Game of Thrones may be over, but dogs and dog lovers around the world are still feeling the show's repercussions. For eight years, more than 30 million viewers watched dire wolves protect the Stark family. For many viewers, Ghost, Summer, Nymeria and pack's intelligence, fierce loyalty, and imposing stature were more than entertaining: it inspired them […]

Rat Terrier "Shazam!" is a godsend to the Pautlers. He's also taking the Agility world by storm, competing at the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship.

Last month in Breeder News, we provided an overview of canine hip dysplasia (HD). This article is a continuation with more in-depth information about recent genetic discoveries. HD is a developmental disorder in which the hip joint does not fit properly into the socket, leading to joint instability, inflammation, and eventually arthritis. The condition varies […]

Linda Grems has been a dog breeder in Miniature Pinschers for over two decades. Now a mentor, Grems got her start in the breed through Min Pin mentors.

Wondering how long dogs are in heat? Learning about the length of the cycle stages will help you provide proper care and prevent unplanned pregnancy.

By Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM) Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs, particularly in larger breeds. As a breeder, understanding the genetic basis of hip dysplasia is essential for making informed breeding decisions and working toward reducing its prevalence in future generations. What is Hip Dysplasia? Hip dysplasia is […]

About the Breeder of Merit Program The AKC Breeder of Merit program celebrates breeders who go above and beyond to prioritize the health, temperament, and well-being of their puppies. This program recognizes those dedicated to maintaining breed standards and ensuring their AKC-registerable puppies find loving homes.  As a Breeder of Merit, you’ll show your commitment […]

An essential part of the commitment to the Breeder of Merit program is to ensure 100% of the puppies in your litters are individually AKC registered. Your work as a breeder is vital to upholding our mission, and you play a crucial role in preserving the legacy of your beloved breed. This is why, as […]

Visit a Conformation dog show, and you'll see hundreds of dogs groomed to the max and striking a well-trained pose. But there are different types of shows.

As a Breeder of Merit, you’ll play a key role in advancing our mission and setting a strong example for breeders everywhere. We’re excited to honor breeders who prioritize puppy health, temperament, and breed standards by offering a range of exclusive, valuable benefits, including:  Monthly credits for online reports in AKC Breeder Toolkit  Free litter […]

'Samara' the Pyrenean Mastiff Outshines as a Guardian and Therapy Dog

If Reiki works on people, what about Reiki for pets? Here's what to know before trying this healing touch therapy on your dog.

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs are small, compact dogs, but they come with a big attitude and a passion for a job and a challenge.

Sandi Lyon was presented with the 2024 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Margaux Bouviers at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 14, 2024.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality […]

Do male and female dogs behave differently? Can they live together? Should a dog's sex ever influence a puppy buyer? Here's how we gender-stereotype dogs.

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2024 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “It is our pleasure to honor this array of esteemed breeders,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “These individuals have made important […]

When Maria B. Moya was growing up, she always wanted a dog, but it wasn’t possible where her family lived. Then she got out on her own and moved to Hoboken, New Jersey. In her new town, everyone, it seemed, had a dog. Many of them were the trendy mixed-breeds, known as "Goldendoodles." Moya, who […]

Elizabeth Williams of Wilhaven Lagotto Romagnolo has been involved with AKC dog shows and performance events since 1988. She is originally from Alaska, having relocated to Oregon 11 years ago. Her Wilhaven breeding program began with Shiba Inu in 1994 and the Lagotto Romagnolo beginning in 2011. Liz is an AKC Breeder of Merit of […]

Motorized trucks may have replaced horses and Dalmatians in fire stations decades ago, but nine Dalmatians recently showed that spotted loyalty to...

On October 22, the Ojai City Council voted 4-1 to adopt a first-in-the-nation law that prohibits the breeding of dogs and cats with “congenital anatomical features” that are likely to cause the animal or its offspring to suffer pain, deformity, or difficult expressing natural behaviors, difficulty breathing, difficultly with physical exertion or exercise, or difficulty […]

For Thy CavagnaroFor Thy Cavagnaro, Meet the Breeds isn't just a fun yearly event. Over the decade that she's volunteered, she's seen her breed's community blossom.

Genetic health and traits testing combined with AKC DNA identification for a powerful breeder tool Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Offers AKC DNA Profile + over 328 markers for health and traits Helps to meet AKC registration and Breeder of Merit/Bred with H.E.A.R.T. certification requirements. Some exclusions apply. For breed-specific DNA test recommendations, click […]

Helen and Greg Groce of Lexington, NC, are infinitely grateful for the opportunities their Beagle, "Xavier" has given them, both in conformation and supporting Greg, who has ALS.

If you are reincarnated as a dog, make sure you come back as a Tibetan Spaniel. The region with the highest altitudes on our planet – hence its nickname, “the Roof of the World” – Tibet was forever changed when Buddhism arrived from northern India in the 7th and 8th centuries. Sprawling white monasteries began […]

Header photo courtesy of Christina Phillips, AKC Breeder of Merit The Irish Red and White Setter is not as well known as his dazzling cousin, the Irish Setter, with only about 500 dogs in North America. Even in Ireland, the breed nearly went extinct during World War I. It took the dedication of a handful […]

AKC Breeder of Merit Gold Kristin Cihos-Williams of Kinderteckel Standard Smooth Dachshunds has been involved in the breed since 1992. When she and her family bought their first home in San Diego, California, they were restricted by their homeowners’ association rules to a 25-pound-dog. Kristin wanted a big dog personality in a small dog body […]

Dog lovers all over the US have reason to celebrate news from the NAIA, which reported recently that the number of dogs entering US shelters has dropped significantly over the past few decades to new lows. Digging deeper into the matter, NAIA also learned that only about three percent of dogs in our country’s shelters are purebreds. NAIA’s […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adding Junior Membership to AKC Member Club Bylaws (November 2022 Board meeting)"] The Board VOTED to permit existing clubs to add “Junior” as a membership option to their club Bylaws without AKC reviewing and approving each club’s Bylaws. The Board will receive notice from Club Relations of the clubs that have added “Junior […]

General 1. What is the purpose of the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? To recognize and showcase the quality dogs being exhibited by owner/handlers and to provide a venue for the owner/handlers to compete against their peers. The determination of the awards in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series is based solely on the quality of the […]

Never underestimate what terriers are capable of is a theme for this team! Jan Moller and her Irish Terrier Griffin (GCH CH Bay-Lei's MacGryphon BN RA...