Cooling mats and other similar products for dogs intend to provide relief and prevent heatstroke on hot days. Many rely on pressure-activated gel.

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

If your dog eats cooked chicken bones, stay calm and remove any remaining bones if it’s safe to do so. Monitor your dog closely for signs of choking, discomfort, or digestive issues, and contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Dogs can develop allergic reactions to food, medications, insect bites, and environmental allergens such as pollen and dust mites. If your dog is scratching more than usual, you might be tempted to reach for something in your medicine cabinet to try to ease their discomfort. Benadryl, or diphenhydramine for dogs, is an over-the-counter human medication […]

Adding a new puppy to the family can be a fun and memorable experience. But not all members of your household might share your enthusiasm. Perhaps you have a senior dog at home with different needs from a younger dog. Plus, some dogs are considered a senior at 6 years old, while smaller breeds, like […]

By scheduling meals, walks, playtime, and activities in a set daily routine, you and your puppy will be on your way to a successful potty training timeline.

Gabapentin for dogs is commonly prescribed for pain, anxiety, or seizures. It's generally safe, but there are some known side effects to be aware of.

Just like you might receive a referral to a specialist, dogs sometimes need care from a veterinary specialist who focuses on a particular field of veterinary medicine. For example, your dog may see a specialist to rule out certain medical conditions. Or they might need a specific type of treatment for a persistent or worsening […]

Puppy mouthing and play biting hurts, but with patient, consistency, and these expert tips you can teach your puppy not to mouth humans.

Congratulations! You’ve taken the plunge and joined the exciting and sometimes chaotic world of dog ownership. By now, you’ve probably done some research and have an understanding of how to care for your new puppy. Your house is going to be the place where your dog spends the majority of their life, so it’s vitally […]

From its distinctive curly coat to its history as one of the oldest spaniel breeds, here's what makes the Irish Water Spaniel truly unique.

A walk down the pet food aisle shows high-end (and high-priced) kibbles boasting “grain-free” formulas. We’re made to feel guilty if we feed our dogs the dreaded grain. But what’s the big deal? Grain may have gotten a really bad name from the 2007 pet-food contamination tragedy in which wheat gluten imported from China had […]

If your dog has an inflammatory condition, is getting an organ transplant, or has been diagnosed with Addison’s disease, your veterinarian may prescribe a drug called prednisone. What is Prednisone? Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid (a class of steroid hormones) that’s similar to but more potent than cortisol, an adrenal hormone produced naturally in a […]

In the article “Why You Should Get the AKC Pet Insurance 30-Day Certificate” featured in the July issue, you heard a real-life story that demonstrated just how beneficial sending your puppies home with insurance can be in the event of an emergency. Thankfully, emergency situations are few and far between; but as we all know, […]

Even if your dog isn't a big shedder, it is still important to brush and groom them regularly, but how often you groom depends on their coat.

      Welcome Michelle Persian – Director of Agility We are pleased to announce that Michelle Persian has been named Director of Agility for the American Kennel Club. Michelle brings extensive experience in AKC Agility to this role. Most recently, she served as an AKC Agility Field Representative, where she worked closely with clubs to […]

FCM Universal Championship AKC International Dog Shows 2026 Expo Santa Fe | Mexico City, Mexico November 12 - 15, 2026 The FCM Universal Championship AKC International Dog Shows 2026 mark a historic milestone for the sport of dogs. Licensed by the American Kennel Club® (AKC) and hosted by the Federación Canófila Mexicana (FCM), this four-day […]

Want an easy, low-stress way to get involved in the world of dog sports? Start with a Coursing Ability Test (CAT) because it is designed specifically for newcomers. The first thing to know about the CAT is that – as with all of our tests – dogs do not compete against each other (as opposed […]

***NEW*** AKC now offers a quick and easy way to submit your Farm Dog Title Application! Submit your application now here. Your dog responds well to commands at home and in public, but how would he respond in a farm environment? There’s an easy way to find out: Sign him up for a Farm Dog Certified test. […]

Think your dog is an A+ student? Are your friends and family jealous with how well you’ve trained your dog? Then you might want to take things to a new level by participating in Obedience competitions (known as "trials"). Developed in the 1930s, Obedience is one of the AKC’s oldest sporting events, and it's open […]

Obedience training may just be the best gift you can give yourself, your family, and your pet. It teaches your dog appropriate social behavior with both people and animals; helps correct annoying behaviors like jumping, digging, barking, and chewing; and keeps your dog entertained and happy. A win-win all around! When to Start Training The […]

2026 Annual AKC Trick Dog Competition It’s that time again!  We are pleased to announce the 2026 virtual AKC Trick Dog Competition. ENTRIES OPEN: Saturday, August 1, 2026 DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES:  Thursday, October 1, 2026 RULES for ADULT HANDLERS (U.S.) (click for rules) RULES for JUNIOR HANDLERS (U.S.) (click for rules) RULES for INTERNATIONAL HANDLERS (click for rules)   […]

You and your dog are a team. You do almost everything together – take walks, eat, veg out, even sleep together. So think of the fun you’d have showing off what a great team you are at an AKC Rally® event! AKC Rally® is one of the newest AKC sports and participation increases every year. […]

If you have a small terrier or a Dachshund, you’ve undoubtedly already discovered their penchant to dig, stick their face underground, and emerge with something in his mouth, be it a mouse, a squirrel or some other creature. After you stop screaming in fright, your first instinct might be to reprimand him for catching that […]

Date of Webinar Subject July 28, 2026 Conditions of Class Divisions, Group & BIS Judging May 19, 2026 Applying for Additional Breeds March 24, 2026 Regular Status and Judging the 4-6 Month Best Puppy Competition & FSS Open Shows January 27, 2026 Ring Control & Recertification Update October 28, 2025 Disabled Handlers Policy & Code […]

The American Kennel Club is excited to announce the Regional Junior Showmanship Events! AKC Sport & Events is excited to announce Regional Junior Showmanship Events.  The AKC will approve up to eight all-breed clubs the honor of holding Junior Showmanship Regional Events throughout the calendar year. Regional Junior Showmanship events will be structured and judges […]

Most people know a Basset Hound’s distinct look—soulful but droopy eyes, long, floppy ears, and a low-to-the-ground body that moves at a snail’s pace. What you might not know is that they’re also quite stubborn and possess superior scenting abilities – both of which make them incredible hunters! In fact, their innate ability to hunt is […]

Bringing Dog Lovers Together Since 1884 For 140 years, the American Kennel Club has been the country’s leading authority on all things dogs, acting as the premier resource for dog lovers, from the fancier to the everyday pet owner. Along with our affiliated organizations, we encourage dogs as family companions; advance canine health and well-being; […]

AKC Canine Ambassador Program is a network of volunteers made up of local AKC-affiliated club members and experienced dog handlers who present to children and the community. Approved Canine Ambassadors educate the public about topics such as purebred dogs, safety around dogs, AKC dog sports and events, and responsible dog ownership. Canine Ambassadors may visit […]

The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to pass its Farm Bill in a markup on Thursday, August 6.  Chairman Boozman has recessed the committee and plans to hold another vote on the measure in September. AKC GR will continue to follow this measure and provide updates on provisions related to dogs.  The GR Team thanks the […]