At just nine years old Tatum Duvall was catapulted into dog sports when her mom, Tanya Duvall, broke her leg. She began showing Vizslas as a Junior Handler and quickly fell in love with the sport. “When my mom got hurt, I didn't expect to love dogs so much and showing so much," said Tatum. […]

It’s been about a year since we first heard the words Corona and COVID on the airwaves and reports. Today, with a vaccine looming, we still are still having massive outbreaks of COVID-19 throughout the country and may still we have questions about the virus, the disease and ideal protocol.  But what we have gained […]

Coronavirus concerns did not dominate headlines when Beci Beasley boarded a plane for Canada in late January. Traveling with the North Carolina resident was her cherished Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sunny, who had a long-awaited date with a carefully selected stud dog. “I had been waiting two years to do this breeding," Beasley said. "There […]

To some, Kirby may look like a Pug, but he's not: this little Brussels Griffon is a Dog Star who will let you know who's boss. Bringing Home a Brussels Griffon Veterinarian Christina Coudret had never heard of the Brussels Griffon breed until a technician she worked with at a veterinarian clinic was fostering for […]

Don't miss the top agility dogs and handlers from across the country as they gather at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida for the AKC Agility Premier Cup. The two-hour event will air on ESPN on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT. From a Borzoi to a Pyrenean Shepherd to […]

Q. Who does an exhibitor call about an event being held or cancelled if it isn't listed on the AKC.org page of cancellations? A. AKC is working diligently to list all cancelled events on the Event Cancellation page as soon as we receive notification of a cancellation or postponement from the club. You may find […]

Opinions differ over the necessity of some dog vaccinations and the timeframe for vaccinating your dog. Consult your vet about your dog’s vaccinations. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) made headlines in 2003 when it published its vaccination recommendations. It suggested that a few vaccines are absolutely necessary, but some are only required in unique […]

The following list provides information on COVID-19 shelter in place/closure orders with respect to rules impacting access to pet care, supplies, and services. Please visit AKC legislative alerts  (www.akcgr.org) to view some of the actions we’ve taken and to learn what you can do to help. COVID-19 Directives by State Alabama - https://governor.alabama.gov/assets/2020/09/Safer-at-Home-Order-Final-9.29.2020.pdf Alaska - https://covid19.alaska.gov/reopen/ […]

Lenore Hedemark, a 14-year-old from North Carolina, is the number-one American Hairless Terrier Junior Handler for the past two years. As an up-and-coming show photographer and active competitor, Lenore began showing dogs at 11 years old. She stepped into the ring for the first time with her aunt's ex-racing Greyhound registered with a Purebred Alternative […]

Agility really is for any dog, and at the 2021 AKC National Agility Championship (NAC) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dozens of rescue dogs showed up to prove it. In total, more than 1,000 dogs took place in the competition on March 26-29. Representing 100+ breeds, these dogs came from across the nation. For some dogs, Agility is more than […]

More than 100 competitors from 29 states and Canada submitted videos of performances for the 2020 AKC Trick Dog Competition. This 2nd Annual competition was a virtual event, open to Elite Performers, AKC’s highest level of trick dogs. The videos were then judged by three AKC licensed judges who selected the winners. The winner, it […]

When it comes to sports training, people oftentimes underestimate the drive and potential of giant dogs. I'm always thrilled when my three-and-half-year-old Newfoundland, Sirius, is able to break some stereotypes about what giant dogs can do, especially dogs that have a history of medical conditions. This March, just as the COVID-19 quarantine began, Sirius became […]

Each year, the AKC Humane Fund pays tribute to five dedicated, hardworking dogs for making significant contributions to an individual or entire community. One award is given in each of the following categories: Uniformed Service K-9, Service, Therapy, Search and Rescue, and Exemplary Companion Dog. “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” –author Roger Caras […]

The AKC Paw of CourageSM is an award given to show appreciation for the work that dogs do in the service of humankind. This award recognizes dogs who serve their communities, making great impacts in the lives of their human counterparts. Paw of Courage awards can be presented to Police K-9s, Military Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, […]

Gilligan isn't your average dog. Just take a look at her long list of titles: Fishbay’s Merchant of Venice CD BN RE AX AXJ OF RATN DN CGCA TKA WWDX CWDX MAC-3 SROM. The versatile Portuguese Water Dog has earned an array of accolades, including winning multiple agility, Rally, and obedience classes at national specialties. Perhaps most impressive […]

MEMORANDUM: The American Kennel Club welcomes the introduction today of the Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2021 in the U.S. House of Representatives. AKC is grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Congressmen  Kurt Schrader, DVM (D-OR-5) and Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD- ALL)  in sponsoring the bill, and believes this will go a long way to addressing concerns […]

A third-generation handler from South Carolina, Ryley Kirkland first experienced the thrill of entering the ring at three years old. Now 15, Kirkland ended 2020 as the #1 Junior Handler in the country and has been in the top 4 Junior Handlers for 2021. Her dogs are Bullet, a Treeing Walker Coonhound (Ch Stackem Up Lutras […]

It all started with a tweet. “Your story could be in Season 2 of DOGS.” The June 2019 post from Dogs producer Glen Zipper included an announcement about the Netflix show’s second season. Your story could be in Season 2 of DOGS. 🐶👇 https://t.co/aoxWtSdPtO — Glen Zipper (@Zipper) June 12, 2019 Around the same time, the Live […]

A Finland airport has a new way to test passengers for COVID-19 — coronavirus-sniffing dogs. On Wednesday, September 23, the Helsinki Airport in Finland launched a four-month trial program that includes coronavirus-sniffing dogs. Researchers believe that changes in health, such as a virus, affects the way people smell. With this trial, researchers want to prove […]

After his 16-year-old son, Joshua Devon Biggles, tragically drowned, Michael Biggles purchased Rambo, a male Rottweiler puppy. Biggles fell head-over-paws with the brawny working breed. So much so, that he went back the next day and bought Retro, the male littermate he didn't select. Six months later, Biggles and his girlfriend, Mariama Myers, added Rascal, […]