​It all started in January 1925, when doctors in Nome, Alaska, began to see symptoms of a deadly infection—diphtheria. Anchorage, more than 500 miles away, was the closest place with supplies of lifesaving serum. Alaska’s brutal winters, where temperatures could plunge to 50 below and snow and ice are measured in yards, made travel impossible. […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – SB 2 as pre-filed seeks to prohibit inmates from participating in training of dogs for tracking humans. AKC is monitoring this legislation. California – AB-240: This proposal would create a tax on the sale of pet […]

For a lot of new dog owners, it can be difficult to determine how often you should bathe your puppy or adult dog. The truth is, the answer depends on a lot of factors. “How frequently a pet needs a bath greatly varies based upon their breed, lifestyle, length of coat, and how much homework […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! Agility Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their […]

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

From Washington's Foxhounds to Obama's famous Portuguese Water Dogs, presidential dogs are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. Almost all of our presidents have shared the White House with a dog, and often more than one. These presidential dogs became as much a staple of the capitol as the rest of the First Family […]

With winter comes the cold. But some dogs don't hate the cold; in fact, several breeds absolutely love it! (Note: Just because these dogs were bred to withstand cold temperatures does not mean it is safe to leave them outdoors for long on cold days. They, too, can get frostbite and hypothermia.) Here are seven […]

You likely know about the dangers of leaving your dog unattended in a hot car. But, what about when it's cold outside? While you might think it's safe to park your pet during the winter months, the potential for harm, while not as high as in the summer, is still substantial. Your dog may enjoy […]

If you and your canine companion are getting a little weary of winter, there are still plenty of seasonal activities, both indoors and outdoors, to liven up your days. After all, your dog needs activity and stimulation, regardless of the weather, and it’s good for you, too! Outdoor Winter Fun With Your Dog Skijoring Skijoring, a […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB-240: This proposal would create a tax on the sale of pet food for cats and dogs in order to provide dedicated funding to animal shelters for the spaying and neutering of animals. The bill is […]

Do all dogs need a winter coat? If so, what are the best winter coats for dogs? We break down our favorites for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Finding the right dog match for you from 201 breeds can be daunting. That's one of the best reasons to attend AKC Meet the Breeds!

Weather, geography, and plenty of personal turmoil were all part of Sue Terry’s brittle landscape in 2022. And yet she and handler Starla Brewer found a way to get Finn, Terry’s beloved Karelian Bear Dog, to Orlando, Florida. There, the 12-year-old, 40-pound dog competed in the 2022 AKC Fast CAT Invitational, held in conjunction with […]

Cars' sudden and fast movements inspire many dogs' inner prey drive. Alternatively, the sound or movement of the cars can be upsetting, so some dogs may begin lunging at the vehicles or chasing them. Why do certain dogs chase cars? How can you train your dog to prevent them from chasing cars? Why Do Dogs […]

Judith M. Russell was presented with the 2022 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Karnovanda Kennels, Reg. Siberian Huskies at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Sunday, December 18, 2022.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the […]

GCHS CH Bramblebush Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, an Irish Setter known as “Declan,” was named Best in Show at the December 17 AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals. Judge Dominic Palleschi Carota awarded the crown to the dog during the event, held during the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, Florida. […]

The AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show honors went to GCHS CH Bramblebush Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, an Irish Setter known affectionately as “Declan” owned and handled by Cheryl L Stiehl DVM and bred by Cheryl L Stiehl DVM & Craig Larson. The 2022 NOHS Finals Best in Show winner […]

"If I could get one idea across in my teachings, it would be that hair and fur are different and must be treated differently." So says Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, a Certified Master Groomer with more than four decades of experience. But how do dog hair and fur actually differ from one another? Do Dogs Have Hair […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2022 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “It is our pleasure to honor these knowledgeable and respected breeders,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “The individuals have made significant contributions […]

As a world-renowned sculptor, Susan Bahary brings to life service animals in her monuments, but it was her start in showing Afghan Hounds in the 1970s that inspired her to incorporate the veracious details of her subjects. “I began dabbling with sculpting at age 16,” says Bahary, recipient of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s prestigious […]

For anyone who has ever sipped ginger tea to settle an upset stomach, it's natural to wonder if this tropical root could be as beneficial to dogs. Many herbs and spices are harmful to our pets, but the good news is that yes, ginger, in small amounts, is safe for dogs and might even be […]

Is your dog scared of Halloween decorations? Here's how to help them cope with the stress of surprising decor and feel comfortable when they're out for walks.

Do you suspect your dog is having vision trouble? Perhaps they're nervous in dimly lit spaces or bumping into things in unfamiliar environments. Although many conditions could be responsible for your dog's vision loss, one possible cause is progressive retinal atrophy, also known as PRA. This is a genetic disease of the retina in the […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and advocate for all dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of our AKC My Canine & Me Award, which honors children and young adults who are making a positive impact on the world with their dogs or achieving personal growth and success utilizing […]

While there are people who believe in the paranormal, have you ever wondered whether your dog is able to sense the spirits? After all, canines have extraordinary senses that are much sharper than a human's. And wouldn’t it be comforting to know that your dog is able to detect a loved one who has passed on? […]

Can dogs have pumpkin spice? This seasoning mix, and foods containing it, aren't safe for dogs, but you can give your dog pure pumpkin or dog treats with pumpkin as an ingredient.

With its earthy sweetness, nutmeg is virtually indispensable in many fall and holiday baked goods, sauces, and stews. This is fine for us humans, but can your dog eat nutmeg? No, and here’s why. Is Nutmeg Toxic to Dogs? Nutmeg is derived from the seed of the tropical evergreen tree Myristica fragrans. The spice mace […]

Search for “Huskies talking” on YouTube or TikTok and you’ll get hundreds, if not thousands of results. Siberian Huskies are known for their very communicative vocalizations: whining, screaming, howling, yelping, and such a range of sounds that one could very well consider it “talking.” How Do Huskies Communicate? Primarily, Huskies vocalize to communicate with their […]

There is so much misinformation passed around about dogs, but to truly know your pet, get to the bottom of these common dog myths.

Balconies can provide dogs with exciting sights and smells, but they can be dangerous too. Here are some tips for making a balcony a safe doggy haven.