As you look down at the Best in Show judging from your seat in the nosebleed section at Madison Square Garden (or from your own couch), you might be inclined to offer your own take on which dog is worthy of the top honor at Westminster.“That pug is the cutest dog in the ring,” you […]

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Atlanta’s top spot in the 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the #1 pup in Denver, Boston, and Seattle, among others. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have climbed the ranks in Atlanta, increasing from eighth to fifth. Boxers, […]

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Dallas’ top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the #1 pup in Chicago, Austin, and Raleigh, among others. Yorkshire Terriers fell drastically in popularity this year in Dallas. The […]

BREED 2015 2014 2013 Retrievers (Labrador) 1 1 1 German Shepherd Dogs 2 2 2 Retrievers (Golden) 3 3 3 Bulldogs 4 4 5 Beagles 5 5 4 French Bulldogs 6 9 11 Yorkshire Terriers 7 6 6 Poodles 8 7 8 Rottweilers 9 10 9 Boxers 10 8 7 Pointers (German Shorthaired) 11 12 […]

The Norwich Terrier is living proof that good things come in small packages. Although only 10 inches tall, there's a lot of dog in that small body. Bred as a fearless ratter, this is a real working terrier. But combine that with his affectionate, fun-loving nature, and he's also an ideal family companion. Longtime fans […]

The Skye Terrier comes from the distant Scottish Isle of Skye and is remarkably unchanged over nearly four centuries. Rugged, courageous, and agile, the breed excelled at running game to ground. Although less well known than other terriers, the Skye Terrier's loyalty, refinement, and merry disposition with those he loves have won him ardent fans […]

The Rat Terrier is a relatively new breed that has experienced some highs and lows during its history. Let's take a look at how Rat Terriers became the energetic, loyal, family dogs they are today. Here are six interesting facts about the Rat Terrier: 1. They Used to Be Wildly Popular With Farmers In the […]

The Black Russian Terrier is large, majestic, and even a little mysterious, especially when all that hair is hiding his eyes. But there's no mystery behind where this breed came from. Here are five interesting facts about the Black Russian Terrier: 1. This Is a Very New Breed The Black Russian Terrier (BRT) has been […]

The Tibetan Terrier, affectionately known as a TT, is a rare breed that originated in one of the most spiritual countries in the world. Loyal and affectionate, the Tibetan Terrier thrives on human companionship. Here are some interesting facts about the Tibetan Terrier: 1. He Is Technically Not a Terrier The Tibetan Terrier belongs to […]

Airedale Terriers used to be one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are incredibly versatile and intelligent, and they love to be part of a family. Here are some more interesting facts about the Airedale Terrier: 1. They Were Originally Used to Hunt Rats The Airedale Terrier originated in the […]

"Wait, was that a Siberian Husky? Or was it an Alaskan Malamute?" Many dog breeds can be difficult to tell apart. To celebrate National Look-Alike Day, we're taking a closer look at six pairs of dogs that look remarkably similar to each other, but are actually completely different breeds. 1. Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky […]

Header photo courtesy of Norma Ryan, AKC Breeder of Merit The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is renowned for his unique appearance as well as his literary connection. This long-bodied, low-to-the-ground dog is a member of the Terrier Group and while he exhibits some typical terrier qualities, he also has some unique characteristics. During the late 1600s, […]

If a leprechaun decided to disguise himself as a dog, chances are he would choose the Kerry Blue Terrier. Like the leprechaun, these joyful, full-of-life, and mischievous dogs are from Ireland, and it’s often said their hearts are sprinkled with Irish humor. The Kerry Blue Terrier is known as the Irish Blue Terrier in its […]

The American Hairless Terrier (AHT) is a small-to-medium-sized terrier that is intelligent and curious. These active and trainable dogs are completely hairless, although some can have whiskers and eyebrows. Here are some fun facts about this truly American dog. 1. The American Hairless Terrier is directly descended from the Rat Terrier, a dog that was […]

The Welsh Terrier is a medium-size sturdy, compact, and rugged terrier that originated in Wales many hundreds of years ago. In fact, some claim that it is the oldest existing dog breed in the entire United Kingdom. This spirited breed has a black-and-tan-colored, wiry coat, similar to an Airedale Terrier. Dogs are mentioned in the […]

The understated Border Terrier (BT) may be overlooked in his plain brown coat, but there’s a lot to love about this unique little dog. He developed as a working terrier that could go to ground, as well as follow the horses on a hunt, and he is built perfectly for both jobs. For centuries, hunters […]

  After a one-year hiatus, the Detroit Kennel Club dog show returns to the Motor City this weekend with events Saturday and Sunday, June 20–21, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in the Detroit suburb of Novi, Michigan. This year’s show features a number of special attractions, including obedience and rally trials, demonstrations, AKC National Owner-Handled […]

  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 […]

  Purebred dogs are purpose-bred dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. The characteristics that make each of these dogs unique also help them perform the function for which they were bred. The physical appearance of the dogs illustrates this, and is also an important part of the breed’s history. For example, the thick […]

Good dog handling isn't an accident. It is a learned skill. It requires a good working relationship with the dog, proper training, clear and consistent commands and the ability to read the livestock. You must know what the stock are doing and what they are about to do. There is only one way to know […]