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Expert Advice: Health
Heart Murmurs in Dogs: What to Know
Heart murmurs in dogs can be harmless or represent serious health conditions. Learn about the different types and how they're diagnosed and treated.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heart-murmurs-in-dogs/
| June 13, 2023
Expert Advice: Fun With Your Dog
5 Reasons to Choose Daycare for Your Adult Dog
You may think of puppies when you think of dog daycare, but daycare for adult dogs can be just as rewarding. Learn more about the different benefits of daycare for your dog!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/5-reasons-choose-daycare-adult-dog/
| June 6, 2023
Expert Advice: Dog Gear & Accessories
Does My Dog Need a Winter Coat? Choosing the Best Winter Coat for Your Dog
Do all dogs need a winter coat? If so, what are the best winter coats for dogs? We break down our favorites for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-winter-coat/
| January 25, 2023
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Can Dogs Get Strep Throat?
If you're feeling ill, there's nothing better than cuddling with your dog to improve your spirits. But what if your symptoms include a sore throat, and you're diagnosed with strep? Can dogs get strep throat? If so, is strep throat in dogs contagious to people? Strep throat, an infection marked by swollen tonsils and difficulty […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-get-strep-throat/
| January 10, 2023
Expert Advice: Health
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Dogs: What to Know
Do you suspect your dog is having vision trouble? Perhaps they're nervous in dimly lit spaces or bumping into things in unfamiliar environments. Although many conditions could be responsible for your dog's vision loss, one possible cause is progressive retinal atrophy, also known as PRA. This is a genetic disease of the retina in the […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/progressive-retinal-atrophy/
| October 20, 2022
Expert Advice: Health
Alopecia in Dogs: Why Is My Dog Losing Hair?
Shedding happens. It's a fact. You can always count on locks losing their grip when spring or early autumn rolls around and dogs shed their seasonal coats. Environmental factors like temperature, nutrition, and stress can also affect canine coat loss. But while some loose hair occurs routinely during a dog's hair growth cycles, thinning hair […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/alopecia-dogs-dog-losing-hair/
| June 17, 2022
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2021
It goes without saying that in your house, your dog is the most popular. But what do the statistics say? The American Kennel Club has used registration data to compile the list of 2021’s most popular breeds. As always, the Labrador Retriever tops the list — this time for the 31st year! The Lab's temperament […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-of-2021/
| March 15, 2022
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2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Nominees
In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our Sport on a national […]
https://www.akc.org/about/awards-and-honors/lifetime-achievement/nominees/2022-lifetime-achievement-award-nominees/
| March 1, 2022
Press Releases
AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin Draws Entry of More Than 5,000 Dogs in its 21st Year
Canine Athletes from the 50 States, Washington, D.C. and 13 Countries Will Vie for Best in Show The AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin continues to draw impressive numbers. An entry of 5,051 dogs will compete for the title of National Champion on December 18 and 19, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. Combined with the […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/akc-national-championship-presented-royal-canin-draws-entry-5000-dogs-21st-year/
| November 22, 2021
Expert Advice: Dog Behavior
Dog-to-Dog Greetings: Your Dog Doesn’t Need To Say Hi
Although most puppies are dog social, in adulthood most dogs become dog selective or dog tolerant. Some may even become dog reactive.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-to-dog-greetings/
| September 22, 2021
Expert Advice: Training
Fun, Cognitive Training Games to Make Your Dog Smarter
These enriching brain games for dogs will help engage your pet's brain and make your training sessions even more fun.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/fun-cognitive-training-games-for-dogs/
| September 1, 2021
Expert Advice: Dog Gear & Accessories
How to Choose the Best Dog Carrier
Whether you're traveling the world or simply going to the vet, a dog carrier is a useful tool that prioritizes your pet's comfort and safety. A dog carrier (or travel crate) keeps your dog safe while riding in a vehicle and makes it possible for your small dog to fly on most commercial airlines. Yet, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/best-dog-carrier/
| August 2, 2021
Expert Advice: Dental Health
Do Small Dogs Have More Dental Problems Than Large Dogs?
When dentists advertise dental services for people, it's all about creating pretty smiles. But for dogs, the veterinary reminders prompt a different story, as canine dental problems go deeper than a toothy grin. Small and large dogs experience different types of dental issues—all beginning with the size of their mouths. Adult dogs have 42 teeth—20 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dental-problems-differ-for-large-and-small-dogs/
| July 13, 2021
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Lhasa Apso History: Tiny Tibetan Watchdogs
When dog lovers hear the phrase “mountain dog,” their thoughts naturally turn to the big guys: Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and other large, immensely powerful breeds created to guard flocks and rescue luckless travelers amid the world’s great mountain ranges. But dogs specially bred to thrive in high altitudes come in all […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/lhasa-apso-history-tibetan-watchdogs/
| July 1, 2021
Expert Advice: Breed History
Bedlington Terrier History: From Miners’ Dogs to Loyal Companions
No breed can upstage the Bedlington Terrier: From its sculpted, crispy-linty coat to its tassel-tipped ears, it looks for all the world like a lamb.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/bedlington-terrier-history/
| June 7, 2021
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Average Litter Sizes: How Many Dogs Are Born in a Litter?
A normal litter size can range from 1 to 12 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being average across all dogs. But just as every breed of dog differs by size, function, and personality, they also differ when it comes to litter size, according to AKC registration data. Big dogs tend to have larger litters while small […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/average-litter-size/
| May 24, 2021
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Giardia in Dogs and Giardiasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Dogs can become infected with Giardia in a number of different ways, leading to giardiasis. Learn about Giardia in dogs and how to deal with giardiasis in dogs if your pet is diagnosed with that condition.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/giardia-in-dogs/
| May 19, 2021
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
AKC Breeder Spotlight: Vikki McConnell of Ali’i AK Inu Kennels
Vikki McConnell, owner of Ali’I AK Inu Kennels, started showing dogs in Alaska about 20 years ago. A few years later, with the help of her breeder/mentor, she began breeding her own dogs. She started with Longhaired Dachshunds and Akitas at about the same time. Vikki had been introduced to Akitas while living in Hawaii […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/akc-breeder-spotlight-vikki-mcconnell-alii-ak-inu-kennels/
| April 13, 2021
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Competition Update Spring 2021
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. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY AGCH (Agility Grand Champion) AGCH MACH2 Rosie La Bella MXC PDS MJC PJS MFG TQX T2B5 […]
https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/newsletter/competition-update-spring-2021/
| March 30, 2021
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Lab Most Popular Breed for 30th Straight Year; Frenchie Jumps to No. 2
When you think of sports dynasties the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, New York Yankees and Alabama Crimson Tide certainly come to mind. But when you’re talking about dominance, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than the Labrador Retriever, America’s top dog for a record 30th consecutive year (2020). In a country where people’s tastes […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/labrador-retriever-popular-dog-breed-30th-straight-year/
| March 16, 2021
Expert Advice: Feature
Adapting to Change: Unexpected Ways Dog People Found Purpose in the Pandemic
2020 was a year of pain, sadness, and frustration. For our sport, it has meant many months of doing without the weekly dog shows where we compete and socialize. We’re all familiar with the old saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” That phrase was never truer than in 2020, when fanciers found innovative […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/adapting-change-unexpected-ways-dog-people-found-purpose-pandemic/
| February 5, 2021
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Cloudy Eyes in Dogs: What to Know
When you see dogs with cloudy eyes, it may be a natural part of the aging process. But cloudy eyes in dogs can also be a symptom of eye problems.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cloudy-eyes-in-dogs/
| January 9, 2021
Expert Advice: Basic Training
Should You Take Your Dog to a Dog Park?
Dog parks are fenced-in, outdoor grounds designated for off-leash dog play. There are many variations, and are some safer and more fun for your dog than others. Also, like any other social activity, it’s important for dog owners to know the expectations. In this case, it’s not just a matter of a social cues. Failing […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-park-etiquette-tips/
| October 7, 2020
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
Meet AKC Breeder of Merit Dr. Renee Lara
Dr. Renee Lara is that rare gem – a veterinarian who understands dog breeders. And that’s because she is one herself. Owning her own veterinary clinic in Bryan, Texas, since 1990, where she offers a full array of reproductive services, Lara is Platinum Breeder of Merit with her Ehrenvogel German Shorthaired Pointers. She purchased her […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/renee-lara/
| September 29, 2020
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
Why Does My Dog Kick The Grass After Pooping?
When you let your dog outdoors to take care of business and notice them kicking grass, sand, and dirt behind them, it's easy to think that the behavior is just a way to keep their area clean. In truth, it's actually a safety mechanism and an important part of how dogs communicate as a species. […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-kicks-poop-behavior/
| September 22, 2020
Expert Advice: Breeding Tips & Best Practices
AKC Breeder Spotlight: Joseph & Brenna Carlisle of Heritage Hounds
Joseph and Brenna Carlisle are AKC Breeders of Merit Bronze and AKC Bred with HEART breeders. Their kennel, Heritage Hounds, is located on about 80 acres just outside of Birmingham, Alabama. Brenna has bred and shown Standard Longhaired Dachshunds her whole life, and Joseph has bred Treeing Walker Coonhounds and competed in competition hunts with […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/akc-breeder-spotlight-joseph-brenna-carlisle-heritage-hounds/
| September 16, 2020
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Dandie Dinmont Terrier History: Behind the Breed
English novelists of centuries past gave us timeless characters who hopscotched from the printed page into our cultural consciousness, from Daniel DeFoe’s “Robinson Crusoe” to Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” And in the dog world, there is one exceedingly rare terrier that owes its name – and arguably its continued existence – to a peripheral character in […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/dandie-dinmont-terrier-history-behind-breed/
| August 13, 2020
Expert Advice: Health
Are Rawhide Chews Dangerous for Dogs?
When it comes to choosing the right dog chews, the options seem just about endless. You may have heard that rawhide chews aren't good for dogs, or that they're filled with awful chemicals, or that they will get lodged in your dog's intestine. But is this really true information about rawhide? Are rawhide chews safe […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-rawhide-chews-dangerous-for-dog/
| May 21, 2020
Expert Advice: Dental Health
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth and Why It’s So Important
Toothbrushing can be a pain when it comes to your dogs, but with these 12 simple steps, you can make this important grooming process easy for you both.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-brush-dog-teeth/
| May 9, 2020
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Competition Update Spring 2020
Competition & Title Updates We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, and Tracking, including another Champion Tracker! Agility AGCH Congratulations to this dog for earning the Agility Grand Champion title: AGCH MACH3 Tuckman Of San Francisco MXC PDS MJB2 […]
https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/newsletter/competition-update-spring-2020/
| May 8, 2020