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Expert Advice: Feature
Blind Belgian Malinois ‘Pieces’ Beats Odds and Excels at Scent Work
From the day she was born almost seven years ago, Pieces has served up a mix master of surprises. First, it was blindness—which wasn’t ascertained immediately—then a propensity for Scent Work, and lastly, a perfect psychological pathway. The result? A sightless Belgian Malinois puppy with a keen sense of smell and uncanny ability to find […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/blind-belgian-marinos-scent-work/
| August 18, 2022

Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Akita Versus Shiba Inu: How to Tell the Difference
When you see a dog with their tail curled high over their back and triangular ears standing alertly, you might feel confident you're looking at a Japanese breed. But are you equally confident you know which one? The Akita and the Shiba Inu share a similar heritage and body shape. But the Akita, a member […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/akita-versus-shiba-inu-how-to-tell-the-difference/
| July 19, 2022

Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Placing Puppies in Pet Homes
Responsible dog breeders work very hard to place puppies in the right homes. Here is one story of how a breeder went about matching a family to the right Beagle puppy for them.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/placing-puppies-in-pet-homes/
| February 25, 2022

Expert Advice: Breeding Tips & Best Practices
What’s in Your Puppy Contract?
Many breeders require anyone who purchases one of their dogs to sign a contract. To some buyers, especially first timers, a contract may feel invasive; they might think that for the money they spend, they should have total control over what they do with their puppy. Explain to buyers that your contract is meant to […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/whats-puppy-contract/
| December 15, 2021

Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Differences & Similarities
Switzerland has brought us many wonderful dog breeds, but perhaps none as popular as the large, tricolored Bernese Mountain Dog. These gorgeous and affectionate dogs are built for demanding work and are instantly recognizable for their size and beautiful markings. But there is another Swiss breed with similar looks and origin. The Greater Swiss Mountain […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/bernese-mountain-dog-versus-greater-swiss-mountain-dog-how-to-tell-the-difference/
| November 11, 2021

Expert Advice: Puppy Training
How to Train a Doberman Pinscher Puppy: Milestones & Timeline
The Doberman Pinscher has the distinction of being one of the only breeds in the AKC's Working Group that was bred specifically to be a companion to humans. The breed was created in the nineteenth century by German tax collector Louis Dobermann to accompany him in his thankless daily work. Drawing upon this breed legacy, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-train-a-doberman-pinscher/
| October 18, 2021

Expert Advice: Health
How Do I Know if My Puppy Is Healthy?
When a puppy seems to be acting off, it helps to recognize the typical signs of good dog health. Here are the signs of a healthy puppy.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/is-my-puppy-healthy/
| September 15, 2021

Expert Advice: Puppy Training
How to Train a Dachshund Puppy
Long on looks and short on training time, Dachshund puppies are fast learners. This determined and highly intelligent hound will follow your instructions, especially if you motivate them to follow your direction, and positive lessons speed the process. Walter Jones, First Vice President of the Dachshund Club of America, remembers George, his family's first Smooth […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-train-a-dachshund-puppy/
| July 8, 2021

Pages
Breed Health Testing Requirements
Each breed’s health testing requirements originate with a “parent club,” the AKC-recognized national club devoted to a particular breed. To assist breeders in fulfilling these requirements, AKC has compiled the health testing requirements for each breed, organized by group on the left navigation of this page. AKC Breeder Programs that Require Health Testing: Breeders that participate […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breed-health-testing-requirements/
| June 18, 2021

Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Beauceron vs. Doberman: How to Tell the Difference
You are no doubt familiar with the Doberman Pinscher. After all, they are very popular. Dobermans are distinguished and powerful with a keen intellect, and you might think their size, strength, and markings make them one of a kind. But there is a like-sized, equally powerful, and similarly attractive breed you might mistake for the […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/beauceron-vs-doberman/
| May 19, 2021