A relatively rare breed, the Chinook is an all-purpose sled dog developed for drafting and sled dog racing. This is an athletic breed that is equally at home on the trail or cuddling on the couch with his human family. Here are seven interesting facts about this dignified and affectionate dog. 1. The official state […]

If a leprechaun decided to disguise himself as a dog, chances are he would choose the Kerry Blue Terrier. Like the leprechaun, these joyful, full-of-life, and mischievous dogs are from Ireland, and it’s often said their hearts are sprinkled with Irish humor. The Kerry Blue Terrier is known as the Irish Blue Terrier in its […]

Header photo courtesy of Norma Ryan, AKC Breeder of Merit The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is renowned for his unique appearance as well as his literary connection. This long-bodied, low-to-the-ground dog is a member of the Terrier Group and while he exhibits some typical terrier qualities, he also has some unique characteristics. During the late 1600s, […]

The first time you see a Sussex Spaniel, you might think you’re looking at a Cocker Spaniel in a fun house mirror. They have a definite resemblance, but the Sussex is shorter, longer, and heavier, with a muscular and solid build. Here are some interesting facts about the Sussex Spaniel. 1. The Sussex Spaniel is […]

Summer arrives this month, and most of the country has already experienced hot, muggy weather. I hope these ideas will help protect your home, kennel, and dogs from summer hazards. Check all air conditioners and fans. Make sure they are clean, in good working order, and properly wired. Clean and change the filters often.   […]

Imagine, for a minute, you are involved in dog sports, and your four-legged partner is tightly connected to your left side throughout one exercise after another. Can you envision the challenges facing you in one venue after another if your field of vision in your left eye is less than 10 degrees to almost nothing, […]

Mark Daniels and Aura after he was awarded a Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan in 2013. Credit: CherryBlossoms Photography.   “What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life.” -- Emil Brunner, Swiss theologian Hope has been an important ingredient in the lives of San Diego-based Marine Staff […]

Make no mistake about it, dog sport competitors are no different than finely tuned human athletes. These dogs long to get in the ring and give it their best, while performing in concert with their handlers. In the process, doggy dynamics are accented with plenty of psychological gymnastics. If ever there was a prototype for […]

  Storm the dog is being hailed a hero after rescuing a fawn from rushing waters in Port Jefferson, NY. Storm and his owner, Mark Freeley, were on a walk Sunday morning when Storm jumped into the water, WCBS reports. The dog saw the deer being swept away by the rushing water and swam out […]

If you're reading this...you're probably someone who loves animals, especially dogs. And at AKC's eighth annual Meet the Breeds event, Piers 92 and 94 were packed full with dog lovers of all kinds. Families, breeders, agility competitors, and more all came out to NYC to meet different dog and cat breeds and work together to […]

"Young people are the future of our sport. There is no future if we don’t get the youngsters involved in as many aspects as possible," says Sue Goldberg, member of Somerset Hills Kennel Club and mastermind behind the first AKC Juniors Ring Steward Apprentice Program. The idea came to Goldberg at a regular Somerset Hills […]

In anticipation of the 2016 North America Diving Dogs (NADD) and AKC/Eukanuba Dock Diving National Championships, the NADD Facebook page posted this:   Could records be broken this year? We thought we'd take a look at the current records and explain a little bit about what those mean in terms of diving dog competition. As […]

Socializing puppies has traditionally been considered the responsibility of the new owner. We instruct them to take the puppy to classes and make sure they are exposed to a variety of people and situations. But more research shows that encouraging a stable temperament can start even before puppies are born. Breeders can do a lot […]

It can be challenging to keep an active dog occupied when the weather is bad and they can’t go outside to run. But you can create fun games to keep your dog busy on inclement days. Mental challenges are just as tiring as physical exercise! To play the Memory Game, you will need three buckets, […]

When most people think of boisterous, outdoorsy dogs, they think of the larger working and sporting breeds. Dogs like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are popular choices for those looking for an outgoing, extroverted dog. But there are a lot of small breeds with some pretty big personalities. Not all small breeds are satisfied being […]

"Wait, was that a Siberian Husky? Or was it an Alaskan Malamute?" Many dog breeds can be difficult to tell apart. To celebrate National Look-Alike Day, we're taking a closer look at six pairs of dogs that look remarkably similar to each other, but are actually completely different breeds. 1. Alaskan Malamute vs. Siberian Husky […]

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also known as Korthals griffon, is a very rare breed, but it has seemingly endless talents. Here are some interesting facts about the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. 1. The Breed Was Inspired By Mendel's Research OK, so there's no definitive proof that the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was inspired by scientist Gregor Mendel's research, […]

  If you've ever seen a Dock Diving event, it's certainly an experience you won't forget. But did you know that Dock Diving is a relatively new dog sport? The sport was officially recognized by the AKC in 2014 and since then, over 6,000 dogs have jumped on in. We got a special inside look […]

There's so much to see at this year's AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. One of the most thrilling events on display is dock diving, where dogs seem to fly through the air into a body of water. We had the chance to catch up with one of the canines competing this year, Storie, […]

Whether a French Bulldog or an English Bulldog, these short little guys are completely adorable. Plenty of gift ideas for the Bulldog-lover in your life. 1- Umbrella   This umbrella is the bright spot on a rainy day: stylish, creative, and has a Bulldog on it.   2- Diaper cover A diaper cover? Why not […]

If you own a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or know someone who does, you'll need this list. For the most part, when we have our dog, we’re pretty content with our lives. What more do we want than that cold wet nose in the morning, the snuggling in the afternoon, and the hopping with excitement […]

  Whether you lost your canine companions last week, last year, or even years ago, their memory is surely still alive. While people in your life without pets may not always understand, you know that the grief over a pet that’s passed away can be as deep and as acute as that for a human […]

The Norwich Terrier is living proof that good things come in small packages. Although only 10 inches tall, there's a lot of dog in that small body. Bred as a fearless ratter, this is a real working terrier. But combine that with his affectionate, fun-loving nature, and he's also an ideal family companion. Longtime fans […]

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States, and for good reason. His physical capabilities and outgoing, eager-to-please temperament make him an ideal family pet and sporting dog. Contrary to his name, the Labrador Retriever doesn't come from Labrador, but from Newfoundland. There, it is thought, small water dogs were bred […]

The first thing to know about the Spanish Water Dog is that he is not really a water dog. Unlike the Irish Water Spaniel or American Water Spaniel, the Spanish Water Dog (SWD) is in the herding group, not the sporting group. Yes, he will work in water, but this ancient breed was developed to […]

Although one of the earliest breeds to be registered with the AKC, the Field Spaniel almost faded into obscurity prior to the 1960s. And that would be a shame because this is one terrific dog. In the field, he’s known for endurance and energy, equally adept on land or water. But where the Field Spaniel […]

  AKC Breeder Spotlight: Jennifer Young-Hopkins of Y-Farms Kennels Each month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) profiles breeders to hear about how they got started, their breeding program, and their experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with AKC Breeder of Merit Jennifer Young-Hopkins of Y-Farms Kennels in Zachary, La. Here, she answers questions about […]

AKC Breeder Spotlight: Julia Heidbrink of Buggytown Bird Dogs Each month the American Kennel Club profiles breeders to hear how they got started, their breeding program, and their experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with Julia Heidbrink of Buggytown Bird Dogs. Julia started breeding German Shorthaired Pointers about 10 years ago and today she […]

Responsible breeders do everything they can to keep their puppies safe and healthy from before they were born until the day they leave their kennel. Around 8 to 12 weeks old, the puppies depart from their breeder, and their new lives begin in their meticulously, hand-picked homes. By discerningly choosing the right family for each […]

Each year, the American Kennel Club and Theriogenology Foundation hold a series of seminars geared toward educating breeders, members of the veterinary community or anyone interested in dog breeding, about healthy breeding practices including the latest research in canine reproduction. The AKC Breeder of Excellence Symposiums are held at multiple locations nationwide throughout the year […]