The Winter Season of AKC Agility League is under way, but it’s not too soon to be planning for your spring teams! Enrollment for the Spring/Summer Season will open on April 13 and run through May 4. Competition launches on May 11. The Spring/Summer Season is the last chance to qualify for the AKC Agility […]

Master Hunter Excellent Test Launched (Feb 2024) Tracking Device Changes (Jul 2023) Buddy Hunts / Flexible Judging Schedule  (May 2023) Amateur Walking Puppy Stakes at Hunt Tests (Feb 2023) Clubs Allowed to Use Waiting Lists (Jul 2021) Special Event Hunting Tests (Jul 2020) Grounds Defined/Bracemate Courtesy/JH Trainability- Condition of Bird (Apr 2020) Max 8 Hunts/Lifetime Achievement Title […]

Mannheim, Germany July 10-12, 2026 https://www.jaosao2026.com/ News and Updates February 3, 2026 - Docked Dogs Dogs with docked tails or cropped ears are not permitted to participate in the competition, unless a veterinary certificate confirms that – the docking was medically necessary in the individual case, or – in the case of hunting dogs, docking was […]

 Pointing Breed Hunting tests are non-competitive pass/fail tests which assess each dog independently based attributes such as display of desire, boldness, independence, speed with a useful pattern of running across difficult or confusing scent patterns to pinpoint the location of birds. Other categories judges will score are; bird finding ability, pointing, trainability and in […]

Athleticism. Stamina. Courage. An instinct to go, go, go. These qualities are the essence of the Pointing breed, and why they’re naturally superior hunters. As a dog owner, it’s important to consistently find new ways to stimulate your dog’s natural’s instincts. If you have a Pointing breed, training for and participating in a Pointing Field Trial […]

In January 1999, the AKC embarked on a journey to recognize Juniors who obtain titles on dogs in the Companion and Performance Events.  We are pleased to announce the continued growth of the program.  AKC will now be awarding points to Juniors who have competed in Junior Showmanship, Companion and Performance Events.  The Juniors number […]

Spring is here, and warm weather can bring about hazards and new behaviors. Learn what to look for and how to prepare your dog.

Regular snow and ice melts can have chemicals in them that are toxic to dogs. Learn which ice melts are better to use, and how to keep your dog safe.

How well can dogs hear? You might've read that dogs have far better hearing than humans, but it’s not quite that simple.

Rebecca Stern grew up surrounded by dogs. But when she found herself in New York City after college with no pets in her life, she started looking for a way to spend more time with animals. At the same time, she was looking to explore new ideas for a documentary film. From the very beginning, […]

Dogs are renowned for their ability to read humans. But a study shows that the type of breed influences their level of human communication.

Can dogs eat sticks safely? What about stones? Here's why both sticks and stones aren't good options for your pet to gnaw on.

Looking to move? Here are seven signs of a dog-friendly neighborhood that could be a great fit for you.

Through the years, many different breeds have won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, including the 2024 winner, "Sage" the Miniature Poodle.

The Tibetan Terrier is one of many Tibetan breeds recognized by the AKC. Learn more about the breed with these Tibetan Terrier fun facts.

Metronidazole (also known by the brand names Flagyl, Metizol, Protostat, Metrogel) is a strong antibiotic sometimes used to treat dogs.

Interested in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel history? Here's how the breed began, how it's related to the King Charles Spaniel, and more.

Meet Hungary’s russet-coated dog-of-all-trades: the Vizsla. While talking with the breed’s American fanciers, it seems the exclamation point and the Vizsla were made for each other. If this breed could talk (one of the few things it can’t do—yet) it would say things like “Yes I can!,” “Go for it!” and other such interjections that […]

The Afghan Hound was a hunting dog that originated in Afghanistan. Now, they're still prey-driven, independent, but loving and sweet dogs. Learn more about the breed with these Afghan Hound fun facts.

Dog whistles are an effective dog training tool for communicating with your dog. You can use them to train a recall or many other behaviors.

Puppies explore the world through their mouths, so they'll chew anything they can sink their teeth into. By providing them with toys that indulge their teething instincts, you're more likely to spare your shoes and socks from destruction

Some breeds at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® seem destined for stardom — and prove it by winning Best in Show repeatedly. Since the very first Westminster Best in Show in 1907, many of the winners have all come from the same breed groups, if not the same breed. […]

Here are the AKC's top 10 most popular dog breeds in the 1940s. They range in size, form, function, and groups, among other categories.

Cute aggression is described as an overwhelming feeling of wanting to squeeze something adorable, like a puppy. Here's how to control it.

Don't let the weather stop you from having fun with your dog. Try some activities you'll both enjoy, like skijoring or snowshoeing.

Elizabeth Jennings and her 14-month-old Bracco Italiano prove the breed is capable of being a part of the Pennsylvania Wilderness Search and Rescue Unit.

They are two of the most well-known and beloved breeds – the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. In fact, the active Labrador is the most popular breed based on AKC registration statistics, an honor they've held since 1991. And devoted Goldens aren't far behind, ranking number four in 2020. You might be familiar with […]

When it comes to choosing the right dog breed for you and your family, there are a lot of different things to consider. Temperament, exercise needs, size, and maintenance are all important aspects of your decision. Some people prefer a lower-maintenance breed, which often means that the dogs require little grooming. Of course, regular baths […]

If you're interested in taking part in a low-cost and accessible activity with your dog, why not try the lesser-known dog sport of Treibball? Professional dog trainer Dianna Stearns is the President of the American Treibball Association (ATA). She explains that sport was first introduced in Germany by Jan Nibjoer, and then, in 2009, a […]

Animal rights activists continue gathering signatures in Oregon to put an extreme measure on the November 2026 ballot that would criminalize the killing and breeding of animals. This initiative has been attempted in previous election cycles, although it has never qualified for the ballot. The campaign in favor of the initiative reports having collected 87,776 […]