Dog DNA tests can be used for a variety of things, not just to identify mixed-breed dogs' genetic makeup. Learn more about the uses of dog DNA tests.

Is your dog scared of the vacuum cleaner? We explain why dogs fear these cleaning machines, and what you can do to get your dog used to the vacuum cleaner.

All dogs 9 months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Herding Events. Effective January 1, 2011 all dogs 6 months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Herding Instinct Tests. AKC Recognized Breeds Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Bearded Collie Beauceron Belgian […]

Edible dog chews make a great snack for active chewers. Here's how to know which type of chews are right for your dog and are safe to enjoy.

You may be used to seeing your dog pant in warm weather, but do dogs sweat? Contrary to popular belief, dogs do sweat, but this is only a small part of their cool-down process. How Do Dogs Sweat? Dogs only produce sweat in certain parts of their bodies. Dogs have two types of sweat glands: […]

GCHP CH Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World, a Shih Tzu known as “Comet” triumphed over more than 5,700 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 16-17, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. […]

Competition/Titles Update Fall 2021 We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) AGCH MACH3 Day's Katie […]

Like people, dogs may experience health issues that affect their mobility. Alongside traditional medicine, your vet might suggest a chiropractic.

It's the dog misdeed most likely to turn an owner's face beet red—humping. When your pup gets that gleam in their eye and mounts their pal (or worse, yours), it's tempting to yell, pull the dog away by force, or pray for the ground to open and swallow you. But with a little patience, owners […]

If your older dog is drinking and urinating more than usual, it could be caused by a variety of reasons. One cause your veterinarian may test for is Cushing’s disease (CD), also known as hyperadrenocorticism. This condition, usually caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, is far more common than we realize, but because […]

Know the signs of IBD and IBS and how to diagnose and treat them. IBS is less common in dogs than IBD, but can have many different causes.

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

AKC’s Herding program offers both tests and trials. The herding test is offered in a non-competitive pass/fail format as an Instinct Test, Herding Test, and Pre-Trial test. All are conducted within a fenced arena and includes the use of livestock such as ducks, sheep, or cattle. During a test, a dog must demonstrate the ability […]

Canine heart disease can be a significant concern for breeders, and multiple tools are available for assessing heart health in breeding stock and puppies. Both phenotypic and genetic tests are important and must be interpreted together. Phenotype refers to a dog’s observable traits, whereas genotype refers to a dog’s genetic constitution. Phenotypic tests are typically […]

The AKC currently registers 200 dog breeds. The chart below lists all AKC recognized breeds and the year they first became registrable with the AKC.  DATE – BREED 1878 – Pointer  1878 – Retriever (Chesapeake Bay)  1878 – Spaniel (Clumber)  1878 – Spaniel (Cocker)  1878 – Setter (English)  1878 – Setter (Gordon)  1878 – Setter […]

It's easy to panic when you see something on your dog's eye, especially if it's a large pink or reddish bump, which could be cherry eye in dogs.

Over their lifetime, cancer affects one in three dogs. Understand this high risk and life threatening disease so you know the signs and treatments.

Canine degenerative myelopathy (also known as DM) is a spinal cord disease. DM can result in gradual paralysis in dogs, starting in the hind legs.

Colitis in dogs is an inflammation of the colon, which is the large bowel or large intestine. If you think your dog has colitis, here's what to know.

Socialization is an important part of puppyhood. Learn advice and tips for setting up a puppy playdate with dogs outside your household.