Bringing a dog into your life is a decision that requires careful consideration, regardless of whether or not you're a first-time dog owner. With so many breeds to choose from, the amount of options alone can be overwhelming. If you're a seasoned dog owner with experience in competing in dog sports, or live an especially […]

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

Crouching, creeping, and then exploding into a focused burst of energy, the Border Collie is one of the best and most popular herding breeds. These dogs as we know them today have been around for more than 130 years. However, their ancestors reach back much further — to the first partnership between humans and dogs […]

If you're an experienced dog owner seeking a companion for your active lifestyle, look no further than the Border Collie.

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 […]

Glamorous, charming, and adaptable, it's hard not to be bewitched by the Maltese. Find out why the breed is more than good looks.

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 […]

There is so much misinformation passed around about dogs, but to truly know your pet, get to the bottom of these common dog myths.

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

When seen floating across the show ring, the long, flowing Shih Tzu coat is dramatic and eye-catching. But maintaining that coat requires consistent care. 

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.

Dog agility is an exciting celebration of canine athleticism and the dog-human bond. Learn if the sport is right for you and how to get started.

Looking for a dog that loves the water? Learn more about these breeds known for retrieving, water rescue, boating, and outdoor adventures.

Ever wonder what goes on at a dog agility competition? We've made a beginner's guide — including a breakdown of the obstacles!

Most dogs enjoy training, but dogs also might like one sport over another. So how do you tell if your dog likes the sport?

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 […]

If you own a dog, you have probably found yourself wondering how much exercise a dog needs daily. Depending on your schedule, that question might sometimes sound more like “How much exercise does a dog really need every day?” In This Article Daily Exercise Needs for Puppies Exercise Guidelines for Adult Dogs Exercise Guidelines for […]

Wondering what dogs can eat? Discover safe human foods for dogs, foods to avoid, and expert tips for healthy treats.

If you want a dog but experience allergy symptoms around them, you are not alone. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, some purebred breeds are often a better fit for allergy sufferers because they have predictable, low-shedding coats that may spread less dander. Combined with good household allergy management, these breeds can make dog ownership […]

Do you or a member of your family suffer from allergies when around dogs? Perhaps you sneeze, get itchy or watery eyes, hives on your skin, or even more serious respiratory issues. If you are a dog lover, you may have avoided owning one because of this problem, especially if the allergy symptoms are extreme. […]

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

It’s natural to hug someone you love, but dogs don’t communicate affection the same way humans do. Many dogs find hugs uncomfortable or even stressful, even if they don’t resist. By understanding how dogs experience physical contact, you can interact more safely and show affection in ways they truly enjoy. In This Article Why Dogs […]

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 […]

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 […]

This electronic Handbook was developed as a guide for all AKC Delegates. Feedback and suggestions are appreciated via our email. Welcome Letter from Board of Directors Letter from Delegate Advocacy and Advancement Committee (DAAC) The American Kennel Club History and Mission Statement Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club Rules, Regulations & Policies How […]