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Expert Advice: Feature
Meet Junior Handler Ellie Hodkowski
Elizabeth Hodkowski grew up in a Texas home with two Havanese. Now, 15, she was always been drawn to the nobility of a much different dog breed: the Borzoi.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/junior-handler-spotlight-ellie-hodkowski/
| June 5, 2025
Expert Advice: Feature
Talking Sports: Agility League Sisters in Alaska
Long-time educator Crystal Dennis loves teaching, whether it is in her classroom or in the dog show ring. And teaching two sisters from Alaska to do agility is just one way she's giving back.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/agility-league-sisters-alaska/
| May 20, 2025
Expert Advice: News
The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024
Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2024/
| March 18, 2025
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Lure Coursing 101: Get To Know This Action-Packed Dog Sport
AKC Lure Coursing is a sport that takes the instincts of Sighthounds and puts them to the test using a mechanic, white, plastic lure on a 600-yard course.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/lure-coursing-101/
| January 11, 2019
Expert Advice: Juniors
Noah Hollaway Debuts AKC Rally in Junior Showmanship at the AKC National Championship
Noah Hollaway a 12-year-old junior handler from Clermont, Florida will be competing at the AKC National Championship, debuting in AKC Rally.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/akc-junior-showcase-noah-hollaway/
| December 15, 2024
Expert Advice: Juniors
Meet Junior Handler Sophia Feid
Sophia Feid Junior Handler Feature Sassafras Patterdale Thirteen-year-old Sophia Feid of Apex, NC, is proof that you don't have to have a show dog of...
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/junior-handler-sophia-feid/
| December 5, 2024
Expert Advice: Feature
Conformation Beagle ‘Xavier’ Supports Owner with ALS
Helen and Greg Groce of Lexington, NC, are infinitely grateful for the opportunities their Beagle, "Xavier" has given them, both in conformation and supporting Greg, who has ALS.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/beagle-xavier-owner-als/
| August 28, 2024
Expert Advice: Fast CAT
Where Did Fast CAT Originate? Learn More About the History of Fast CAT
When did Fast CAT start? Was it when it when the dog's wolf ancestors chased down their first rabbit? When the Pharaohs unleashed swift hounds in...
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/history-of-fast-cat/
| August 30, 2024
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Get to Know the Sighthound Breeds
Originally bred in wide open land, Sighthounds pursue prey over long distances by sight rather than scent. Relying on their keen vision and astounding...
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/meet-sighthound-breeds/
| July 1, 2024
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Rottweiler History: From Working Dog to Sporting, Therapy Dog
Loyal, intelligent, and courageous, Rottweilers gives off an air of nobility and self-confidence. In fact, they've attracted people for millennia.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/rottweiler-history/
| October 11, 2023
Expert Advice: Juniors
Meet Junior Handler Hannah Krabbenhoft
17-year-old Hannah Krabbenhoft, who has been involved with dog sports since she was 12, credits dog agility with helping her to work through anxiety.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/junior-handler-spotlight-hannah-krabbenhoft/
| June 18, 2024
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Hypothyroidism in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
Hypothyroidism in dogs is common endocrine disease. It can be tricky to diagnose and needs lifelong management, but it is relatively easy to treat.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hypothyroidism-in-dogs/
| June 13, 2024
Expert Advice: Juniors
Meet Junior Handlers, Brothers Jackson and Nathan Harris
Jackson Harris (14-years old) of Oswego, NY got involved with conformation around the same time he began homeschooling. His brother soon followed.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/junior-handler-spotlight-jackson-nathan-harris/
| April 22, 2024
Expert Advice: Training
Dogs May Understand the Meaning of Words
Do dogs understand the meaning of words? Recent research on dog cognition has shed light on what dogs comprehend about human language including their understanding of words used as object labels.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dogs-may-understand-the-meaning-of-words/
| June 6, 2024
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
The Great Borzoi Controversy
Through the 1920s and early '30s, a debate raged among Russian Wolfhound fanciers: Keep the breed name, or change it to "Borzoi"? Louis Murr, Gazette breed columnist and leading "Wolfhound" advocate, insisted that "any sane breeder can see why the name Russian wolfhound should be retained." In his November 1928 column, Murr invited fellow fancier […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/the-great-borzoi-controversy/
| July 23, 2014
Expert Advice: Feature
Vickie Venzen Leads ‘Vixen’ to a Historic Conformation Career
vickie! How She got into dog shows how she got into handling journey with Leonberger vixen what it means to win what's next
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/vickie-venzen-professional-handler/
| May 24, 2024
Expert Advice: Health
The Skinny on Sighthounds: Understanding Sighthound Size
If modern dogs were required to have resumés, most would list their job description as “companion." But from the badger-battling Dachshund to the sled-pulling Alaskan Malamute, dogs' bodies – not to mention their brains – still reflect the original purposes for which they were bred. Indeed, dog breeds display a tremendous variety of not just […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/the-skinny-on-sighthounds/
| October 4, 2019
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
7 Facts About the Boston Terrier
Despite the word "terrier" in their name, the Boston Terrier is actually in the Non-Sporting Group and is known for being a world-class companion breed. With their large, round eyes, intelligent expression, and unique "tuxedo" coat, the Boston Terrier makes people fall in love with them at first sight. Here's what to know about this […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-facts-boston-terrier/
| November 13, 2020
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Can Junior Handlers Show Dogs They Don’t Own?
How do Juniors who don't own dogs show? The AKC Junior Pilot Program allows Junior Handlers to show dogs they or their immediate family members don't own.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/junior-pilot-program/
| June 28, 2022
Expert Advice: News
The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023
Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2023/
| March 20, 2024
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Borzoi History: Behind the Breed’s Hunting Heritage
As strong as it is swift, the Borzoi was bred for centuries to course fox, boar, hare and, famously, wolf – hence its moniker, the Russian Wolfhound.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/borzoi-history/
| June 19, 2020
Pages
Breed-Specific DNA Testing Recommendations
Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/dna/dna-resource-center/akc-dna-health/breed-specific-dna-testing-recommendations/
| March 12, 2024
Legislative Alerts
Texas Legislative Update: Dangerous Dogs, Dogs in Cars, and Field Trials Bills Advancing
There are 27 days remaining in the 89th Texas Legislative Regular Session, and there are several dog bills under consideration. Below are status updates for bills that received consideration last week or will receive consideration this week: House Bill 2806 and SB 155 - Dangerous Dogs- Previous Alert Status: HB 2806 had a hearing on […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/texas-legislative-update-dangerous-dogs-dogs-cars-field-trials-bills-advancing/
| May 5, 2025
Press Releases
2025 NATIONAL ALL-BREED PUPPY & JUNIOR STAKES JUDGING PANEL NOW AVAILABLE
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for 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 AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2025-national-breed-puppy-junior-stakes-judging-panel-now-available/
| April 3, 2025
Press Releases
AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB ANNOUNCES 2024 BREEDER OF THE YEAR BY SPORT
The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest purebred dog registry and a leading advocate for dogs, wishes to acknowledge those individuals who have excelled at breeding dogs that have proven to be outstanding in AKC sports over an extended period. The commitment to preserve, protect, and improve a breed represents the very essence of […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-announces-2024-breeder-year-sport/
| December 19, 2024
Press Releases
2024 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP JUDGING PANEL NOW AVAILABLE
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2024 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 2024. The 2024 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2024-akc-national-championship-judging-panel-now-available/
| February 21, 2024
Press Releases
2024 NATIONAL OWNER-HANDLED SERIES FINALS & NATIONAL ALL-BREED PUPPY & JUNIOR STAKES JUDGING PANELS NOW AVAILABLE
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 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 […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2024-national-owner-handled-series-finals-national-breed-puppy-junior-stakes-judging-panels-now-available/
| May 31, 2024
Sports & Events
National Lure Coursing Championship
The 2024 NLCC - December 8th in Oak Point, TX Event Info & Premium List Here Best of Breed Winners: DC Carolina Monarch's Golden Fire SC CGC Afghan Hound D Delesandri/N Von Broembsen FC Kel Simoon Ramisi 'N Sambala RN MC CA BCAT CGC FITB Azawakh M BISBEE GCH DC Dakotah's Social Butterfly FDC MC […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/lure-coursing/nationals/
| October 26, 2017
Sports & Events
Congratulations to our 2022 winners!
Congratulations 2022 NLCC Winners! December 11, 2022Weirsdale, FL Best of Breed Winners: NFC FC Kominek’s Fleura At Acires MC LCX BCAT Afghan Hound E. Seward/E. Kominek/S. Kominek FC Kel Simoon Ramisi ‘N Sambala RN MC CA BCAT CGC Azawakh M. Bisbee FC Kinobi Fly Me To The Moon MC LCX DCAT Borzoi B. Schuster GCH DC Via2 Broken Rules D’Lea SC […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/lure-coursing/nationals/past-winners/congratulations-2022-winners/
| December 5, 2024
Sports & Events
Lure Coursing
Lure coursing clubs should be aware of the following: Clubs are reminded to inform the Performance Events Department if they have to cancel their event by calling: 919-816-3908 or sending an email to: perfcancel@akc.org. Clubs at their option can now send copies of their results including their Secretary Report in PDF format via email to: performanceresults@akc.org. Clubs will then be contacted to confirm […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/lure-coursing/
| October 26, 2017