Cancer is a common canine concern, affecting an estimated 25% of all dogs. Learn more about common questions surrounding chemotherapy treatment for canines.

You know the modern-day mantra to stay hydrated. And that goes for your dog too. Make sure there's plenty of clean, fresh water available, especially during hot weather. But is it possible for your dog to drink too much water? As important as it is to avoid dehydration, there can be too much of a […]

Summer is the time to have outdoor fun with our dogs. Longer walks in the park, ambitious hikes, beach days, or family travel—the sun is shining, and the outdoors is calling. But hot weather can also make us uncomfortable, and it poses special risks for dogs. From increased exposure to ticks and other insects to […]

If you follow news about dogs, you know what an extreme case of mange looks like. It's a common skin disease in dogs and puppies that are strays, neglected, or abused. These dogs appear to be beyond hope—hairless, with skin covered in sores or with thickened, hard, crusty patches. Such dogs are often described as […]

Dog owners are nothing if not fickle in their tastes. Breed popularity is cyclical through the years and, too often, based on a dog’s random star turn in a movie, TV commercial, or YouTube video (with little research done on the breed’s exercise and grooming needs.) What Happened to Afghan Hounds? Most people are surprised […]

It’s the time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day. Consider these factors before bringing your dog to any festivities.

'Tis the season for giving (and going to) lots of holiday parties and dinners. Whether you're the host or the guest, these are the kinds of gifts that every dog lover will appreciate. Stock up, so you're ready for that last-minute invitation and for your own holiday celebrations. Wine Glasses Some guests bring the wine, […]

Valley fever is a fungal infection that can affect dogs. Learn the signs and symptoms, and how valley fever is treated and prevented.

If you need a few little somethings for your dog-loving friends and family, our stocking stuffers cover everyone on your list. Choose from apparel, home goods, and more for small gifts that bring lots of good cheer. Ornaments Christmas trees shine a little bit brighter with these dog breed ornaments. These festive seasonal accessories make […]

Jewelry for Dog Lovers Some of the best gifts come in small packages. And who doesn't love jewelry? Our breed-specific charms, pendants, and pins will wow the dog lovers in your life; they're beautifully rendered, high quality, and show how thoughtful you are. You can browse our jewelry collection or see our top sellers below: […]

Even though we give our dog a name, many times we also give them a nickname, as well. "Sammy" gets shortened to "Sam," for example. Similarly, Labrador Retrievers are often called Labs, just as Golden Retrievers are called "Goldens." But did you know that some breeds have special nicknames? These nicknames were crafted especially for […]

One important way to keep your dog healthy is to get regular vaccinations. The Bordetella vaccine, in particular, is key to preventing kennel cough.

Looking to learn more about Tramadol for dogs? We discuss what it's used for, what side effects it causes, and correct dosages.

Parasites are unpleasant, and hookworms are no exception. Here's what you need to know about the symptoms of hookworms in dogs and how to treat them.

Dogs that can be considered of medium size can be found in most of the AKC’s seven groups. Whether it’s the energetic Shetland Sheepdog, the sporty spaniels, or the laid back Bulldog, there is a range of temperament and appearance within this size category. When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only […]

Big dogs equal big love and loyalty. Here are the large dog breeds that earn their place at the top of the size chart. Most people will know the Great Dane but what about the lovely Leonberger? When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only one of them. The dog’s personality, activity […]

There was a time not long ago that nearly every advertisement featuring a child with a dog seemed to include a Lab or a Golden Retriever, consistently among the most popular dog breeds in America. Today, there’s a bit more variety in the breeds being photographed with children for commercial advertising. Perhaps the public perception […]

Accepted into AKC in 1885, the Saint Bernard swiftly rose to the position of the most popular dog of the 1890s. To this day, it is the only giant breed to secure the country’s top position as well as the only number-one breed to never appear in the top ten again. In later decades, two […]

Hoping to meet a specific dog breed (or cat breed), or do you just want to meet all 150+ breeds? Find your favorites on our list of breeds so you won't miss a single wag, whisker, or woof! They'll all be there to meet you at the January 25-26, 2020 AKC Meet the Breeds event. […]

THE FOLLOWING DOGS HAVE EARNED VCD TITLES ON THE DATES LISTED BELOW: VCD1 1/10/2016. VCD1 TC MACH4 Sharpree's Imagine That! VCD2 UD RN MXC MJB2 MXPB MJPB PAX OF T2B SE DACH LONG. Owned by: Sharon McDonald of River Ridge, LA. 1/16/2016 VCD1 CH Eringlo Dancing Through Life VCD1 BN RN MX MXS MXJ MJS […]

The following are the group designations that the current FSS breeds have been assigned. There are currently 84 breeds in the FSS program.  (Revised 12/31/25) Sporting Group - 16 breeds Blue Picardy Spaniel Braque du Bourbonnais Braque Francais Pyrenean Braque St. Germain Deutscher Wachtelhund Drentsche Patrijshond French Spaniel German Longhaired Pointer Large Munsterlander Pont-Audemer Spaniel […]

As of July 13, 2009, the AKC Board of Directors approved the eligibility of Foundation Stock breeds that meet the below criteria may compete in AKC Companion Events; this will be effective January 1, 2010. Dogs with three-generation pedigrees recorded in FSS® Breed Standard has been submitted As of February 9, 2007, the AKC Board […]

(updated 1/26/26 ) 1/12/26 The Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of the United States is the official parent club for the Peruvian Inca Orchid and to accept the Peruvian Inca Orchid into the AKC Stud Book on December 30, 2026. The breed will be eligible to compete in the Hound Group beginning December 30, 2026. 10/13/25 […]

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

  New York, NY – From Washington's Foxhounds to Bush's "Barney" and "Miss Beazley" presidential purebred pups are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) reports that 22 U.S. presidents have owned purebred dogs and most shared the White House with them. While some dogs had jobs - "Millie" authored […]

  From Washington's Foxhounds to Bush's "Barney," presidential purebred pups are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. Twenty-two U.S. presidents have owned purebred dogs and most shared the White House with them. While some dogs had jobs - "Millie" authored a book, "Him" and "Her" modeled for Life magazine, and "Laddie Boy" oversaw high-level […]

While many of the dog breeds we know and enjoy today originated in other countries, there are a number of AKC registered breeds which were developed on American soil, and each has its own unique history and heritage: Alaskan Malamute - The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, was named after the […]

  Just like our immigrant ancestors, most of the dog breeds we know and enjoy today originated in other countries and came to the United States later on. However, there are a number of AKC registered breeds which were developed on American soil, and each has its own unique history and heritage: Alaskan Malamute - […]