This training tip is brought to you Erin Rakosky of the AKC GoodDog! Helpline, a seven-day-a-week telephone support service staffed by experienced dog trainers. The Helpline provides instruction and advice on training and behavioral issues. Imagine this scenario; you are in the bathroom and you accidentally drop a bottle of medication on the floor. You […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories AR, Sherwood – A proposed ordinance that would lift restrictions on ownership of “pit bull” dogs in the city could be considered again at the city council meeting on July 22, 2024. AKC GR submitted a letter in support of provisions that would […]

Do all dogs need a winter coat? If so, what are the best winter coats for dogs? We break down our favorites for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

The most infamous moment in the long relationship between dogs and presidents occurred on an April morning in 1964. While walking on the White House grounds with a group of visitors and his Beagles Him and Her in tow, President Lyndon Baines Johnson decided to encourage Him to bark for his guests. To do this, […]

Sometimes called “edible gold," truffles are likely part of some of your favorite gourmet dishes. But did you know that dogs can be trained to hunt for them? Commonly found from Northern California up throughout Washington and into British Columbia, truffles are fungi that grow at the base of trees. As hard as they are […]

When Rick and Lorie Douglas first set eyes on puppy Biscotti Rose two years ago, they knew she was special. Now a Westminster and Conformation star, she is also Rick's best support system through cancer treatment.

There are many unique jobs for dogs to do, ranging from ancient traditions to modern tasks. Learn about unusual ways dogs have helped people in the past and still help others today.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is common in dogs, but treatable. Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia in dogs.

Crate training is a vitally important part of bringing a dog of any age into your life and home. It can benefit puppies, adult dogs, and seniors in one way or another. Crate training can give dogs a sense of security and give owners more peace of mind. Breeders and Vets Recommend Crate Training Your […]

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, it can be difficult for dog owners to remember which foods are okay for their pets to consume and which ones could prove fatal. So, where do raspberries fall? Can dogs eat raspberries? In This Article Benefits of Raspberries Risks of Feeding Raspberries Digestive Side Effects FAQs About […]

They are the undisputed braniacs of the canine universe. Whether they’re chasing lost lambs on craggy Scottish hillsides, blasting through agility courses, giving the “eye” to a herd of cattle, or wowing readers and television viewers with thousand-word vocabularies, the Border Collie never fails to astound. Their busy, no-nonsense take on the world has been […]

Watch a dog show, and the routine looks so easy. But handling a dog in the conformation ring is harder than it looks, and takes practice.

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories GA, DeKalb County – An ordinance proposed in DeKalb County seeks to require owners of female intact companion animals to obtain a litter permit prior to the birth of a litter or within one week after the litter’s birth. The female intact animals […]

The first step in navigating any culture is learning its etiquette: Never blow your nose at the dinner table in Japan, avoid public displays of affection in Sweden, and expect to encounter close talkers in Spain. A vibrant subculture in its own right, the dog-show world also has unspoken rules of conduct that might not […]

ASK AKC Dear AKC: I have a pet rabbit in my house and I'm thinking of getting a Beagle puppy. Is there a problem keeping them both in the same house? The puppy would only be loose when someone is home. -- Hound & Hare Dear Hound: Before considering adding a dog to your household […]

A dog enjoying a toy is as entertaining to us humans as it is to the dog. Perhaps that's why dog owners spend roughly $79 a year on new dog toys. With hundreds, if not thousands, of dog toys to choose from, how do you choose a toy your dog will love instead of spending […]

Cognition is described as the ability to use perception, memory, attention, and reasoning to assimilate information into knowledge and understanding. Scientists now know that a single construct such as general intelligence does not adequately explain the variation seen in cognitive abilities within and between species such as humans and dogs. The AKC Canine Health Foundation […]

The Ace Project helps rescue dogs while introducing college students to dog training and dog sports.

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories AR, Sherwood – A proposed ordinance that would lift restrictions on ownership of “pit bull” dogs in the city could be considered again at the city council meeting on July 22, 2024. AKC GR submitted a letter in support of provisions that would […]

The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2018 Legislation Tracking page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal level include: U.S. […]

It all started with Susan. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was a gift to the then-Princess Elizabeth, eldest daughter of King George VI, for her 18th birthday. Registered as “Hickathrift Pippa,” the dog at first went by Sue, which evolved into Susan. Susan and Elizabeth became so attached to one another that Susan accompanied the princess […]

The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced in your city or county. We will provide you with resources and […]

So you've fallen in love with the stunning, brilliant breed known as the German Shepherd Dog. You are not alone. The German Shepherd, also known by the shorthand GSD, is among the world's most popular canine companions and workers. If you want a job done—whether it's apprehending dangerous criminals, sniffing rubble for disaster survivors, or […]

It takes an army to raise a champion show dog: an owner to take her home and love her when it’s not show time, a groomer to clip, trim, brush and smooth with perfect precision, a handler to highlight her best features and exhibit her to the best of her breed standards. But before any […]

Molly and Michael Nye, of M&M Bloodhounds, live just outside of Charlotte, N.C. Bloodhound fanciers for close to 20 years, they are members of the American Bloodhound Club, regional Bloodhound clubs, and local all-breed and obedience clubs. They are AKC Breeders of Merit, American Bloodhound Club Breeders of Merit, and they both hold offices and […]

While many dog owners and their partners gladly share their sleeping space with their dogs, others may disagree about having a dog in the bed.

American English Coonhounds are sweet, mellow, and too friendly to perform as a guard dog. Bred to hunt raccoons, the breed descends from English Foxhounds brought to America in the early 1800s. American English Coonhounds sound a distinctive howl when locating their quarry. On a rugged hiking trail, a young couple turns around and realizes […]

Everyone picks up bad habits: even dogs. It's important to work to correct bad dog behavior, like jumping on people or chewing shoes. Here are ways to begin to curb unwanted behaviors in dogs.

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we've rounded up some fascinating facts about Mexico's native dog breeds: the Xoloitzcuintli and the Chihuahua. While only a minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a big deal in the United States. This popular observance is thanks in part to Mexican-American activists in the 1960s, who saw […]

We have big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) AGCH MACH5 Zoey Woofta Crow MXB2 PAD MJB2 PJD MFB TQX MFPS T2B3 T2BP FCAT2 TKN owned by Anjie Crow […]