Leaping over a broad jump, hopping through a hoop, and digging furiously underground to find rats. Add in a sniff-out session, some snappy switchbacks around poles, and a 100-yard dash in tizzy time and it looks like a dog in supersonic shenanigans. If this sounds like a flashy, popular breed who always stands in the […]

Does your terrier or Dachshund love to dig in the dirt? Maybe he squirms his way into animal tunnels and comes out with a surprise in his mouth. What is he thinking? Well, there's a reason Dachshunds and small terriers are classified as earthdogs. Rather than trying to stop this “bad” behavior, channel the go-to-ground […]

Among the marvels of human ingenuity is the way various breeds of dog were developed, mentally and physically, to tackle specific jobs. Consider the farmer’s eternal war against rodents and other burrowing mammals that devastate grain stores, raid henhouses, tear up fields, dig away riverbanks, and carry disease. As their number-one weapon in subterranean warfare, […]

If you're a musician, there's the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. If you're an actor, there are the Oscars. And if you're a dog breeder, the maraschino cherry atop a lifetime of hard work is to be named an American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year. After all, anyone can have a one-hit wonder, […]

Upbeat, lively, inquisitive, and friendly, the jaunty Russell Terrier was developed by England's "Sporting Parson" for use in foxhunts. The adorable Russell Terrier looks like a plush toy come to life but is an eager, tireless working terrier.

The Parson Russell Terrier is a bold and clever terrier, swift enough to run with horses and fearless enough to dig in and flush a fox from his lair. Independent problem solvers, PRTs can have their own ideas on how to go about things.

A bold, zesty “big dog in a small package,” the Lakeland Terrier, named for the Lake District of his native England, was once a farmer’s dog bred to work in packs on sheep-stealing foxes. The Lakeland's coat is hard, wiry, and low-shedding.

Cairn Terriers are happy, busy little earthdogs originally bred to fearlessly root out foxes and other small, furred prey in the rocky Scottish countryside. Curious and alert, Cairns like having a place where they can explore and dig.

The Lakeland Terrier is known for his curiosity and problem-solving ability. This intelligent breed loves a physical or mental challenge and is well suited for an active lifestyle. Here are more interesting facts about the Lakeland Terrier: 1. They Were Named for Their Birthplace The Lakeland Terrier is named for the Lake District of England, […]

The short-legged but muscular Cesky Terrier is relatively rare in the United States, with less than 600 dogs to be found in the country. These fairly small terriers are sensitive and full of energy, but are not quite as excitable as some other terrier breeds. Cesky is pronounced "chess-key" after the breed’s country of origin, […]

The Sealyham Terrier is a small but mighty member of the terrier group. AKC-recognized in 1911, here are some things you may not know about the breed.

The understated Border Terrier (BT) may be overlooked in his plain brown coat, but there’s a lot to love about this unique little dog. He developed as a working terrier that could go to ground, as well as follow the horses on a hunt, and he is built perfectly for both jobs. For centuries, hunters […]

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 Glen of Imaal Terrier dates back to the mountains of Ireland in the 16th century. Now, they're hardy, friendly terriers who excel at Earthdog and more.

The Welsh Terrier is a medium-size sturdy, compact, and rugged terrier that originated in Wales many hundreds of years ago. In fact, some claim that it is the oldest existing dog breed in the entire United Kingdom. This spirited breed has a black-and-tan-colored, wiry coat, similar to an Airedale Terrier. Dogs are mentioned in the […]

The Rat Terrier is a relatively new breed that has experienced some highs and lows during its history. Let's take a look at how Rat Terriers became the energetic, loyal, family dogs they are today. Here are six interesting facts about the Rat Terrier: 1. They Used to Be Wildly Popular With Farmers In the […]

The Skye Terrier is over four centuries old, but that's not all there is to this terrier breed. Here are fun facts about the Skye Terrier.

With his small size and rather plain brown coat, the Border Terrier might seem unassuming, but he’s got enough character for a canine 10 times his size. Originally developed in the border areas between England and Scotland, this diminutive but tough and hardy breed was used to hunt fox, otter, and vermin, and Borders of […]

Got a minute? If so, you can learn the essentials of any breed. Not enough to call yourself an expert, of course. But in the time it takes to watch a TV commercial, you can pick up just enough breed knowledge to bluff your way through a conversation at the dog park. The average adult […]

These Norfolk Terrier facts will teach you a lot about this small, hard-working, and adorable member of the Terrier Group.

Francis Redmond’s “Totteridge” Smooth Fox Terriers were a famous British line of the late 19th century. Redmond was a master dog man who did much to standardize his breed, and the Totteridge kennel was pivotal in the creation of the modern Smooth. It was the custom to immortalize dogs of such renown on canvas. These […]

We often hear dog shows accused of being nothing but “beauty contests.” In reality, they’re organized more like job fairs. At AKC shows, dogs are exhibited in seven groups organized by the original work the breeds were created to do. The dog judged best in each group becomes one of the final seven to vie […]

AKD 4.17 1890-2005 12 linear ft (in 15 doc boxes, 3 flat boxes, 4 card boxes, and one oversize box). Processed by Kari Dalane, 2009; Additions, edits, and conversion of legacy finding aid by Brynn White, 2016.   Click here to the view complete inventory and/or to search all AKC archival collections Click here for […]

The Russell Terrier Gains Full AKC Recognition While Three Other Breeds Move into the Miscellaneous Class   The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) expanded its litter of registered breeds on June 27 to welcome the Russell Terrier to the Terrier Group, growing AKC’s family to 175 breeds.  Also moving up the ranks to the Miscellaneous class […]

  DVD To Include Insert With Breed Information New York, NY— The American Kennel Club® and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announce a joint effort to educate potential puppy owners. The DVD of family comedy Firehouse Dog, which is being released on July 31, 2007, will include a supplement from the AKC® that details Irish […]

Sage, a three-year-old Miniature Poodle from Houston, has won Best in Show at the 148th Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show.

Every dog benefits from training, but it can feel overwhelming to figure out where to get started. The first step to training your dog is finding the...

What makes your dog's coat long, short, straight, curly, wiry or silky? Most coat types are determined by genes at just three genetic locations.

If your puppy has been wobbly since birth, they could have a non-progressive, non-curable neurological condition known as cerebellar hypoplasia.

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]