A Canine for the Kids? What to Know When Considering a New Dog Choosing the right breed to fit your family's lifestyle After hearing "Please can we get a dog?" from your children for the one-thousandth time, perhaps you are considering adding a canine to the family portrait. There are many suitable options for families of […]

What information does the DNA testing provide? AKC DNA Profiling is for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes only. It does not provide information regarding genetic health, conformation, performance ability, coat color, etc. AKC DNA testing does not determine the breed of a dog. Can DNA testing determine the breed of a dog? No. AKC […]

Virtual monthly webinar learning experiences created by breeders for breeders. Join renowned experts in these educational opportunities for breeders! 2026 Schedule Wednesday, September 30, 2026 6:00 – 7:30 pm (EST) “Prepaid Registration Made Easy with AKC Breeder Toolkit” Presented by the AKC BRET Team Discover a smarter way to register your puppies and see why […]

For the past several years, legislation has been introduced in Iowa that would further expand some of the most restrictive dog breeding rules in the country. A dedicated group of Iowa breeders and club members have joined together and been working tirelessly to share the other side of the story – all the ways responsible […]

Getting a dog should be a well-planned decision to ensure a lifelong commitment. Dogs are not objects that are returned if you change your mind because they have become too big, too energetic, or too time-consuming to care for properly. For the greatest chance for success, put forth the effort to find the best match […]

Maybe this column should be titled “How Not to Buy an Italian Greyhound Puppy.” There are some definite “no-no’s” when it comes to shopping for a purebred puppy of any breed, but there are actually some things that apply to IGs that might not be an issue for other breeds. The first “no no” that comes […]

Did you purchase your puppy from a breeder? They should be a valuable resource when you have questions or problems about your new dog.

ASK AKC  Dear AKC: My question regards breeding. I have a young male Beagle, about a year and a half, and I'd like to breed him with another beagle. I am told by my veterinarian, who has bred beagles extensively in the past that it is next to impossible for a breeder to accept my dog […]

By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation  By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation The images are enough to break anyone’s heart – stray dogs roaming the street without proper food, water and basic needs; shelters overflowing with unwanted animals.  There is no question that something needs to be done.  The dogs – and the people of […]

A small, Washington, DC-based news organization published an article yesterday that parroted claims by animal rights organizations that the American Kennel Club puts profits over the care and well-being of animals. Nothing could be further from the truth. The AKC is a private not-for-profit organization. We are a club of clubs, the world’s largest all-breed […]

It can be tricky to know how to find a responsible breeder. Here are some considerations to guide you in your search for your next puppy.

For more than 30 years, I have served as a veterinarian at one of the largest veterinary emergency hospitals in the country. Each year, our hospital treats more than 11,000 cats and dogs in our emergency room. Thousands more see our veterinary specialists. As you might guess, I’ve taken care of a lot of dogs […]

What makes a dog lash out in aggression? It's one of the most critical questions dog lovers face — and failure to find answers can bring heartbreaking consequences, including behavioral euthanasia and even the banning of certain breeds. While it's important to know the difference between aggressive and reactive behavior, recent research out of the […]

  You want to add a new dog to the family and have decided on the breed. You are excited about bringing a puppy home, but now a different search begins — for the right breeder. Adding a puppy to the family is a big decision to be made carefully, not impulsively. Selecting a responsible […]

As Congress returns for the brief lame-duck session, lawmakers are racing to pass major legislation, including the Farm Bill, before the end of the year. One of the most pressing concerns is the potential inclusion of harmful amendments that would impact responsible dog breeders and the wellbeing of purebred dogs. Animal rights lobbyists are pushing […]

For the past several years, legislation has been introduced in Iowa that would further expand some of the most restrictive dog breeding rules in the country. A dedicated group of Iowa breeders and club members have joined together and been working tirelessly to share the other side of the story – all the ways responsible […]

By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation The images are enough to break anyone’s heart – stray dogs roaming the street without proper food, water and basic needs; shelters overflowing with unwanted animals.  There is no question that something needs to be done.  The dogs – and the people of Puerto Rico – deserve better. But […]

An October 2010 list published by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) called “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen” included the kennel of Mary Ann Smith.  The list, which purportedly listed, “some of the worst licensed kennels in the state,” was part of a public relations campaign designed in some measure to urge voter support of […]

As summer is winding down, many are beginning to focus on a return to school.  It’s also a great time for clubs, fanciers and breeders to reach out to lawmakers and educate them on the benefits of purebred dogs, responsible breeders, and AKC events in their communities. This month, a city in New Jersey passed […]

Thank you to Izzy, Blair, and Jack for sharing their experiences. Have your own story? Submit it to juniors@akc.org. [accordion]   [accordion_panel title="Izabelle Burg"] When I was 10 and Shiloh was 3 months old, she came to live with us. Mom said we needed to bond, so I slept with Shiloh so I had to […]