The best service dogs have traits that make them indispensable to their owners by helping them in ways that restore their independence.

Though we often don’t think about them in this way, dogs are really about people — those long-ago (or, sometimes, not-so-long-ago) figures who developed particular breeds for particular tasks. Some breeds — like the Doberman Pinscher, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and Cesky Terrier — owe their existence to just one visionary person. Other breeds were brought into being […]

The American Kennel Club met for the first time on September 17th 1884 in Philadelphia. 140 years later, we've become the trusted experts on all things dog.

Like the humans who care for them, older dogs are not exempt from gaining weight. Here's how to prevent canine obesity in senior dogs.

Julie Longshore, of Alcoa, Tennessee, shines in AKC Junior Showmanship and the AKC National Owner-Handler Series with her Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, "Patch."

This sleek, silver-gray breed originated in the 19th century, developed to hunt bear, boar, and other large game. Here's what else makes Weimaraners unique.

  On a very busy and stressful day at the State Capitol, North Carolina legislators and staff, were thrilled to once again welcome the American Kennel Club for the annual AKC Canines at the Capitol event.  The AKC invited them to “come hug a dog on your lunch break” and they did just that – […]

If You Want a Friend in Politics, Get a Dog, an exhibition on loan from the AKC art collection, has been installed at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, in Harrisburg. “The governor and I are thrilled to partner with the American Kennel Club to offer this rare art exhibition featuring man’s best friend,” says Pennsylvania first […]

If you’re thinking of preparing a contract for your puppy buyers, there are many aspects to consider. There are mixed opinions regarding the need for a contract when selling or placing a dog. Many breeders supply a contract for any relocated dog for the sole purpose of safeguarding his health and welfare. Others believe that […]

The AKC classifies the Bichon Frise’s bark level as “barks when necessary,” but the way things went last night at the 142nd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Show, there was plenty to bark about. Flynn, the winner for the Non-Sporting Group earned the coveted title of Best in Show at the 2018 competition, which came to a head Tuesday […]

Kale appears in health foods, smoothies, and salads, and offers numerous health benefits. But is kale safe for dogs? In This Article Why Kale Can Be Risky for Dogs What to Do If Your Dog Eats Kale How Much Kale Is Safe? Is Kale Safe for Dogs? Kale can cause medical problems for dogs. The […]

At the 2018 Brittany National Specialty, Paige Giebel and her Brittany, Turbo, were awarded the People's Choice award. "I was so honored to know that Brittany breeders and Brittany lovers chose Turbo as their 2018 People's Choice winner," says 16-year-old Paige. That moment was the highlight of the teenager's dog show career so far. Half […]

Do you or a member of your family suffer from allergies when around dogs? Perhaps you sneeze, get itchy or watery eyes, hives on your skin, or even more serious respiratory issues. If you are a dog lover, you may have avoided owning one because of this problem, especially if the allergy symptoms are extreme. […]

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Boston’s top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the #1 pup in Raleigh, Houston, and Atlanta, among others. There were quite a few shifts and changes among Boston’s most […]

ASK AKC Dear AKC: I have a question about the possibility of registering my Scottish Terrier with AKC. At the time of purchase I was given an application from another kennel club's registry because the father of the puppy was AKC registered but the mother was not. Does this mean my Scottie can NOT be […]

By: Joyce Rienzo, AKC Canine Ambassador Most people don’t realize the importance a dog can play in their lives. As an AKC Canine Ambassador since 2006, with the English Springer Spaniel Club of Long Island, I have enjoyed introducing the public to the many different breeds recognized by AKC. I introduced a Meet The Breeds […]

History is replete with tales of dogs who pined for their departed masters, from Hachiko the Akita, who waited for his late owner at the train station every day for almost a decade, to Greyfriars Bobby, the 19th-Century Skye Terrier who spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave in Edinburgh, Scotland. The latest addition to that […]

They’re all elite athletes, but one of the entrants in the 8th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster on June 11 is certain to attract more puzzled looks than the 349 others. That would be Caper (Paradox Capricious), a 5-year-old Danish-Swedish Farmdog owned and handled by Kelly Ansaldo, of Northhampton, Massachusetts. For you just don’t see […]

Luxating patella in dogs is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, diagnosed in 7% of puppies. How do you treat it?

This is the thirdof a series of features on 2017's AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence Winners who will be honored Dec. 16-17 at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in Orlando. It was apparent from puppyhood that the "Skye" was the limit for this little guy. From the time he was […]

If you’re the owner of a senior dog, you might think your dog sports days are behind you. But participating in dog sports with your dog can provide mental and physical exercise, the thrill of competition, and a chance for you both to have fun. With veterinarian approval, there are still many sports you and your dog can participate in. In […]

ASK AKC   Dear AKC: My two-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever usually has a black nose but this winter it turned a very light pink. His nose is not dry, but looks like someone drained the color out of it. What causes this? Is there anything I can do to fix it? -- In the Pink Dear […]

At a recent dog show, a dog of another toy breed entered the ring, and he had a very obvious marking that his breed standard calls an “extremely serious fault.”  A very longtime breeder of this breed was showing him. What was the breeder thinking?  Was he making points? Was he hoping the judge didn’t […]

The Canine Ambassador Program is an integral part of the American Kennel Club’s public education effort. Canine Ambassadors are the connection between clubs and purebred dog fanciers of tomorrow. They support their clubs’ public education outreach by visiting classrooms and community youth organizations to make presentations, often with their dog. They promote purebred dogs, responsible […]

How do you know if your dog is happy? Here's what to look for in your dog's body language, behavior, and breed characteristics.

The annual National Dog Show is arguably the one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. Here's everything you need on how to watch the National Dog Show.

The regal Chow Chow has a fascinating history and many unique features. But did you know that they have blue-black tongues? Read on to learn more about this breed.

Finding the perfect food for your dog seems like the ultimate challenge. With so many different brands and formulas on the market, making a decision can be overwhelming. But after my plucky (and picky) seven-year-old Cairn Terrier packed on a few extra pounds and didn’t have the energy he used to, I thought his current […]

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AKC Title Recognition Awards The AKC now works with several non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog titling program and the AKC Search & Rescue title program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving […]