Anyone who mentors newcomers to showing dogs knows the steps to follow on the path to success. Yet we may present the advice as if it were a script,  forgetting to take that occasional refresher course ourselves. The start of the year is an excellent time to get back to dog show basics and try […]

The Border Collie will surely impress you with their intelligence and eagerness to please. Here are some fun facts about this hardworking breed.

Some see a stuffed toy or a mound of whipped cream with a nose and two black button eyes. Most say they see a “walking cotton ball,” and that’s pretty much on the mark because the first part of the breed’s name is the French word for cotton. Fluff aside, the dog known as the […]

When you see a little dog with a long white coat sweeping down the sidewalk, do you know which breed you're about to meet? Is it the playful Maltese or the happy-go-lucky Coton de Tulear (pronounced KO-Tone Dih TOO-Lay-ARE)? Both breeds are adorable and charming, but their history and personality are different. Read on to […]

Learn how the Bordetella vaccine for dogs can help prevent or reduce symptoms of kennel cough, how effective it is, and when and how it's administered.

Puppy strangles (or juvenile cellulitis) is a rare inflammatory skin disease. Learn how vets diagnose and treat this noncontagious condition.

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 […]

Looking to add a Maltese to your family? Learn more about the breed and learn if the Maltese is the right breed for you.

Although their precise origins are unknown, the Shih Tzu undoubtedly descended from lion-like Tibetan holy dogs and has existed for centuries.

If you're looking for the perfect at-home companion, consider the Shih Tzu. This loving, playful, and outgoing breed is known for being good with kids.

Food allergies can appear at any age, but most dogs eat an offending food for two years before symptoms appear. Here are the most common signs of allergy.

Canine brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection that most often affects a dog's reproductive system, causing infertility, pregnancy loss, and reproductive complications. However, the bacteria can also affect other organs and make spayed or neutered dogs sick. Because canine brucellosis can spread between dogs and, in rare cases, from dogs to people, early detection and […]

It can be tricky to know how to find a responsible breeder. Here are some considerations to guide you in your search for your next puppy.

The best dog for you depends on your lifestyle, not age. Learn more about dog breeds that can make great companions for older adults

The German Shepherd Dog is always near the top of the most popular breed rankings, and there's good reason for that. However, there's a similar breed you might mistake for a German Shepherd – the Belgian Malinois. The two breeds' close resemblance in appearance and shared herding heritage can lead to some confusion. And similarities […]

Competition & Title Updates  We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, and Tracking. AGILITY Congratulations to the winners at the 2019 AKC Agility Invitational AKC Canine Partners congratulates the All-American Dogs and their owners who competed and won honors at the AKC […]

  Founded in 1884, the AKC is the largest purebred dog registry in the world. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes […]

8 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:   California – AB 1382 prohibits the sale and importation of genetically modified pets with cosmetic traits in California, except for modifications that benefit animal health or human interaction, and imposes civil penalties for violations. After […]

The following are highlights of the numerous bills in Congress that could impact dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs.   Visit our 2026 Legislation Tracking map click on the arrow on the Region column to filter for US Federal legislation and get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world's largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce that submissions are now open for the AKC Canine Partners™ Photo Contest, inviting owners of mixed-breed dogs from across the country to celebrate the unique bond they share with […]