When considering a treat for dog training, freeze-dried treats are one option to consider. Learn more about these single-ingredient treats.

Puppies, like human babies, do a lot of learning in their early months, especially when it comes to navigating their new environment and adopting good manners. In This Article Build Trust Before Training Begins Key Training Goals at 8–16 Weeks What Puppies Should Learn by 6 Months Essential Skills by One Year Can You Train […]

Legal Notices Linking policy Web material reproduction policy Third party links Quick Links  Cookies Compatible Browsers & Devices Browser Versions & Devices Pop-ups & Javascript Browser Plug-ins and Media Understanding My AKC Account Functions Creating Your AKC Account Two Factor Authentication (TFA, 2FA, Account Verification) Browser & Verification Tips Important Update – Usernames and Email […]

The Senate Agriculture Committee will be marking up draft language pertaining to federal dog laws in the 2026 Senate Farm Bill later this month.  As introduced, the bill supports important priorities for dog enthusiasts and responsible breeders, including canine health, welfare and the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders.  As a constituent of an […]

The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through June 30, 2026.  These and other victories have been won in cooperation with AKC federations, clubs, and responsible dog owners and breeders around the country who continue to work tirelessly to promote positive canine legislation in their state and community. […]

Is your dog peeing more than usual? Here are possible causes of changes in urinary frequency in dogs and other symptoms to watch out for.

Of all the odd habits our dogs have—drinking toilet water, rolling in dead things, licking their butts— nothing disgusts most dog owners more than knowing that dogs eat poop sometimes. A dog's motivation for eating poop isn't to gross us humans out, but the act of eating poop certainly disgusts us. So much so, in […]

Cheza the All-American Dog is a Trick Dog star and search and rescue dog now, but she had a difficult start before owner Laura Jackson.

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="All-Breed/Specialty Conflicts (September 2013 Board meeting; amended January 2016)"] If an All-Breed/Limited Breed Conformation, Performance, or Companion Event club refuses to grant permission to accommodate a Parent Club's National Specialty or a Performance or Companion event (which is limited to the Parent Club breed) when held with the National Specialty, a Parent Club regional specialty […]

Making friends in a new city can be challenging. But dogs often make that transition easier by sparking conversations, encouraging shared routines, and helping owners feel more connected. Research and real-life experiences show that dogs can boost confidence, improve mental well-being, and open doors to friendships and even romance. In This Article How Dogs Expand […]

It is likely the Senate Agriculture Committee will mark up the Agriculture Act of 2026 (“Farm Bill 2.0”) on Thursday, August 6, 2026.  We are asking you to reach out to your senators in support of the positive animal care provisions in Farm Bill 2.0 and ask that they oppose potential amendments pushed by animal […]

Have a new puppy at home? Learn when to start potty training a puppy, create a schedule, use a crate, and prevent common accidents.

Food-grade lick mats made of natural rubber or silicone aim to soothe, entertain, and enrich dogs. They're also easy to clean and offer many uses.

Canine Good Citizen®, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® and/or AKC Community Canine℠ An AKC club near you can provide you and your dog with training classes and testing for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC and AKC Community Canine. You will be able to earn official AKC titles in Canine Good Citizen (the "CGC" title) and AKC Community Canine […]

Is it normal for a dog to sleep upside down? Find out why dogs choose this position, whether it affects breathing, and what it reveals about their well-being.

Do dogs sweat? Learn more about how dogs regulate body temperature and how to protect your dog from overheating and heatstroke.

Seborrhea in dogs can cause flaking skin, oily skin and coat, and odor. Learn to recognize and treat this skin condition.

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 […]

***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. […]

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 […]