Tifani King of Spring Lake Park Minnesota could technically still compete as a junior. But after a successful Juniors career, she made the decision to start not just competing against adults, but to become a professional handler, where she is hired to show other people's dogs in the breed ring. For someone with a lifelong […]

It goes without saying that in your house, your dog is the most popular. But what do the statistics say? The American Kennel Club has used registration data to compile the list of 2021’s most popular breeds. As always, the Labrador Retriever tops the list — this time for the 31st year!  The Lab's temperament […]

Wavy, curly, silky, short, double, dense, wooly, corded – dog coats are definitely not all the same. There’s a wide variation from breed to breed and among individual dogs. Not all dog shampoos are good for every dog, but how do you choose which is the best for your pet? Finding a shampoo that is […]

A common complaint among new puppy owners is that their puppies are constantly biting their hands. Although this behavior can be alarming or overwhelming, it's extremely natural. Puppies understand the world around them by putting things into their mouth. Biting and mouthing are normal puppy behavior and aren't generally a cause for alarm or concern, and it […]

Have you ever wondered what it means to be AKC-recognized? How does a dog become AKC-recognized? Learn about the entire breed recognition process.

The Mudi (pronounced "MOO-dee"), one of two newly-recognized American Kennel Club breeds gaining full recognition January 1, brings a little bit of everything to the table. But make no mistake about it, this herding breed with Hungarian origin comes with a few caveats. “If not mentally and physically challenged, the Mudi can be barky and […]

Although an annoying behavior, nipping at your fingers and toes is completely normal for teething puppies and is something you can train away.

A dog enjoying a toy is as entertaining to us humans as it is to the dog. Perhaps that's why dog owners spend roughly $50 a year on new dog toys. With hundreds, if not thousands, of toys to choose from, how do you choose a toy your dog will love instead of spending your […]

Magnus is one of five 2021 AKC Awards for Canine Excellence recipients. He won the Search and Rescue category. This category recognizes dogs certified to assist in wilderness and urban tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people. In May 2014 Sinead Imbaro, of Miami, said goodbye to Marcus Aurelius, her endeared German Shepherd […]

Competition/Titles Update Fall 2021 We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) AGCH MACH3 Day's Katie […]

When you're out and about at a dog park or on an outdoor adventure, it's convenient to spot a communal water bowl available to hydrate your precious pup. However, communal water bowls come with some hidden risks. Your dog may be lapping up bacteria, viruses, or parasites when they quench their thirst. Obviously, it's really […]

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 […]

Despite or perhaps as a result of the stress and unusual health precautions Americans experienced in 2020, people focused more than ever on their pets. For the first time, pet industry sales exceeded $100 billion, according to American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2020 State of the Industry Report. This tidal wave of spending is expected […]

How do you prevent dog anxiety in car rides? Teach your dog to ride in the car calmly and comfortably to make travel easier for both of you.

Dogs have fought alongside man since ancient times. The Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, Romans, and others used dogs as sentries and scouts and sometimes brought dogs into combat. Attila the Hun used fierce Mastiff-like breeds that were sometimes armored and sent into battle. In more modern times, Germany created military dog-training programs late in the 19th […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Master Agility Championships (MACH)  Congratulations to these dogs who have earned more […]

If you're the owner of an energetic or hyper dog, here are some tips to help calm them down and get to the root of the hyperactive behavior.

Rashes on a dog's belly may look alarming and uncomfortable, but they are quite common. These dog belly rash bumps and redness you see can have a variety of causes, from a simple bacterial skin infection to a more serious underlying condition, such as Cushing’s disease. If left untreated, your dog's belly rash could develop […]

What if your dog eats sand? Dogs who visit the beach are in danger of what veterinarians call intestinal sand impaction — even if they simply play fetch.

Along with keeping your dog safe in the car, be sure the experience is stress-free too. Here's how to keep your dog comfortable during car rides.