AKC Breeder Spotlight: Jennifer Young-Hopkins of Y-Farms Kennels Each month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) profiles breeders to hear about how they got started, their breeding program, and their experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with AKC Breeder of Merit Jennifer Young-Hopkins of Y-Farms Kennels in Zachary, La. Here, she answers questions about […]

Header photo courtesy of Christina Phillips, AKC Breeder of Merit The Irish Red and White Setter is not as well known as his dazzling cousin, the Irish Setter, with only about 500 dogs in North America. Even in Ireland, the breed nearly went extinct during World War I. It took the dedication of a handful […]

If you’re a hunter, you know what an asset the rugged Black and Tan Coonhound is in the field. If you’ve never hunted in your life, you know the breed as your best home companion, ready to sprawl on the sofa with you at a moment’s notice. This all-American scenthound is truly a dog for […]

Lovers of the American Foxhound could rave all day about these sweet, easygoing hounds, yet even the most ardent fan will tell you that the American Foxhound comes with his own special traits. But first, some history. The breed was developed from a line of dogs brought to the American colonies from England by Robert […]

While not quite as well known as his canine brethren, this elegant, smart, and loyal dog breed is a treasure. He's an excellent companion whose intelligence will keep you on your toes and whose devotion will melt your heart. If German Pinschers could talk, here are a few things they'd tell you. 1. No, I'm […]

If you share your life with a dog that can take up half the bed, eats more than the average teenager, and whose head is larger than the body of some toy breeds, you know he needs gear suitable just for him. The holidays are upon us, and who deserves to be showered with gifts […]

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 Clumber Spaniel looks like a more rugged version of the Cocker Spaniel, but the two breeds are very different. The Clumber is a rare breed with mysterious origins. Here are some interesting facts about Clumber Spaniels: 1. No One Is Sure Where They Are From There is a theory that the Clumber Spaniel began […]

They're often mistaken for Poodles, but Irish Water Spaniels have their own distinct personalities and talents. Here are some things you didn't know about the Irish Water Spaniel: 1. It's One of the Oldest Spaniel Breeds There are dozens of different spaniel breeds, but the Irish Water Spaniel is probably one of the oldest. There […]

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also known as Korthals griffon, is a very rare breed, but it has seemingly endless talents. Here are some interesting facts about the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. 1. The Breed Was Inspired By Mendel's Research OK, so there's no definitive proof that the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was inspired by scientist Gregor Mendel's research, […]