READ THE CURRENT ISSUE As the official journal of the sport of purebred dogs, the monthly AKC Gazette hasn’t missed an issue since 1889. For those with an abiding interest in exhibiting dogs as a sport, hobby, or profession, the digital Gazette is the AKC’s premium resource—written for, and mostly by, the American dog fancy. […]

What are the common causes of dog limping, and when should you take your limping dog to the vet? Learn what to look for and what to do.

While seizure disorders can benefit from diazepam (Valium) for dogs, there are other treatment options available. Talk to your veterinarian.

We've all fallen for the sad gaze from our dog. But, if your dog's eyes are tearing or you see traces of fluid, something else could be going on.

Traveling on the subway with your pup? Here's how to prepare your dog for a safe ride and where to look for public transit rules and regulations.

Here you can access a list of AKC Government Relations resources available to help you be effective advocates for responsible dog ownership and breeding! Be sure to check back often, as we are continuously adding new items.  If you have any questions about these materials, or are dealing with a canine legislation issue, please contact […]

The AKC maintains one of the largest libraries devoted to dogs in the world, containing approximately 15,000 volumes, and the only national repository dedicated to the sport and enjoyment of the purebred dog. It has been providing internal and external reference on all manners of dog-related inquiries since 1934. Bookplate designed by original library committee chair […]

Common Resources: Find a Club/Trainer Find an Event Agility Regulations Online Entry System Downloadable Forms Titles and Abbreviations Versatile Companion Dog (VCD) Title News & Updates Agility FAQ [accordion] [accordion_panel title="General"] Agility Field Representatives Participants with Disabilities [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Getting Started in Agility"] A Beginners Guide to Companion Events (PDF) Agility FAQs What is Agility?  […]

Get Family Dog Magazine AKC Family Dog is a magazine unlike any other—written for dog people, by dog people. Now in an exclusively online format, we’re with you and your dog wherever you go. With stunning photography and compelling narratives, our multiple award–winning articles capture the infinite ways dogs enrich our lives—and what we can […]

The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC Member Clubs for nominees in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance Events. The American Kennel Club […]

Two dog-related bills garner continued consideration in the Massachusetts General Court. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Massachusetts residents to: Review and identify any concerns with the re-drafted and favorably released bills known as “Ollie’s Law;” and Contact your legislators in opposition to 826, banning new pet retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits. TO […]

There's one thing everyone knows about a Newfoundland: he's big, really big. A full-grown male stands as high as 28 inches tall and weighs in at 130-150 pounds. But there is so much more to this breed than size, as any Newf lover can tell you. Check out these Newfoundland fun facts to learn more […]

The Chihuahua is an adorable, athletic, and smart dog. There’s a lot of personality and attitude packed into that compact body. Here are nine things to know about this member of the Toy Group. Chihuahuas Were Important to the Aztecs The Aztec nobility of Mexico kept Chihuahuas. The breed was so sacred that, when an aristocrat […]

Intestinal blockages are common in dogs, and most often occur from eating foreign objects. What are the causes, treatment and timeline of blockages?

It's estimated that 5-10% of dogs in the United States are deaf. Why does deafness in dogs occur, and how is it different from hearing loss?

There are many different diseases and conditions that can cause blood in dog urine. Here's what you need to know about this symptom.

Puppies actually need to drink more water than adult dogs. Learn how much water your puppy needs at various stages and how much is too much.

Choosing a name for your girl dog requires some creative inspiration and plenty of thought. After all, this is a name that you'll be saying to your new puppy every day for many happy years ahead. Like human baby girl names, female dog names rise and fall in popularity. It's unlikely you're meeting a lot […]

Dogs are notoriously bad at dissipating body heat. Watch for early signs of heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, in your dog to avoid serious outcomes.

A solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event! With such an occasion, you might wonder how your dog is going to react, or if it could cause them stress.

By Jo Ann WhiteThere are many good reasons to buy a well-bred purebred dog from a responsible breeder. The first, of course, is predictability. You will know whether you are getting a breed that exemplifies what you want from a dog, rather than an albeit cute puppy who could grow up to be something other […]

The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old. Adolescence does not begin and end […]

Photos courtesy of Mike Perrin. If you're a dog lover and aren't watching BBC's 'Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency,' you should be. It has mystery, sci-fi, humor, Elijah Wood, and most importantly, a Corgi! Played by Bentley the dog actor, this Corgi was a mysterious (and adorable) element of the pilot episode of the show […]

1. Understand that a puppy is an infant dog – not a miniature adult. Adjust your expectations accordingly, considering his physical and mental limitations. Before you know it, he will be grown up! 2. Puppy-proof your house with baby gates, a crate, and/or a pen. Any time the puppy is not directly supervised, he should […]

document.write(''); Fireworks signal celebrations for Independence Day, a win at the baseball stadium or the grand finale at the community festival. While you “oooh” and “ahhh,” your dog may be experiencing fear and anxiety due to the sounds of summer celebrations. This fear and anxiety can be a progressive medical condition called canine noise aversion — […]

It's important to know how to keep your dog healthy. Here are some of the key ways to maintain your dog's health, inside and out.

Follow our tips to find the right groomer for your dog. Do some research, ask the right questions, and you can be confident that your dog is in good hands.

Good grooming will help your dog look and feel their best. Routine grooming sessions also allow you to examine your dog's coat, teeth, eyes, ears, and nails for signs of problems. How often you need to groom your dog depends on their size, breed, and type of coat. While good hygiene habits are essential for […]

You’ve probably heard the expression “a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth" at least once in your life. Is it true?

There are dog people and there are cat people — but what about those of us who love both? Can we have a cat and a dog in our household, or are they truly mortal enemies? Rest assured, dogs and cats can become the best of friends, or at least learn to peacefully coexist. If […]