Why might you want to teach your dog to wear a backpack? There are a few reasons that it might be good for them to be comfortable with.

For Neveah Stadtfeld, Bedlington Terriers speak her language. This Junior Handler also competes with her Doberman Pinscher.

The Great Pyrenees is one of the largest dogs that the AKC recognizes. They're best for experienced dog owners.

Season 13 - Spring/Summer Season 2026 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Extended Ph.D."] Top Three Teams Champion – Michigan Border Patrol – Michigan Reserve Champion – Misfits on the Run – West Virginia Third Place – Let’s Play TAG – North Carolina Individual Dog Placements 8-Inch Regular 1st – Smirk, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pluff Mudd Brats 12-Inch Regular 1st – […]

AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY IS AN OFFICIAL TITLE NOW! Get your puppy’s first official training title! AKC will begin processing titles on January 15, 2025 **NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your S.T.A.R. Puppy Title Application! Try the new –Title Application Portal (TAP) System.  Since AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy began, it has been […]

  The 7th Annual - 2026 Fast CAT Invitational will be held Friday, September 18, 2026 to Monday, September 21, 2026 A day of open Fast CATs will precede the event and be held on Thursday, September 17th. at the beautiful, Sycamore Creek Family Ranch 2657 Sunset Inn Road Branson, Missouri 65616   Please note: […]

The Pyrenean Shepherd is one of the rarer breeds recognized by the AKC. Learn more about the breed with these Pyrenean Shepherd fun facts.

The Sloughi, an ancient breed, is one of the rarest breeds in the United States. Learn more about the breed with these Sloughi fun facts.

Just as we have social etiquette for meeting new people, dogs have rules for greetings too. Learn how to greet strange dogs safely and politely.

Everybody loves watermelon, even dogs. But is it safe for them to eat? Here's what to know about feeding dogs watermelon.

Can all dogs swim? With a life vest and some dog swimming lessons from you, here's how to teach a dog to swim in a pool or lake.

Proposed updates to Palm Beach County’s Animal Care and Control Ordinance and fee schedule would expand breeder regulations; add new rules for hobby breeders, exhibitors, and people who own unaltered dogs or cats; and increase the cost of a hobby breeder permit by 166.7%. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned that these changes could […]

Calling all teachers and parents of young artists! American Kennel Club Public Education is hosting an art contest for students in grades K-12 in the NYC area!   Art is due December 12, 2026, for the 2027 NYC Meet the Breeds Art Contest! See the FAQs below for more information. If you have further questions, […]

The spotlight shines on two hounds that are proving their breed can do it all, including Agility! Basset Hounds, Gus and Wylie, love the sport and running on their Freshman Agility League teams in New York, where they deliver super performances. Their owner, Brooke says it is not true that Bassets are sleepy, laid-back dogs. […]

Can dogs eat grapes? No. Learn why grapes and raisins are dangerous for dogs, the signs of toxicity to watch for, and when to seek emergency veterinary care.

We all want our dogs to live for as long as possible, so it can be scary to think of them developing an illness like heart disease, which affects their daily functioning and life expectancy. Heart disease is a condition that dogs are either born with (congenital) or develop (acquired) through a combination of factors […]

Thinking about getting a giant dog breed? Learn about training, housing, travel, veterinary care, grooming, and the unique challenges and rewards of giant dog ownership.

When it’s hot outside, a cold beverage and a gentle breeze are a welcome break from the heat. Likewise, dogs have their own ways of staying cool, such as panting and sweating through their paw pads. Aside from the weather, there could be other reasons your dog is panting. So, how can you tell the […]

With over 200 AKC-recognized breeds, modern dogs come in many shapes and sizes. From the tiny Chihuahua to the giant Irish Wolfhound, it’s hard to believe they’re the same species. It's even more shocking that all dogs are descended from gray wolves. The range of traits seen in today’s dogs is often attributed to Victorian […]

Cocker Spaniels are a good breed for families. Learn more about the breed to see if they're a good fit for you.

Planning to fly with your dog? Learn about airline policies, carrier requirements, health checks, paperwork, and airport expectations.

A dog life jacket is key to helping you and your dog stay safe in the water. Follow these tips to find the right life jacket for your dog.

The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed with a fascinating, disputed history. From royal palaces to mountain pastures to your couch, read about how this giant breed you know and love today came to be.

Considering hydrotherapy for your dog? Learn how water-based exercise can help dogs regain strength, improve mobility, and recover from surgery or injury.

    READ THE CURRENT ISSUE As the official journal of the sport of purebred dogs, the monthly hasn’t missed an issue since 1889. For those with an abiding interest in exhibiting dogs as a sport, hobby, or profession, the digital Gazette is the AKC’s premium resource—written for, and mostly by, the American dog fancy. […]

A sweet, calm nature, and a soft expression with distinctive markings on the coat and face, contribute to the majestic Bernese Mountain Dog's popularity. But this breed is also a hardworking farm dog, dating back in carting and drafting thousands of years.

The AKC Canine Partners News is a digital newsletter for and about dogs in the Canine Partners program. It is produced quarterly and distributed via email. The publication has earned top honors at the Dog Writers Association of America awards, including winning the Best Online Newsletter category three times. Regular features include Training Tips, Junior […]

You've likely seen the beautiful Australian Shepherd, but have you ever wondered if this breed would be a good fit for you?

Like many Americans whose ancestors arrived in previous centuries, the Australian Shepherd history is a confounding mix of many different cultures.

Bringing a dog into your life is a decision that requires careful consideration, regardless of whether or not you're a first-time dog owner. With so many breeds to choose from, the amount of options alone can be overwhelming. If you're a seasoned dog owner with experience in competing in dog sports, or live an especially […]