The smallest of the three Schnauzers, the Miniature Schnauzer, turns heads wherever it goes. The breed's bushy eyebrows and thick-fringed beard give the Mini the look of a distinguished gentleman that's hard to miss. Highly intelligent, muscular, and outgoing, this sturdy terrier-type dog is a fast learner. With a bit of planning, patience, and persistence […]

Deb Kidwell -Taylor lives in Sweetwater, TN, on three acres of fields and woods with her husband Ron and five Azawakh. Originally from Virginia, Deb has had Azawakh since 1989. She also raises super tall chickens known as Asian Fowl, jokingly calling them the “Azawakh of chickens.” She is an AKC Breeder of Merit and […]

Losing a pet can bring on intense feelings of emptiness and despair. Because pets can't speak for themselves, owners might feel guilty, believing they could have done more to prevent the loss or ease their pet's suffering while they were alive. For advice, we spoke to Jackie Pajan, a TikTok creator known as Rainbow Bridge […]

After three decades sharing my life with Bernese Mountain Dogs, I had developed clear expectations about the breed. Each energetic puppy would turn into a less energetic young adult, who would gradually become an adult couch potato who loved everyone. These biddable dogs would do their best for me in the obedience ring and gladly […]

Once the loyal companions of Chinese royalty, today's Pugs live to please their owners. With their friendly, fun-loving personalities, it's no wonder that this largest member of the Toy Group makes the ideal companion. Prepping a Pug pup to follow good behavior guidelines isn't tricky. Forget intense training, as a little planning and consistency will […]

The month-long search for Brian Laundrie captured the attention of the entire nation, and required the effort of many people — and dogs. K-9s with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office were called in to assist. The Florida K-9 unit is one of the most efficient and diverse in the area, with 36 dogs who have […]

When it comes to dealing with challenges, you can put the Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bull Owners’ (LARPBO) spirit and spunk right at the top of the list. In late summer, the non-profit organization began reaching into its deep toolbox to enhance local attitudes toward a breed battling a longtime stigma of bark, bite, and […]

A hunting dog that doesn't compromise a bit of cuteness, the Beagle is a happy-go-lucky, loyal breed. They are known to be friendly, curious, and irresistibly adorable thanks to their floppy ears, unique coats, and pouty faces. The Beagle makes for the perfect picture of a traditional hound dog and has been a favorite breed […]

Cane Corso puppies melt hearts with their floppy ears, wrinkly bodies, and sweet, squishy faces. But don't let all that cuteness fool you. Your Corso pup will quickly grow up into a very large and powerful dog, over 100 pounds of strong-willed attitude backed by solid muscle. While this breed can be an extremely loyal […]

Sela Cooper, a 16-year-old from Tennessee, has accomplished big things with her Vizsla, Jersey (Mesa's Little Jersey BN RI NAJ BCAT ACT1 ACT1J DJ DN DDS DDBE CGCA TKE VHMA). Cooper got started competing in dog sports in 2019 with Fast CAT and she and Jersey were instantly hooked. The two now also compete in […]

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 […]

At 15 years old, Minnesotan Ella Lambert has already developed a strong passion for AKC sports. She and her dogs are active competitors in Tricks, Rally, Disc, Dock Diving, and her favorite, Agility, which she calls her "heart sport." Lambert is also a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) who helps junior handlers and adults get […]

German Shepherd Dogs are marked by their smarts, confidence, and unshakable bravery. While the breed is all of those powerful things, they are also graceful, gentle souls who can be a great match for the right family. Like with any pet though, it's important to fully understand a breed's specific needs and personality before bringing […]

There's something irresistible about toy breeds. They pack so much personality into a small package. And that's especially true for the Toy Fox Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher. Whether it's the TFT's alert intelligence or the Min Pin's fun-loving fearlessness, these two dogs have a lot to offer. But do you know how to tell […]

This is not just another shaggy-dog story. Also known as the Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON for those of us who are Slavicly-challenged, the hearty Polish Lowland Sheepdog joined the Herding Group and became AKC-recognized in 2001. On the cuteness scale alone, it was no surprise that this dog stirred up a lot of enthusiasm […]

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 […]

Here are some highlights of state and federal regulatory issues AKC GR recently addressed.  Visit AKC’s Regulatory Resource Center for more information on these and other significant regulatory issues addressed by AKC Government Relations. Federal – CDC Temporary Ban on Dog Imports: In June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a temporary suspension of the importation […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB 468 would further clarify the difference between trained service dogs and emotional support animals, and particularly emphasizes that emotional support animals should not be granted the same privileges and access. The bill was signed by […]

Here are some highlights of state and federal regulatory issues AKC GR recently addressed.  Visit AKC’s Regulatory Resource Center for more information on these and other significant regulatory issues addressed by AKC Government Relations. Federal – CDC Temporary Ban on Dog Imports: In June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a temporary suspension of the importation […]

On Wednesday, November 17, more than one dozen animal bills impacting dogs and breeders are on the agenda for review by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (JENRA). The virtual public hearing is scheduled to start at 2pm.  The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has tracked most of […]

This week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 5, which will regulate tethering in the state by providing guidelines for how a dog may be tethered. The bill goes into effect on January 18, 2022. Senate Bill 5 is similar to Senate Bill 474 which was passed and sent to the governor […]

This week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 5, which will regulate tethering in the state by providing guidelines for how a dog may be tethered. The bill goes into effect on January 18, 2022. Senate Bill 5 is similar to Senate Bill 474 which was passed and sent to the governor […]

On Tuesday, November 30, the Berlin Town Council will receive public input at a 7pm hearing regarding changes being proposed for its animal ordinance.  The town’s ordinance committee presented a draft to the Town Council on October 19, that would amend the rules on leash and restraint requirements for dogs, by amending the definitions for […]

This week, the Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 5, a bill that regulates tethering, by a vote of 106-22. The bill was then referred to conference committee between the House and Senate where both chambers agreed on amendments. The bill will now be sent to the governor. The American Kennel Club has not […]

On Tuesday, the Texas House State Affairs Committee passed Senate Bill 5 by a vote of 7-1, with 5 absent committee members. Senate Bill 5 is similar to Senate Bill 474 which was passed and sent to the governor during the Texas regular 2021 legislative session, but the governor ultimately vetoed the bill. This legislation […]

Texas continues its third special session of the year, and now four bills relating to tethering are pending in the House State Affairs Committee: Senate Bill 5 and its companion House Bills 34, 70, and 104 are very similar to Senate Bill 474, which was passed but then vetoed by the governor during the state’s […]

Getting involved in AKC Virtual Sports and Titling opportunities is an easy and exciting way to get started in dog sports! Whether you and your dog are looking to get active in AKC Agility, earn a training title in home manners, or plot a crowd pleasing AKC Trick Dog routine, the opportunities to get started virtually are endless. Virtual programs act as a great steppingstone to further in-person AKC Sports and Events, and participation allows […]

The American Water Spaniel, native to the lake country of the upper Midwest, is an upbeat, outdoorsy athlete who loves to hunt and swim. They are known to be happy, eager, and charming, though aloof with strangers and a bit stubborn.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a vivacious small French hunting hound known for a happy demeanor and durable constitution. Bred to work in a pack, PBGVs enjoy company and do well with other dogs and kids.

  Want to get involved with AKC sports and events -- but your dog is a mixed breed? No problem! Here at the AKC, we embrace all types of dogs – purebred and mixed breeds alike. Our Canine Partners program is our enrollment program for mixed breeds and other dogs not eligible for AKC Purebred Registration. When […]