Griffin Fielding TDX owned by Maureen Fielding of N. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Seven-year-old Griffin came into being through an accidental mating between a black German Shepherd female and a German Short-haired Pointer male. “He is a fine hunting dog with a strong work ethic, making him an excellent tracking dog,” Maureen said. Griffin started […]

Dogs, really do not like hugs.  While some dogs, especially those trained as therapy dogs, can tolerate it, in general, dogs do not enjoy this interaction. Dogs rely on body language as a method of communication with humans and each other. Putting a limb over another dog is a way of exerting dominance and can be […]

  From our friends at Vetstreet We know you love your pet unconditionally and strive to take good care of him, but even the most experienced owners can sometimes harm their dogs or cats and not even realize it. Here are a few mistakes you might be making, but don't worry, we've also included advice […]

Taking your dog on the family vacation can make for a great trip, if you plan carefully. Are you traveling by car, plane, train, bus, or boat? How long will the trip take? Will you be staying with family or friends, or at a hotel or motel? Is your dog in good health? These are […]

  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 […]

Terms of Use The American Kennel Club, Inc. ("AKC®") owns and operates this website. By accessing and using this site, you agree to each of the terms and conditions set forth herein and agree to abide by the AKC's Bylaws, rules, regulations, procedures as set forth in the AKC Charter and Bylaws, rules, regulations, published […]

If you notice that your puppy is beginning to protect her toys, bed, balls, food, and other prized worldly possessions, she is starting to do what animal behaviorists call "resource guarding." As with many behavior problems, the best solution for resource guarding is prevention and doing early training to keep the behavior from happening in […]

New York, NY - The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced recently that Delaware County Kennel Club (Pennsylvania) and the Pasco Florida Kennel Club have been honored with AKC Community Achievement Award for the first quarter of 2012. The AKC Community Achievement Awards support and recognize outstanding public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized […]

  Majority of Dog Owners Would Rather Kiss the Family Dog Than Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie Forget about the treadmill. A recent American Kennel Club® (AKC®) New Year’s survey revealed that dog owners will use Fido to assist with a New Year’s resolution to exercise more.  In fact nearly 75% of respondents intend on […]

California Senate Bill 250, which seeks to mandate the sterilization of a dog on a second animal control offense, has moved from the inactive file back to the Assembly floor and could be voted on any day. Amendments have been adopted, but they only modify the appeals process and do not alter our fundamental opposition […]

- New Data Says Pets Start Nearly 1,000 Fires Each Year - New York – July 12, 2010 – An estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by home fires, however, nearly 1,000 house fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets, according to a new data analysis by the National Fire Protection Association. […]

The Jefferson Parish (LA) Council will consider several changes to the Parish’s animal ordinance on Wednesday, March 24.  In addition to other provisions imposes breeder permits and requires dogs to be spayed or neutered upon a second redemption from the Parish’s animal shelter during the lifetime of the animal.  The American Kennel Club opposes several […]

-- Barkfest at Bonhams Benefits AKC Humane Fund -- If you are planning to visit New York City for next month's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show don't miss an opportunity to discover fascinating canine artifacts and fine canine art as well as support the good works of the AKC Humane Fund by viewing one of […]

Senator Florez has amended Senate Bill 250, but the changes do little to address AKC’s fundamental concerns with the bill. It is imperative that California responsible dog owners and breeders immediately contact their Assemblymembers and Senators and ask them to oppose SB 250!!! As expected, the bill now provides that an intact dog with a […]

The City of Fort Worth is considering a variety of changes to their animal control ordinance and will hold a public hearing on the changes at their August 11th meeting. Concerned dog owners are encouraged to attend and to contact their city council member regarding their concerns. Please forward this on to other members of […]

Make sure your dog’s keen senses are at their best by keeping up with daily maintenance. Here’s how: Eyes Next time Fido gives you his trademark look of love, check to be sure that his eyes are clean and healthy: They should be bright and clear, and the white of the eye should be pure […]

  -- Dog Experts Say "Put Your Pet in a Leading Role:" Research Breeds and Find a Responsible Breeder -- With the release of "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) reminds moviegoers about the importance of making careful, educated decisions when considering adding a dog to their home. Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures […]

The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan recently added a new level of catastrophic only canine healthcare with the addition of the "Accident Plus" plan which targets a specific list of accidents and injuries typical to dogs. This new coverage will offer owners peace of mind in the event of unexpected emergencies. "The phrase 'accidents happen' doesn't […]

  AKC Pet Healthcare Plan and Lifetime Enrollment in Recovery Service Provided to Fallen Soldier's Dog The American Kennel Club® is proud to acknowledge the deep bond between military working dog Lex, an eight-year-old German Shepherd and his handler, Marine Corporal Dustin Jerome Lee who was tragically killed in a mortar attack in Falluja, Iraq […]

Representative Gutierrez’s office has confirmed that HB 1106, the Pet Owner Responsibility Act will not move forward this session. Congratulations to the fanciers and concerned dog owners who took the time to educate their legislators about this important issue.   New Mexico Bill to Make Spay and Neuter Mandatory [Wednesday, February 14, 2007 New Mexico […]

  -- Forget the Antioxidants; Trust Fido for a Long Life -- The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce the release of the first-ever AKC 21st Century Dog Owners Study, focusing on the behaviors, attitudes and purchasing habits of dog owners. Of the 750 AKC respondents* — a majority of whom were female — […]

Being truly unique in our mission and having a history spanning more than 120 years, there are few organizations with a heritage anything like ours. However, in recently learning more about the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), I have been struck at the many parallels it shares with the AKC. Both the AKC and AVMA […]

  New York, NY – Whether you're a pooch parent looking for tips on training, grooming and health or are currently considering adding a precious pup to the family, be sure to circle the month of September on your calendar to mark "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day." This month-long celebration involves hundreds of organizations around […]

City Councilor Sally Mayer is again proposing sweeping changes that would drastically limit fanciers' ability to breed and own dogs, while doing little to address the city's problems with irresponsible ownership. The proposal is currently set for a vote at the May 1st city council meeting. Fanciers are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will […]

I'm pleased to report that Senator Rick Santorum this past weekend provided us with an advance copy of his "discussion draft" of an amended version of the "Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005" (PAWS) bill. This discussion draft will be posted on the Senator's web site (http://santorum.senate.gov/public/index.cfm) this week. The draft clarifies several original provisions […]

The City of El Paso's Health and Public Safety Legislative Committee will hear a new animal control ordinance at its October 12th meeting. The proposal - a complete rewrite of the city's animal code - contains a $75 litter permit and restricts breeders to only one litter per year. Additionally, owners will be required to […]

Under the guise of updating Albuquerque's animal control ordinance to help reduce euthanasia rates at local animal shelters, City Councilor Sally Mayer has instead proposed sweeping changes that would drastically limit fanciers' ability to breed and own dogs, while doing little to address the city's problems with irresponsible ownership. The proposal is currently set for […]

UPDATE: HB2927 was stricken from the docket on February 2nd. Many thanks to the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and the countless Virginia dog owners who helped make this victory possible! Please continue to watch our Web site for information about other pending legislation in Virginia.    [Monday, January 24, 2005] Immediate help is needed […]

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (Toller) officially joined the ranks of the American Kennel Club on July 1, 2003. As of this date the Toller will enjoy regular status as an AKC-recognized breed in the Sporting Group, and the addition will round out the total number of AKC-recognized breeds to 150. Coincidentally, this Canadian […]

Including the family dog in the family vacation plans this summer can be a great alternative to sending Rover off to the local kennel. By planning ahead, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for you and your cherished canine companion. The American Kennel Club provides tips on what you need to know: By […]