After taking part in the fast-growing, fun, and accessible sport of dog parkour, you're not likely to look at park benches, tree stumps, or playground equipment the same way again. It's an ideal activity if attending Agility or Obedience classes isn't possible or practical. And, with a bit of imagination, any neighborhood offers boundless opportunities […]

Breed meetups are social gatherings of owners and their dogs that are the same breed. These events can provide opportunities to meet puppy playmates and provide a fantastic training opportunity for your companion. At meetups, dog owners can also bond, connect, and share resources about groomers, vets, and other professionals who specialize in your breed. […]

If you’re the owner of a senior dog or have a dog that is losing vision or hearing, you might not think it’s possible to continue doing dog sports. But participating in dog sports can help with both mental stimulation and physical exercise and can help strengthen that human-canine bond. There are plenty of senior dogs who are […]

Some of the best obedience competitors in the world gather for the AKC National Obedience Championship. Just in time for this prestigious event, here’s a newcomer’s guide to the basics of watching an obedience competition — including a breakdown of classes and scoring.  Even better, after learning more, you might be inspired to try one […]

Use the following resources as a guide to responsible dog breeding. You can download the complete guide to responsible dog breeding, or follow along with each step that's outlined below. You may also want to watch the AKC webinar on Planning Breedings: Are you ready to breed a litter of puppies? Prepare Yourself for Breeding […]

Our dogs are extremely important parts of our daily lives. They follow our commands, work with us in various capacities, and act as faithful companions. Studies have shown that dogs provide health benefits. Service dogs have these abilities, combined with training to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.  During the last decade, the use of service dogs has rapidly expanded. However, more […]

The New York State Assembly and Senate are expected to adjourn for the year in just four weeks.  As such, dozens of bills are on the move,  including many with the potential to impact dog owners. Please note that some bills are scheduled for hearings tomorrow, or are pending a vote at any time by […]

When you and your dog reach the Elite Performer level, you'll need not only to perform high-level tricks, but also act out a story together. The same is true for the AKC Virtual Trick Dog Competition. So, is your dog ready to be the star of their own show? As a fiction author turned dog […]

So, you have a new puppy and are intending to show it to its championship and then establish a breeding program with that new star! Great idea, but you need to know a lot of tax facts before you decide that you are in the business of breeding future champions. The Differences Between a Business […]

As part of its required five-year review process, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has proposed extensive changes to regulations applying to high volume breeders, pet stores, and dog brokers.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages anyone potentially affected by the proposals to express their comments or concerns to ODA in one of the methods […]

The Connecticut Joint Environment Committee has raised SB 234, and scheduled a Monday, March 7, 2022, public hearing on the bill.  In addition to a handful of provisions under the oversight of the Department of Agriculture, the bill includes significant changes to current kennel and dog license rules.  These proposed changes to the current law […]

Why do dogs pee on beds? Learn about the possible reasons your dog might be peeing on your bed and how to prevent this behavior in the future.

There are two kinds of pointers at dog shows. The first type is the Pointer, an elegant dog with a dished face, tail shaped like a bee stinger, and the hard-wired instinct to signal the location of camouflaged birds with the slow-motion lift of a front paw. The other pointers, by contrast, are found in […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes that, as early as January, New Hampshire House Bill 1308 will have a legislative hearing, during which lawmakers will decide whether beagle clubs should continue to be allowed to host field trials and capture 20 wild hare annually for purposes of training their scent hounds.  If adopted, the bill […]

Virtual titling opportunities have made dog sports significantly more accessible to everyone, especially those who are geographically isolated or are living with disabilities. They're also great for people whose dogs have behavioral issues like reactivity or anxiety that might struggle in a traditional show environment. But while the virtual competition is a good way to […]

Think about this for a minute: You’re a blind professional athlete (Paralympian and triathlon national champion) with a spirited German Shepherd Dog guide dog that needs an outlet, too. Welcome to resourceful Amy Dixon’s whirlwind world for the past six years. Since the 77-pound Woodstock came into Dixon’s life, he has segued into the template […]

Crouching, creeping, and then exploding into a focused burst of energy, the Border Collie is one of the best and most popular herding breeds. These dogs as we know them today have been around for more than 130 years. However, their ancestors reach back much further — to the first partnership between humans and dogs […]

Chances are, when you first got your dog, you spent many hours training new behaviors and teaching him the rules of your household. Now that your dog is a senior, training might be the furthest thing from your mind. After all, isn’t good behavior one of the benefits of an older dog? Well, continuing or […]

It’s one of the best ways to deeply bond with your dog. It's great exercise. And it just might be one of the most personally rewarding endeavors of your life. It’s the world of canine sports and events, and many events are open for all dogs to enjoy, including mixed-breed dogs. Something special happens between […]

ESPN is going straight to the dogs in the best way possible. On August 26, the American Kennel Club is proud to participate in ESPN Dog Day for the second time, with dog sports broadcast live on ESPN2 and the ESPN app. What better way to spend a hot August day than by watching dogs […]

Taking your dog along can make the family vacation more fun for everyone, if you plan carefully. Here are some trip tips to make traveling with your dog enjoyable. Health and Safety for Dog Travel Bring your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup before going on an extended trip. Make sure all their vaccinations […]

You’re bringing home a new dog. You’ve searched for the right adult dog to become a member of your family. After careful thought and planning, the day has come. It’s important to recognize that, although you had a chance to think this through, your new dog has no idea that an unknown family, strange household, […]

Early this morning, the New York Legislature wrapped up its 2021 session with numerous significant successes for New York dog owners. We thank the Associated Dog Clubs of New York State and the many New York club members who joined AKC Government Relations in reaching out to lawmakers.  The joint efforts led to the following […]

This Years 2023 AKC Trick Dog National Competition Has Officially Concluded! The AKC is delighted to announce Paula J and her All-American dog, "Rosie," from Santa Barbara, CA, as the winners of the 2023 AKC Trick Dog Competition. In their routine, titled "The Honky Tonk Café Talent Show," Rosie showcased the winning tricks for a […]

Attention AKC Trick Dogs! We are pleased to announce the 2023 Virtual AKC Trick Dog National Competition. AKC Elite Performer Trick Dogs everywhere can participate in this exciting annual event. How it works: Submit a video of your dog’s AKC Trick Dog routine.  As long as your dog has the Elite Performer Trick Dog title, you […]

Over the last few years, several studies have shown the benefits of allowing dogs in the workplace. For example, it reduces stress and encourages communication between co-workers, among other things. But before your canine companion can become a constant presence at your desk, here are a few questions you should ask yourself. Is My Dog Office-Ready? […]

As lockdowns lift and summer approaches, travel plans are brewing for many dog owners. If you're taking your dog away with you, check out our recent guide to airline pet policies. But if the pup needs to stay home, you're left with a different set of questions: where should you leave her, and with whom? […]

I was sitting in front of a coffee shop drinking an overpriced cappuccino with two friends. At the table next to us sat two women, one who had a Chihuahua with a red leather, rhinestone-studded collar. The dog hovered near her feet and paced back and forth to the extent that his leash would allow, […]

Last week, House Bill 594 was introduced in Pennsylvania relative to COVID-19 limitations and restrictions as they may apply to a number of recreational activities, including dog shows and events.  AKC wishes to clarify its position on this legislation. Early on during the COVID-19 Pandemic, AKC worked to developed guidelines to assist those clubs who […]

We love spending quality time with our dogs. But there may be days when we wonder, “Why does my dog follow me everywhere?” The answer has to do with their animal instinct,  pack mentality, and a few other variables. Canine companions that follow their humans everywhere are often referred to as “Velcro dogs” because of […]