Winston and Jeff Wells found each other. During a devastating snowstorm in Texas in 2021, Wells rescued the then-puppy from a ditch and nursed the...

Seventeen-year-old Ariella Harris was the first person in her family to show dogs. Today she's the number one Junior Handler Doberman Pinscher handler in the country. Although she might be the first dog fancier in the family, Ariella's family members are no strangers to working with animals. As a third-generation horse-woman, Ariella is proud to […]

Owning a rare breed of dog can lead to some unique joys, such as a more casual atmosphere at conformation shows, a small social circle of owners, and more.

Best of Breed winners vied for top honors at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Among the Group First winners, six of seven were dogs fed Purina® Pro Plan® dog food. The success of Purina® Pro Plan®-fed dogs at the Garden reflects the record set in 2016 […]

One of the standout moments of Westminster 2021 was when 16-year-old Lily Bennett won Best Junior Handler and threw her arms around her Wirehaired Pointing Griffon "GCHG Whiskeytown Stonehenge Riding Shotgun" A photo of that hug—as Bennett realized she had won amidst fierce competition—touched viewers around the world. An active competitor, Bennett also has several […]

Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the country. It’s challenging, great fun for dog and handler, and thrilling for spectators. For the dog-human team, agility requires athleticism, concentration, training, and, most of all, teamwork. The handler directs the dog through a predetermined pattern of obstacles, including jumps, tunnels, and weave poles, while […]

How did modern dogs shows get to where they are today? Learn about the histroy of Conformation shows, that began over 150 years ago.

For 15-year-old Allison Chism of Ocala, Florida, there has never been a time that she hasn't been at dog shows. "I've loved being able to grow up and watch my mom, sister, and my grandmother succeed, which has given me the inspiration to follow in their footsteps," she says. Chism officially stepped into the ring […]

15-year-old Sophie Weaver, from Parrish, Florida, is one of the brightest young talents on the US competitive agility circuit. Despite this, she remains remarkably humble about everything she and “Violet,” her 4-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, have achieved together. At the AKC Agility Premier Cup in Philadelphia this June, the teenager will stand out for being the […]

Competing internationally and winning at a national breed specialty are big goals for most dog sports competitors. Junior Emma Bayonet is already there.

The 2022 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin took place on December 18 and 19 in Orlando, Florida. Thousand of dogs competed for Best of Breed; the winner of each breed then went on to Group competitions. The winners of each of the seven Groups then competed for the coveted title of Best in […]

One of the most exciting events in the dog world is the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan®. Handlers and their dogs come from around the nation to demonstrate their poise and skill. While all eyes are usually on the dogs, there is one important individual who ultimately decides the […]

Here are the winners of the 2023 AKC Flyball Dog Challenge, presented by Tractor Supply Company. The event broadcasted on March 25 on ESPN2.

You may not have heard of a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, but when you see Senna zipping around the AKC Agility Premier Cup, you'll be surprised at her talent.

What makes a dog smart? Discover how canine intelligence is defined and which dog breeds consistently rank highest.

As you work up a sweat with your huge, loose-jointed Mastiff puppy, trying to hold up his mid-section while keeping all four of his feet pointed in the same direction, it’s not surprising you’ll watch the Doberman Pinscher handler with a touch of envy. The Dobe glides around the ring, head held high, then nails […]

Never been to a dog show? Here is everything you need to know about how to go to a dog show, how to behave as a spectator, and how to learn.

  Finishing touches are being applied to Monroe County Fairgrounds; Monroe, Michigan for the annual dog show, hosted this July holiday weekend by Ann Arbor Kennel Club. From Friday July 3rd through Sunday 5th more than two thousand dogs will compete in Conformation, Rally, Obedience and Barn Hunt. For the first time ever, Dock Diving […]

Never Stop Learning.One of my tips for being successful with your passion in the sport of purebred dogs is to never stop learning. Read the AKC standard for your breed and the other breeds in your group. Know what breed-specific characteristic are essential to define them. Know why they possess those traits and how they […]

Kathy Wakefield, from Tualatin, Oregon, grew up with two Rat Terriers — Kelly and Turbo. They were her best friends and learned every trick quickly and willingly. As an adult, Kathy decided it was the right time to get her own dog. She met a few different breeds, but they didn't feel like the right […]

"Boom" the Golden Retriever is the oldest dog competing at the 2023 AKC Obedience Classic, and this fun-loving girl is nowhere near ready to retire.

Historically, small terriers and Dachshunds were used to find and drive away predators that destroyed livestock and compromised the food sources of early farmers. To do their job, these original earthdogs would chase quarry into their underground tunnels – a daunting mission that required persistence, bravery, intelligence, and independence. Today, small terriers and Dachshunds can […]

If you're seeking a loving, smart, loyal family dog, look no further than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Dorothy "Dot" Dobie has spent her life competing in various ways, and she's still going strong as an Agility competitor at 92 years old.

If the word "drafting" is unfamiliar to you, you’renot alone. It’s one of those dog sports that probably isn’t on the radar of the average dog owner. The basic definition is the act of pulling a cart or wagon. (And "carting" is often used interchangeably.) Some of the breeds in the Working Group were originally […]

Senior Rescue Pup Becomes Much Loved Therapy Dog Sparky was 11 years old when his family turned him into rescue. They had to move and could not keep him. Sparky was small and adorable, but he also had health issues that were a deterrent to his adoption. Enter Colleen Colenso who was looking for another […]

Preventing Anticipation in the Rally Ring This issue’s tip is contributed by Samantha Scicchigno of Staten Island, NY, who has taught AKC Rally at Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club for 10+ years and frequently puts on workshops and seminars at other clubs in the NY/NJ area. Most recently, she and her All American Dog, […]

The Spotlight shines on one of – if not the – rarest breed competing in League over the Fall Season. Allie is a Stabyhoun – a Dutch breed that is an all-around farm dog, doing any task needed, including hunting birds and small game. They also can run agility – as proven by Allie who […]

  Riley peered through the tunnel, as if he were Alice about to tumble down the rabbit’s hole into Wonderland. Such a small space, such a big dog, it seemed impossible. Yet, on a bright, sunny Sunday morning in May, Riley’s trusted, well-loved human, Jay Cruz, was asking the 14-month-old Mastiff to squeeze his whole […]

He’s A PatchWork Puppy CDX CGC TDI OJP OAP OFP GN CD BN RAE Sheila Dempsey of Jane Lew, WV, wrote this special tribute to her amazing multi-titled All-American Dog, Patches, when he retired from competition at age 13 two years ago. Patches is now 15 ½ years old and enjoying his retirement, Sheila says. […]