The regal Chow Chow has a fascinating history and many unique features. But did you know that they have blue-black tongues? Read on to learn more about this breed.

The annual National Dog Show is arguably the one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. Here's everything you need on how to watch the National Dog Show.

Whether they're going solo or in a group, dog owners are taking part in AKC FIT DOG challenges to keep themselves and their dogs in shape. One such group is members of the Southwest Obedience Club of Los Angeles, who found their love of fitness together — almost by accident.

The American Kennel Club's newly recognized breed, the Lancashire Heeler, is the 201st recognized breed, part of the Herding Group.

You're at home sitting on your couch watching your favorite TV show when all of a sudden your dog perks up, does the classic head tilt, and barks at the TV. Is it the sound that's capturing their attention? Or is it the action on the screen? It's probably a little of both. How Dogs […]

Maybe this column should be titled “How Not to Buy an Italian Greyhound Puppy.” There are some definite “no-no’s” when it comes to shopping for a purebred puppy of any breed, but there are actually some things that apply to IGs that might not be an issue for other breeds. The first “no no” that comes […]

The AKC Rally National Championship, National Agility Championship, and National Obedience Championship all take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 15-17. While thousands of adults travel from across the country to compete, several kids will be competing amongst them. Meet Emilee, Alexandra, and Mara: three Junior Handlers taking Tulsa by storm. Agility – Emilee Cragg, 15 […]

If you are a pet owner who has taught your dog to sit, stay, heel, or perform any manner of tricks, you owe it all to Blanche Saunders. Poodle breeder Helen Whitehouse Walker became taken with the Obedience trials she saw conducted in England in the 1930s. She soon committed to establishing the practice in […]

For the protection of the pup, get it in writing There are mixed opinions regarding the need for a contract when selling or placing a dog. Many breeders supply a contract for any relocated dog for the sole purpose of safeguarding his health and welfare. Others believe that any contract can be broken, so having […]

There's so much to see and do at an AKC Meet the Breeds event! Whether you want to interact with dogs, watch demos, or shop, it's sure to be a fun weekend.

There’s a story that nicely sums up the Boxer breed. One morning at the dog park, a group of neighborhood dogs were playing as their owners looked on. The life of the party was a male Boxer. With all the boisterous enthusiasm of a pup, the big fawn-coated bruiser was cavorting and careening, bouncing and […]

The English Toy Spaniel is the quintessential lap dog. Loyal and loving, they always want to be with their owners. Here are some interesting facts about this cuddly breed: 1. They Are Believed to Have Come From Japan Although no one is sure exactly where the English Toy Spaniel originated, experts agree the breed likely […]

Though we often don’t think about them in this way, dogs are really about people — those long-ago (or, sometimes, not so long-ago) figures who developed particular breeds for particular tasks. Some breeds — like the Doberman Pinscher, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and Cesky Terrier — owe their existence to just one visionary person. Other breeds were brought into being […]

Though we often don’t think about them in this way, dogs are really about people — those long-ago (or, sometimes, not so long-ago) figures who developed particular breeds for particular tasks. Some breeds — like the Doberman Pinscher, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and Cesky Terrier — owe their existence to just one visionary person. Other breeds were brought into being […]

Have you found a little lump on your dog while cuddling with them on the couch? The first thing is, don't panic. It's not unusual for masses to develop on a dog's body throughout their lifetime; more often than not, they aren't malignant. However, that doesn't mean it's something to ignore. Having your veterinarian evaluate […]

It only happens once every five years: the Morris & Essex Dog Show. What used to be among the "it" events of the mid-20th century still has something...

From Junior Handler to Professional Handler Sassafras Lowrey CPDT-KA Many junior handlers hope to make working with dogs their job when they grow up....

Is it safe to have dogs and small pets in the same home? Learn more about the risks and training to help them coexist.

Many breeders require anyone who purchases one of their dogs to sign a contract. To some buyers, especially first timers, a contract may feel invasive; they might think that for the money they spend, they should have total control over what they do with their puppy. Explain to buyers that your contract is meant to […]

Every year in December (or January for a few years) since 2001, dog owners from around the world come together for the American Kennel Club National Championship presented by Royal Canin. This year, the event takes place in Orlando, Fla., with a nearly week-long series of events culminating in the Best in Show finale. Starting December […]

Mental attitude plays an essential role in your physical response to stress and how you control your emotions. A positive attitude makes a great difference in you, and it can also mean a significant difference in your dog’s reaction to you and the show ring. While it is not possible to completely hide your nerves […]

  Looking at these ragamuffin little dogs, you have to ask yourself, why on earth would anyone consider a Löwchen? They have a funny clip, which certainly defines the breed and which we, as breeders, love—but to the general public who keep them in a typical puppy clip, they really don’t look like what people […]

If you’re in the St. Louis area and you love dogs and art, make your way to the AKC Museum of the Dog. A special treat awaits you in the Sally Johnson Spillane Special Exhibit Gallery: “The Canine Art of Maud Earl.” The exhibition of paintings and prints by the master includes her enigmatic, life-size […]

The Judging Program for the 2015 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship all-breed dog show is now available, including details on when breeds will be competing in the various rings as well as other information. The show takes place Dec. 12–13 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This year's event has drawn a record entry, with 4,670 dogs entered to compete for […]

Big dogs equal big love and loyalty. Here are the large dog breeds that earn their place at the top of the size chart. Most people will know the Great Dane but what about the lovely Leonberger? When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only one of them. The dog’s personality, activity […]

Never mind the Mouse. In December, Orlando is all about the dog. Actually, make that plural: Dogs–thousands of them, from tiny Chihuahuas to ginormous Great Danes–stream into Florida to compete in the American Kennel Club's annual flagship event, the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. But if you're never attended before, you might just […]

  A dog gate creates a boundary that keeps your dog either inside or outside another area of the house or grounds. It’s a useful piece of equipment, whether you have a brand new puppy or dogs that usually have the run of the house. A gate gives a puppy a safe, dog-proofed area to […]

Guest columnist Patricia Johnson has bred, handled, and owned Best In Show Boston Terriers for 35 years. She is an AKC Breeder of Merit, an “AKC Gazette” breed columnist for Boston Terriers, served on her local animal advisory board for 9 years, and authored a pet disaster plan for her city. She owns Pat’s Grooming […]

AKC National Detection Dog Conference Returns to Durham, NC August 14, 2026 The American Kennel Club’s National Detection Dog Conference returned to Durham, North Carolina, August 4–6, 2026. The conference brought together researchers, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, law enforcement professionals, and industry experts to discuss advancements and challenges across the detection dog field. Pre-conference activities began […]

The Harrier is a swift, prey-driven pack hound of medium size first bred in medieval England to chase hare. Outgoing and friendly, the Harrier is much larger than the Beagle but smaller than another close relative, the English Foxhound.