With a serious expression, muscular build, and massive head, the Dogue de Bordeaux is an impressive breed. But the DDB also makes a loving and devoted companion. Here's what to know about this breed. 1. The DDB Is a Devoted Companion This dog makes an excellent companion, deeply devoted to their owners. They're calm, affectionate, […]

Humans often try new trending diets to help them lose weight. If you want to help your dog shed some few pounds though, should you try intermittent fasting, and is it safe for dogs?

They're adorable. Those small, sturdy dogs with their regal bearing and long, gorgeous coats. But which breed are you admiring? The Shih Tzu (pronounced “sheed-zoo" or “sheet-su") or the Lhasa Apso? To the untrained eye, it can be hard to tell these two dogs apart, especially in full coat. But in fact, although these breeds […]

The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot

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 say to-MAY-to, and I say to-MAH-to. But Xoloitzcuintli? Let's call the whole thing off. As more dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club, dog lovers are confronted with some real tongue twisters. In the past, there was a tendency to anglicize challenging breed names, such as the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, which in its […]

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!

"I host a lot of get-togethers in my home and my dog “works the room” begging for treats. Most of my guests know not to feed him, but I’m nervous he’ll lap up the alcoholic beverages left unattended without my knowledge. How much alcohol is too much? Are some alcohols more dangerous to dogs than […]

If you've never been to a dog show, get ready for a culture shock. These gatherings of the dog-obsessed started in the 19th century, and much of the terminology from long ago still persists today. Some of the verbiage also evolved from the idiosyncrasies of this close-knit community, where the endless focus is purebred dogs […]

Runny eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing are all classic signs of a person who is allergic to dogs. But can a dog be allergic to people? Is that even a thing? Yes. And it may be more common than you think. After all, dogs can be allergic to the same types of things people […]

Chances are, eons ago, one of your parents sat you down, all strained smiles and adult awkwardness, and had that “birds and bees” talk. But did anyone ever have that same conversation with you about your dog? If you’ve decided to get into casual breeding, you need to know how to tell if your bitch […]

All it takes is a trip to the grocery store or gas pump to feel the sting of inflation. Inflation impacts every aspect of our lives, and dog care costs are no exception. Meeting your dog's physical, mental, and emotional needs are key elements of responsible dog ownership, and some elements become more costly as […]

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 […]

Apollo, the Greek god of sunlight, music, and poetry, was credited with a bright, shining countenance of great beauty. At the reins of his fiery chariot, Apollo drove across the sky, bringing the life-giv­ing warmth of the sun. Fittingly, the tall and handsome Great Dane is called “the Apollo of dogs,” with a gentle temperament […]

Your pup rolls over on its back, and you can't resist giving the belly a tickle or two. Does your dog feel ticklish like people do? While dogs don't...

2021 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL December 18 & 19, 2021 All Sporting, Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting Breeds and Junior Showmanship Competition  will be Judged on Saturday All Working, Terrier, Herding Breeds, Miscellaneous and Best in Show will be Judged on Sunday   The 2021 event will showcase the top canine […]

If you have made the decision to breed your bitch, congratulations, welcome… and take a deep breath! You are about to embark on an ambitious, demanding pursuit. It requires time, study, hard work and emotional fortitude. Here's everything you need to know about preparing for your first litter. First Things First Because your puppy buyers […]

With warm weather comes the chance to fire up the grill and enjoy a barbecue. Dog owners may be tempted to let their pet have a taste of the delicious grilled foods. However, many cookout foods are not safe for dogs to eat. Here are a few tips on foods to watch out for. Hazardous […]

We’ve all heard the phrase “give a dog a bone,” but you might want to consider alternative treats to dog bones. Bones can be a good source of minerals and other nutrients and help satisfy your dog’s appetite. Chewing stimulates saliva enzymes and helps prevent plaque buildup on teeth and gum disease. And a dog […]

Do you know what your dog finds most motivating? When practicing basic manners or training at advanced levels in a sport it's important to reward your...

Although giant breeds aren't necessarily what people first think of when it comes to canine athletes, these biggest dogs love having a job to do. Most...

It was a warm spring day, and a neighbor and I were watching some dogs charging around playfully in a fenced, dog-park area, seemingly oblivious to the heat. My neighbor commented, “You know, if we were running around like that we would be drenched in sweat. Dogs must be marvelously adapted to handle the heat.” […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2022 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The NOHS Finals will be held […]

Socializing your puppy should start early on, setting the stage for your dog to feel happy and confident throughout their life. It is key to start exposing your puppy to new people, places, and situation from the time you bring your pet home. How to Begin Socializing Your Puppy: Starting at Home The integral window […]

Learn the best time to socialize your puppy, how to do it right, and why it's important from AKC's dog training experts.

As the American Kennel Club’s 200th fully recognized breed, the Bracco Italiano became the Sporting Group's latest member in 2022. Its AKC recognition was a huge milestone for the organization’s mission in the preservation of purebred dogs. After all, it's been a long time since America's oldest dog registry recognized its first breed, the Pointer, […]

Are you a canine instructor who works for other training companies? Do you think about working with dogs in a facility that you own and operate? When professional dog trainers imagined running a top-notch canine center, they made a big move.  The result? Two successful, state-of-the-art centers devoted to enriching dogs' relationships with their owners. Here's how […]

The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has learned that East Amwell Township’s Township Committee did not advance a controversial animal ordinance proposal at its meeting last night. AKC expressed deep concerns that several elements of the proposal raised issues of vagueness, were overbroad, or violated due process.  AKC thanks the many concerned […]

A combination of breed and socialization will help determine how your dog will behave. Here's why breed matters when selecting a pet.