To borrow a popular phrase, Eli isn’t a one-trick Poodle, nor does he hide a thing. Right now, the Miniature Poodle and his 68-year-old owner, Leslie Gelesh, of Akron, Ohio, are at the top of their game after winning the 2021 American Kennel Club Trick Dog Competition with a dazzling six-minute routine called “Batman Furever.” […]

Showing dogs—the formal term for it is “Conformation”—is a sport. Like any football game or tennis match, dog shows have rules, too. But folks who sit on the sidelines can easily become bewildered if they don’t understand how guidelines apply to the game at hand. Whether you’re taking aim at a fastball or trotting with […]

Show Secretaries – Full Service or Onsite Show Secretaries have serviced clubs since dog shows began, often a member of a club with the skills and knowledge to manage the event. Show Secretaries may manage an entire event from the publishing of the premium list to submitting the close out report to the AKC, this […]

Participating in dog shows can undoubtedly feel daunting for newcomers. Follow these tips to help you and your dog to feel comfortable in the ring.

If you and your dog have been training in dog sports, one way that you can help prepare to enter a true competition is to enter a match first. An AKC Match Shows or "fun match" is an opportunity for dogs and handlers to enter a show-like environment but without the pressure of a show […]

There’s probably only one time in his life when Reas finished last. That’s when he was the final puppy in a litter of five to go to his new home three years ago. That was obviously not his doing. Four other owners passed over him for various reasons. And now the muscular, 51-pound Whippet, owned […]

Sometimes the biggest challenge in dog training can be preventing a well-meaning family member from sabotaging the process. In some respects, teaching people how to train their dog is the equivalent of asking them to be the student and the teacher at the same time. And because consistency is key with dog training, it gets […]

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails. The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. In honor of AKC's Responsible Dog Ownership Day, on September 17th, […]

Regardless of what sport you compete in it's important to have good sportsmanship when engaging with fellow competitors. Good sportsmanship should...

After taking part in the fast-growing, fun, and accessible sport of dog parkour, you're not likely to look at park benches, tree stumps, or playground equipment the same way again. It's an ideal activity if attending Agility or Obedience classes isn't possible or practical. And, with a bit of imagination, any neighborhood offers boundless opportunities […]