At a recent dog show, several littermates of both sexes, handled by assorted novice owners, were entered in the 9-12 Month Puppy class. While none of the puppies exhibited disqualifying faults, they were generic in type and not what I would consider "show quality." The judge that day agreed. The puppies were not up to […]

If you’re interested in learning as much as possible about dog sports and want to participate in a meaningful, hands-on way, joining your regional breed club is an important connection to make. It is a natural complement to membership in your local all-breed kennel club. The all-breed club will afford you the opportunity to learn […]

A promising puppy from your last litter has gotten off to a smashing start with his owner-handler. He made his debut at your breed’s national specialty by winning Best in Sweepstakes, and shortly thereafter beat impressive adult competition to claim his first major. His owner exhibits him beautifully; they have built a great rapport; and […]

A phrase we hear more and more these days is helicopter parents — people who micromanage their child's every decision and movement. Often they take control and do tasks on their offsprings behalf no matter their age. In fact, for many helicopter parents, their grip grows as their children get older according to experts. Today […]

Anyone who mentors newcomers to showing dogs knows the steps to follow on the path to success. Yet we may present the advice as if it were a script,  forgetting to take that occasional refresher course ourselves. The start of the year is an excellent time to get back to dog show basics and try […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Tracking and Trick Dog, including the first and second All-American Dogs to become AKC Rally® Champions and two new AKC Champion Trackers! And many All-American Dogs had big success at the 2019 AKC National […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking and Trick Dog. Big congrats to the first All-American to earn the Scent Work Masters title and the seventh All-American to earn the Obedience Trial Championship! AGILITY Master Agility Championships (MACH)  Multiple Master Agility […]

Dogs from the 50 States, Washington, D.C. and All Over the World Will Vie for Best in Show The AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin continues to top itself, drawing record numbers in its 19th year. An entry of 5,284 dogs will compete for the title of National Champion on December 14 and 15, […]

So, you've decided to rescue a dog. Now what? Between the internet, social media, and suggestions from friends, there is a bewildering sea of options out there. This guide will help you figure out if rescue is the right choice for you, how to know which dog rescue groups are reputable, and how to choose […]

Though we share the same mother tongue, Americans have plenty of linguistic differences with our friends across the pond. In Great Britain, you live in a flat, not an apartment. You go on holiday, not vacation. And you cuddle your King Charles Spaniel, not your English Toy Spaniel. In a nod to these verbal variances, […]