say about all the extra activity of a busy summer? Is his barking making it hard to enjoy the season? Kids and their friends are out of school, traipsing in and out of the house; more people are walking outside with their dogs, enjoying the weather. You […]

  A dog gate creates a boundary that keeps your dog either inside or outside another area of the house or grounds. It’s a useful piece of equipment, whether you have a brand new puppy or dogs that usually have the run of the house. A gate gives a puppy a safe, dog-proofed area to […]

Summer is vacation time and it's even better when our canine buddies can come along. After all, dogs love vacations, too. So, whether you're preparing for a long car ride, camping and hiking, a wide sandy beach, or a visit with old friends, here's some gear that will make traveling with your dog a lot […]

Whether your small dog is a champion lap warmer or an energetic dynamo, he deserves gear and toys just made for his diminutive size. From the sleek Miniature Pinscher to the Pomeranian bundle of fluff, these are the gifts that will delight his little heart. Packaway Crab Dog Raincoat Keep your pint-size pet dry in […]

While breaking out the red, white, and blue, you should also make a few preparations to ensure your dog is safe and comfortable during the celebrations. Confirm your dog’s microchip information is up-to-date. More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of year. If your pet is microchipped, take a moment […]

By now, I’m certain you’re sick of presidential politics and want this election to be over. Enter a welcome distraction: "Secret Service Dogs: The Heroes Who Protect the President of the United States" by Maria Goodavage, a New York Times bestseller. This insightful read serves up plenty of brief, punchy slices of dog life that […]

  One of my first memories about breeding dogs is that of my father building a whelping box for our Afghan Hound, Twiggy. I can remember Dad getting two boards 8 feet long by 1 inch thick by 12 inches wide, and 8 “L” brackets. He cut the boards in half and fashioned them together […]

As an AKC Senior Breeder Field Representative, I have had the privilege of visiting many “state of the art” beautifully planned and designed functional kennels and/or homes. Regardless of the type of kennel, I have never been to a kennel that is “finished.” If the kennel was completed yesterday, today the breeder or kennel owner/operator […]

Summer arrives this month, and most of the country has already experienced hot, muggy weather. I hope these ideas will help protect your home, kennel, and dogs from summer hazards. Check all air conditioners and fans. Make sure they are clean, in good working order, and properly wired. Clean and change the filters often.   […]

Search and rescue dogs are invaluable in times of crisis, such as after an earthquake or a bombing in a war zone, because nothing man-made can beat the power of their noses. They are literally lifesavers, protecting soldiers in the field and finding survivors after a natural disaster. When they’re working, in order to function […]

Cold weather and the scattering of snow bring out “the frisky” in a lot of our dogs, but some breeds thrive and even excel in frigid conditions—many of them Nordic spitz-type breeds. Here are seven reasons why these breed types are so well adapted to arctic-like weather. 1. Big or hairy paws act like snowshoes […]

AKC Pointing Breed Gun Dog Championship Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7  |  Day 8 Day 9  |  Day 10  |  Day 11  |  Final Day  |  In Conclusion Photo Coverage   Historically the sport of field trialing has its roots in southern quail hunting. The first pointing breed field trials in American were held near Memphis TN in 1874. The area is […]

Chapter 3 A. First Meeting: First organizational meeting select/elect Chairperson and each committee's leadership. Determine scope of event and necessary work force. Make a list of preferred judges, possible event facilities, dates and livestock contractors. Timeline 12 to 18 months prior to event: Have organizational meeting B. Chairperson: Communication is important to conducting a successful […]

If you are looking for a calm, confident, and courageous guardian, then look no further than the Rottweiler. These robust dogs are powerful and loyal companions that have strong protective instincts. They can quiet, well-behaved housedogs, yet are powerful enough to ward off burglars. Their personality can vary from dog to dog, with some being […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) hosted a U.S. Detection Dog Conference February 28 – March 1.  The purpose of this conference was to discuss the pressing need for a U.S.-based national breeding program for explosives detection dogs.  A majority of dogs procured by government agencies come from Eastern Europe, and the increasing global demand for […]

The absence of regulations on animal shelters and rescues that import hundreds of thousands of dogs, transports them across state borders, and are sold at rescues and shelters threatens the health and safety of American families, homeland security, and animals. In the United States, dog breeding has become highly regulated which has addressed the issue […]

  We have all heard the heartbreaking stories: A child brutally attacked by a dog. A beloved family pet or a farmer’s livestock killed or injured by a stray dog. Such stories are far too common, and everyone agrees our communities must be protected from dangerous animals. When faced with this dilemma, many public officials […]