When you think of dog shows what most people picture is the sport of Conformation. Handlers make Confirmation look easy, but there's training involved.

Ever wonder what goes on at a dog agility competition? We've made a beginner's guide — including a breakdown of the obstacles!

Why do dogs bury bones? You can thank your pet's ancestors, including wild dogs and the gray wolf, and their feast or famine diet.

Have you wondered how a dog show works? How does a dog win a dog show? We break down how a dog is chosen to win Best in Show.

You may have seen dog shows on TV, but what exactly happens at a Conformation event? How are dogs judged, and how do they win?

The French Bulldog, one of the most popular dog breeds around, and the Boston Terrier, state dog of Massachusetts, are both adorable companions. Sharing fabulous ears and distinct faces, these small and compact members of the Non-Sporting Group both adapt well to an urban environment. But if you see them walking down the sidewalk, can […]

How did modern dogs shows get to where they are today? Learn about the histroy of Conformation shows, that began over 150 years ago.

The 2025 AKC National Championship is just around the corner! Make sure you're tuning in so you can see who's crowned Best in Show.

New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of […]

Those small, sturdy dogs with their regal bearing and long, gorgeous coats are adorable. But have you ever wondered which breed you're 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, […]

Depending on your travel or activity needs with your dog, choose the best dog carrier to meet all of your dog's safety and comfort needs — and yours, too!

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.

Learn the basics of dog wound care, so you can handle emergencies and ongoing at-home treatment to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.

It's easy (and dangerous) for dogs to become overheated. Here's how to recognize signs of overheated dogs, how to prevent overheating, and what to do if you think you have an overheated dog.

Originally bred to help hunters, retrievers were tasked with finding birds or other game and bringing them back undamaged. For this sort of job, the dog needed a “soft,” gentle mouth, where they would carefully carry the prey without damaging it. Also required were strength and agility to traverse a rugged landscape or work in […]

Ever heard the word spitz to describe a dog? Learn about these fascinating breeds, which are characterized by their wolf-like appearance.

Giant dogs are some of the hardest-working and most recognizable breeds. But because many of them maintain the strong working instincts and drive they were bred for, they can be a lot to handle. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering adding one to your family. Maturation Giant dogs are giant […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2025 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals. The AKC NOHS Finals will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida as a part of the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of the Year group […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Save the Date! 2026 AKC National Detection Dog Conference, Aug. 4-6, 2026 [/accordion_panel] [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024"] AKC Detection Dog Task Force Hosts National Conference to Address Shortage of U.S. Bred and Raised Detection Dogs August 2024 Explosives detection dogs play a crucial role in U.S. safety and security at home and abroad, […]