How can you help an overweight dog improve their health? Find out how to support your pet, one step at a time.

Tick-borne disease is a growing threat to both canine and human health. Be aware of dog tick diseases to protect your pet.

At the 2022 National Agility Championship (NAC) in Ocala, Florida, hundreds of the nation's top canines compete with hopes of being named one of the best Agility dogs. Of the qualifying contenders, it's typical to see dozens of Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. This year, there was even a Bulldog and a Borzoi! But a […]

When we bring a dog into our family, most of us imagine that we will have that dog for the rest of the dog's life. While this is the ideal, it isn't always the reality. If your life circumstances change and you're no longer able to care for your dog, there are ethical ways to […]

The summer is finally upon us! With the warm weather comes cookouts and outdoor fun. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning for barbecue safety.

Teaching your dog proactive skills to avoid approaching other dogs can help decrease their anxiety at the sight of other dogs. Here's how.

A combination of breed and socialization will help determine how your dog will behave. Here's why breed matters when selecting a pet.

Just like humans, dogs can have panic attacks. Here's how to tell if your dog is having a panic attack and what to do to help prevent them.

We take name inspiration from all of our favorite things in life. Our favorite places, flowers, family members, movies—so when it comes to naming a new puppy, why not take a cue from some of our most-loved foods too? Whether you prefer sweet, salty, or savory, we have all kinds of food names for dogs. As […]

If you enjoy spending time on the water, it only seems logical to have your dog join in on the fun. Boating with a pet might feel daunting, but regardless of what size dog you have, there is an option that can work for you and it can be a fun summer experience to share […]

Choosing the right pet insurance for your puppy is a part of being a responsible dog owner. Learn what you should know about selecting a pet insurance.

As part of the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, there are 10 essential skills that every dog should master. Here are the test items.

Crisis therapy dogs can be helpful for soothing people during times of trauma and stress. But not all dogs can do the job.

More than 3,000 dogs vied and more than 200 breeds competed for the coveted title of Best in Show at the 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan®. After three days of breed competition and two days of group competition, seven dogs moved forward to Best in Show competition to be […]

Bufo toad poison can prove fatal to dogs. Learn all about the toad, including how to identify it, and keep your pet safe from the amphibian.

It was a warm spring day, and a neighbor and I were watching some dogs charging around playfully in a fenced, dog-park area, seemingly oblivious to the heat. My neighbor commented, “You know, if we were running around like that we would be drenched in sweat. Dogs must be marvelously adapted to handle the heat.” […]

Here are strategies to help your dog get more comfortable greeting strangers, especially new neighbors or children, in an appropriate manner.

Hot spots are one of the most common skin conditions in dogs, particularly in the summer months. Here's how to treat and prevent hot spots on dogs.

It's easy (and dangerous) for dogs to become overheated. Here's how to recognize signs of overheated dogs, how to prevent overheating, and what to do if you think you have an overheated dog.

Finally, it’s the exciting day you’ve been anticipating for months, maybe even years. Your new puppy is ready to come home with you. You’ve gotten your crate, food, and other supplies, you’ve chosen a place for training and socialization, and you’re ready to start an amazing adventure with a little ball of fluff who is […]

When you were a child and you caught a cold or had a stomachache, did someone who cared for you serve you a bowl of soothing and nourishing chicken soup? Bone broth is the dog-safe substitute for chicken soup you can safely serve your dog when they are sick and even as a preventative measure […]

In July 2022, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of monkeypox a global health emergency. Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can spread between animals and people. It still is unclear how easily the monkeypox virus is spread between people and animals. As with all zoonotic illnesses, confirmed infected people with […]

Regardless of what sport you compete in it's important to have good sportsmanship when engaging with fellow competitors. Good sportsmanship should...

Are peanuts safe to feed to dogs? Find out how to give your pet a peanut safely and how to prepare the legumes in a healthy way.

What should you know before breeding a litter of puppies? Our experts tell you what to consider before you begin the process.

When dogs sleep on their back with their paws in the air, is it healthy for them or not? They choose this odd position for comfort and safety.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to recognize its affiliated dog clubs which have been holding AKC events for over 100 years and are an essential part of the sport of dogs. Founded in 1884, AKC together with its affiliated organizations promote responsible dog ownership, conduct over 23,000 organized dog events per year, breed […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2022 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The NOHS Finals will be held […]

Parent Club Best Practices Mission Statement Welcome to the Best Practices resource documents and links created by the Parent Club Best Practices Committee. Our committee was formed in the early months of 2020 and represents the collective efforts of nearly a dozen AKC Delegates, Parent Club Presidents or Officers and AKC Staff. Our overarching goal […]

The title of Master Groomer is hard-earned through years of consistency, integrity, and support of our best friends. Yet we all have to start somewhere. We encourage you to begin the Master Groomer journey wherever you're comfortable. Are you a pro with Bichons? Then get started with the Curly coat type! It's up to you. […]