Why Does My Dog Hoard? Hoarding behavior in dogs is an instinctive behavior that originated during the time when their ancestors did not have regular meals appear magically, at least twice a day. They were lucky if they ate every few days, and if there was a jackpot of more food than could be […]

Should you let your dog sleep with you? There are historical precedents, and while there may be potential issues, there are plenty of benefits, too.

Everyone knows that opening gifts is fun. And Santa certainly won’t forget your best four-legged friend! But is it all right to let your canine family members open packages? Could it give them the idea that it’s okay to tear into any paper or box they encounter? Is it even safe? The answer is a […]

Contrary to what you may believe or have heard, hand feeding your dog can actually be a good thing. Here's a few reasons why you should consider hand feeding a few meals to your dog each week. 1. Relationship and trust building. Hand feeding your dog teaches him that when you reach toward him good […]

It's natural for dogs to defend their territory, but it's potentially dangerous. Learn to recognize territorial aggression and what you can do about it.

Here is how I handle resource guarding. Make a list of the items (or people) your dog guards. "The Motivator" Figure out what motivates your dog to comply. This can be a ball, a toy or a really yummy treat. (Boiled chicken can get a dog to give up most anything.) Ask yourself some hard questions […]

It's challenging to find the perfect dog for your family. Why not consider the sweet, easygoing Bulldog?

The big, strong dogs of the Working Group always stand out in a crowd. Which dog sports are best to channel their energy, depending on the breed?

Dogs have an extra nail near their paws on their front legs, called dewclaws. Dewclaws can help dogs accomplish a variety of tasks, but what are they for?

Training more than one dog at once is challenging, but with the right techniques, you can have a well-behaved multi-dog househould.

Can playing tug-of-war lead to aggression in dogs? We chatted with animal behaviorist Dr. Mary Burch to find out the truth about this dog myth.

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, […]

You've got your passport ready, hotel booked, and bags ready. Now, there's just one thing left to do: find a kennel where your dog can have a vacation of their own while you're away. In This Article Scheduling Kennel Tours Daily Activities at the Kennel Health & Safety Requirements Trial Runs and What to Expect […]

As a breeder, you know how important it is to match puppies with the best possible homes, whether they are destined to be show dogs, working dogs, sport dogs, or companions. And of course, you have to decide which one to keep for yourself! You watch them carefully from birth and get to know each […]

Nancy Wargas lives in Simpsonville, SC, where her primary focus is loving her seven Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, two cats, chickens and a parrot. She has raised Quarter Horses, sheep, goats, chickens and Anatolian Shepherd Dogs on Long Island, NY, and in Rowland, NC. She is an AKC Breeder of Merit, who has bred Anatolians since […]

Ever heard the word spitz to describe a dog? Learn about these fascinating breeds, which are characterized by their wolf-like appearance.

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

You're getting a new puppy! This is an exciting time, and it's easy to daydream about all the fun things you'll do with a dog in your life. There's a lot you can do in preparation to make sure that your puppy's introduction into the household goes smoothly. It starts by creating some house rules […]

I wasn’t initially too worried about the impact the lockdown would have on my dog. We live at the top of Courmayeur, a town with a population less than 3,000, in the Italian Alps, at the foot of Mont Blanc. It’s a tranquil location, nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, with access to stunning mountain […]

Dogs Have Feelings Too – New Book Strives to Improve Child-Dog Relationships We recently spoke with certified dog trainer and behaviorist Michelle Godlevski of Raleigh, NC, about her new book, Dogs Have Feelings Too. Michelle wrote the children’s book to teach youngsters to recognize dog body language and to promote empathy in children on how […]

Forty-six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Alabama – HB 249 would specifically prohibit animal abandonment in Alabama.  The bill is currently at second reading in the Alabama House of Representatives.  Click here for more information. Arizona – Senate […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – House Bill 485, among other provisions, would have allowed a dog to be confiscated without court authorization if suspected of harassing, harming, or killing livestock. Minor amendments were adopted in committee, and AKC GR advocated for […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama –House Bill 485 as introduced would, among other provisions, allow a dog to be confiscated without court authorization if “suspected” of harassing, harming, or killing livestock. AKC is working with the bill sponsor on additional amendments to […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Arizona – House Bill 2323 states that for the purposes of homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, the breed of dog may not be considered for underwriting or determining risk or loss, questionnaires or surveys regarding the presence of a […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 202 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 1/01/25) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

Dog owners in Sherwood, Arkansas, are urged to take action in support of provisions in a proposed ordinance that would lift restrictions on ownership of “pit bull” dogs in the city. The proposal is currently tabled, and could be considered again at the next city council meeting on July 22, 2024. When available, the meeting […]

At its upcoming hearing on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 1PM – 5PM, the Massachusetts Joint Judiciary Committee will consider multiple dog-related bills .  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports two, requests amendments to four, and opposes three of the proposals.   The full agenda with links to bill text can be viewed here. AKC encourages […]

The 2021-2022 South Carolina legislative session and special sessions concluded with victories for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks club members, sportsmen, dog owners, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted their state lawmakers about legislation that affects dogs.  Highlights from the two-year legislative session:  House Bill […]

Two bills are scheduled for hearings by the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. If the bills are advanced by the subcommittee, they will be considered by the full Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday,  January 28. Dog owners with comments or concerns about the bills […]

The American Kennel Club®, a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred registry and leading advocate for dogs is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the AKC Eddy Award starting today through September 1, 2023. The AKC Eddy Award is designed to encourage and reward Parent Clubs that provide extensive Breeder Education to […]