Long before smushface" and "wigglebutt" became the ubiquitous dog monikers, these seven breeds were given nicknames crafted specifically for them.  the Clown Prince of Dogs At various times devotees of at least a dozen different breeds have claimed this title for their dogs. But to our knowledge only one group of fanciers has incorporated canine clowning […]

Dogs that can be considered of medium size can be found in most of the AKC’s seven groups. Whether it’s the energetic Shetland Sheepdog, the sporty spaniels, or the laid back Bulldog, there is a range of temperament and appearance within this size category. When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only […]

Big dogs equal big love and loyalty. Here are the large dog breeds that earn their place at the top of the size chart. Most people will know the Great Dane but what about the lovely Leonberger? When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only one of them. The dog’s personality, activity […]

While the benefits of pet ownership far outweigh the costs, every responsible dog owner should know that along with love and companionship comes financial responsibility. In today’s challenging economic times it pays to save wherever you can. But saving money doesn’t mean you need to skimp on your pet. The AKC offers the following preventative […]

Finding your first family dog is a daunting process—one that's up there with dating and house-hunting. And like parenting, when it comes to raising a dog to be perfectly well-behaved, successful, and sociable, well, let's just say practice makes perfect. But, these breeds, while they appeal to different interests, are easily trained and friendly (especially with children), […]

Owning a French Bulldog doesn't necessarily require that you become fluent in French, but Frenchies tend to insist that you become dedicated to ensuring their care and comfort.Here are 10 things every French Bulldog owner quickly learns about the breed: 1. Frenchies can transform their 25-pound body into a 200-pound dead weight at any time while on a […]

Never Stop Learning.One of my tips for being successful with your passion in the sport of purebred dogs is to never stop learning. Read the AKC standard for your breed and the other breeds in your group. Know what breed-specific characteristic are essential to define them. Know why they possess those traits and how they […]

ASK AKC  Dear AKC: Our family is searching for the right breed of dog for our family. We have two sons at home, 12 and 13 years old, and are looking for a small family pet of 35 lb. or less in weight fully grown. Any advice you can give would be appreciated. -- Looking […]

English painter Francis Barraud (1856 - 1924) was an honorable journeyman, an artist of talent but not genius. Yet in 1898, thanks to a typically curious terrier, he created an image more enduring than masterworks by many of his more celebrated rivals.Berraud s subject was his brother's faithful dog, Nipper, whose favorite pastime was peering […]

Ever hesitate to bring up a hard-to-pronounce foreign name because you’re afraid you’ll pull a Travolta and totally butcher it? To help you avoid these uncomfortable moments, WOOFipedia presents this handy pronunciation guide to five breeds whose names you’re embarrassed to say aloud at the dog park. Entlebucher Mountain Dog ENT-leh-boo-cur This Swiss herder’s name […]

  Lauren Watt was heartbroken when her best friend, Gizelle, was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. She and the 8-year-old 160-pound Mastiff shared so many fond memories. So as a way to create many more in the few months they had left together and to help Gizelle enjoy her last little bit of time on Earth, Watt created a […]

-- AKC Celebrates 125th Anniversary with a Look Back at First AKC Registered Breeds in History -- For the 18th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, according to 2008 registration statistics released today by the American Kennel Club® (AKC) But, while more than twice as many Labs were […]

  The Sussex Spaniel is a True Original: Among the First AKC Registered Breeds in History "Stump" and owner-handler Scott Sommer won Best in Show at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Show. The American Kennel Club®, a non-profit organization whose rules govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year including the famed Westminster Kennel Club […]

My husband, Donald, became permanently disabled a year prior to us purchasing Klaus.  On May 1, 2012, as he was driving home from work, he smashed his car into another car while going 50 miles an hour and then hit a wall. At first we thought he fell asleep at the wheel but after months […]

Many football fans get their best dog buddies in on the cheer squad by outfitting them in canine football jerseys. Nancy Freitag of Hales Corners, WI, and her mixed-breed dog, Duke, don Green Bay Packer gear to send good luck vibes to their favorite team. Both Dukie and Duke are members of the AKC Canine […]

If you have ever seen the fast sport of Flyball, you probably spotted many Border Collies and Australian Shepherds streaking down the lanes. But all dogs can play in this team relay race. Just ask Olive, a French Bulldog mix, who recently earned the prestigious ONYX award from the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) for […]

The American Kennel Club is delighted with the announcement of the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan by Pet Partners, Inc. AKC Pet Healthcare Insurance, underwritten by State National Insurance Company, an A rated company by AM Best, which features two comprehensive plans for fanciers and pet owners: the “Premier Plan” and “Premier Plus Plan.”  The plan […]

AKD 6.13 1884-2016 [bulk: 1931-2016]   34 linear ft in 46 boxes (29 doc boxes; 1 legal box; 8 album boxes, 2 cartons; 3 flat boxes, 3 microfilm boxes) and 2 A/V drawers Processed by Brynn White, 2016 Click here to the view complete inventory and/or to search all AKC archival collections Click here for […]

AKD 6.11 Keeshond Club of America Collection 1950-2004 7 linear ft (in 10 boxes) Processed by Norma Rosado-Blake, 2009; Edits by Brynn White, 2016 Click here to the view complete inventory and/or to search all AKC archival collections Click here for a printable PDF of the collection guide The collection is comprised of photographs and […]

AKE 20.3 1889-1908 1.75 linear ft (in 2 flat boxes.) Processed by Brynn White, 2016   Click here for a printable PDF of the collection finding aid   The collection includes clippings of the 204 pen drawings by promiment dog painter and show judge Gustav Muss-Arnolt published between 1889 and 1908 in the American Kennel Club […]

AKD 3.15 1930 - 2003 715 linear feet in 22 boxes Collection processed by Ellen E. Schmidt; edits and additions made by Brynn White, 2016   Click here to the view complete inventory and/or to search all AKC archival collections Click here for a printable PDF of the collection guide   The Newfoundland Club of […]

AKD 6.18 Löwchen Club of American Collection 1971-200 5.25 linear ft in 11 boxes Processed by Norma Rosado-Blake and Kari Dalane, 2006; revisions by Brynn White, 2016   Click here to the view complete inventory and/or to search all AKC archival collections Click here for a printable PDF of the collection guide   The Löwchen […]

The Kansas House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources is considering a bill this Monday, January 26, that will expand who must be regulated under the state’s breeder laws. The bill will also create new requirements for those who are involved in rescue and those who keep at least 4 dogs during any week for […]

The New Castle County Council will vote next Tuesday, March 14th, on an ordinance to restrict "pit bulls." The measure, authored by Councilman Jea P. Street, defines "pit bulls" as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers and any dog displaying the physical characteristics of these breeds. The measure will require owners […]

THE FOLLOWING DOGS HAVE EARNED VCD TITLES ON THE DATES LISTED BELOW: Versatile Companion Dog 1 (VCD1) 1/10/2010. GCH CH Gebeba Clancy Poetic Justice VCD1 RAE OA AXJ, PBGV Owned by: Megan Esherick/David Esherick/Betty Barth/George Barth of LEESPORT, PA. 1/16/2010. CH Sunbreak's Rainman Of Hapines VCD1 RN MX MXJ NF, SPAN-ENGCKR Owned by: Cathy Dutra of NEWARK, […]

The following dogs have earned VCD titles on the dates listed below: 1/4/2014 VCD1 Nocturne's Gabriel II VCD2 UDX2 OM1  GSD.  Owned by: Timothy A Muldowney of ROCKFORD, IL. 1/5/2014 VCD1 GCH DC Sanyati's Savanna Shasha VCD2 RE MC LCX MX MXJ CGC  RHORIDGE.  Owned by: Michael Miller/Suzanne Miller of HILLSBORO, OR. 1/5/2014 VCD1 MACH Pebblemist's Holiday Garland VCD1 RN MXB MJB CGC  DACH. […]

THE FOLLOWING DOGS HAVE EARNED VCD TITLES ON THE DATES LISTED BELOW: 1/2/2015. VCD1 Katon's Esprit De La Vie V. Morgenwald VCD2 BN GN RE NAP NJP STD SCHN. Owned by: Jeanne Greenwalt/Robert Greenwalt/Kathy Koehler/Penny Duffee of SANDWICH, IL.   1/4/2015 VCD1 Downeast Frozen Double Stuff VCD2 BN RA AX AXJ OF PORTUGUESE. Owned by: […]

THE FOLLOWING DOGS HAVE EARNED VCD TITLES ON THE DATES LISTED BELOW: VCD1 1/10/2016. VCD1 TC MACH4 Sharpree's Imagine That! VCD2 UD RN MXC MJB2 MXPB MJPB PAX OF T2B SE DACH LONG. Owned by: Sharon McDonald of River Ridge, LA. 1/16/2016 VCD1 CH Eringlo Dancing Through Life VCD1 BN RN MX MXS MXJ MJS […]

One of the most important elements of a trial revolves around the quality of the livestock. The AKC rulebook is very specific as to the suitability of stock and provides an in-depth description of the proper type of livestock for tests and trials. Livestock should be comfortable in the presence of both dogs and people, […]

(c) 2007 Ernest Hartnagle and Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor Some historians propose Basques and their sheepdogs from the Pyrenees played an insignificant role in the history of the Australian Shepherd breed. Secondly, Basques did not to go Australia with their "little blue dogs" and then come to the U.S. with boatloads of sheep. Thirdly, the Basque […]