Mary-Kay Schroeder of Bayswater Portuguese Water Dogs is an AKC Breeder of Merit who has been breeding PWDs since 1993. She lives in Cicero, Indiana, which is about 30 miles north of Indianapolis and on Morse Lake. Mary-Kay shows her dogs in conformation, agility, water, obedience, and scent work.   AKC: How did you get […]

Most dogs have had diarrhea in their life. Learn when it's a cause for concern, how to treat it, and when you should go to the vet for dog diarrhea.

Wavy, curly, silky, short, double, dense, wooly, corded – dog coats are definitely not all the same. There’s a wide variation from breed to breed and among individual dogs. Not all dog shampoos are good for every dog, but how do you choose which is the best for your pet? Finding a shampoo that is […]

Cones are necessary for dogs after surgery, but they can cause a lot of distress. Teach your dog to tolerate wearing a cone in case the need arises.

Your dog loves you unconditionally. It's one of the best parts of their companionship. But that doesn't mean your dog loves everything you do. In fact, a lot of dog owners irritate their pet every day without even realizing it. Do you think you might be guilty? Here are some ways you might be annoying […]

The AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Program was established in 2006 to provide each AKC Member Club with an embossed AKC medallion to award on a yearly basis as an ongoing effort to celebrate its volunteer club members. This award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition that have made a difference in the Sport of […]

What is included in the AKC DNA + Health Kit? The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes the original AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification, as well as the new 328+ markers for health & traits, including color markers. Customers will receive 2 pdfs for results: 1) AKC DNA […]

The Xoloitzcuintli has long been associated with death in Aztec Society, most recently depicted in the Pixar movie "Coco." Here's the Xolo's breed history.

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.

The temptation to reach into our medicine cabinets to treat our pets can be dangerous. Humans and dogs react very differently to medications, which is why veterinarians caution dog owners against making independent decisions about how to medicate their animals. However, some human medications are safe for use with dogs, as long as they are […]

If you know your dog drank coffee or ate coffee grounds or beans, you need to monitor them for toxicity. Here's what to do if your dog drinks coffee.

In our award-winning Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives dog podcast, now in Season Four, host Bud Boccone tells the tales of breeds, dogs, and personalities who’ve shaped America (and Americans) over generations. Using the American Kennel Club's historical records, archival material, oral histories, interviews, and more, the show brings dog […]

Do you dread taking your dog for a walk because they lunge at other dogs, other people, or objects like cars or skateboards? Here's why they do it, and how to help.

If you're looking to get pet insurance, you'll want to note what pre-existing conditions that different insurances cover. What should you look out for?

Do I need an appointment to view or research collections? Yes, an appointment is necessary so that the Archivist can be present and prepared to meet your research needs. At least 48 hours advance notice is required to ensure all desired materials are available for viewing. Please contact the Archivist using this form. What are […]

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.

If you're the owner of an energetic or hyper dog, here are some tips to help calm them down and get to the root of the hyperactive behavior.

During a reverse sneeze, the dog will suddenly stand still, extend its head, and produce a loud snorting sound. Here's why your dog reverse sneezes.

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 […]

Can your dog eat onions? No: onions and onion products can prove toxic to dogs. Find out how to prevent onion toxicity in dogs here.