What are the common causes of dog limping, and when should you take your limping dog to the vet? Learn what to look for and what to do.

The Irish Wolfhound is the gentle giant - the largest dog breed. Learn more about the breed with these Irish Wolfhound fun facts.

Maintaining good eye health is essential for your dog. A dog eye infection can quickly become serious, so look out for the signs.

Ever heard the word spitz to describe a dog? Learn about these fascinating breeds, which are characterized by their wolf-like appearance.

Wondering why your dog jumps on furniture? Learn the common reasons behind this behavior and training tips to curb couch and counter surfing.

Some dog breeds are easy to say. Others, like the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, are trickier. Learn proper ways to pronounce tough breed names.

Can dogs think about themselves? Are dogs self-aware? New research suggests that yes: dogs do have self-awareness.

How do you choose the best dog food for your pup? AKC's dog nutrition experts explain how to choose the best dog food diet for your dog or puppy.

Digging is such a source of joy for so many dogs. Has your dog filled your yard with holes? Does your garden look like gophers had a wild party? Digging is a common problem behavior in dogs, and many dog owners suffer the consequences at some point. It can be challenging to prevent, and dangerous […]

These Barbet facts will help you get to know this stunning and athletic French breed.

Is your dog scared of the vacuum cleaner? We explain why dogs fear these cleaning machines, and what you can do to get your dog used to the vacuum cleaner.

These enriching brain games for dogs will help engage your pet's brain and make your training sessions even more fun.

The summer is finally upon us! With the warm weather comes cookouts and outdoor fun. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning for barbecue safety.

Is your dog fascinated by birds and other critters? Their predatory heritage is to blame. Learn how to channel obsessive critter-watching behavior.

Can dogs eat cucumbers? They can, and small pieces of these water-rich vegetables can make good rewards for dogs.

You’ve probably heard the expression “a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth" at least once in your life. Is it true?

Owning a dog is a huge commitment, but is arguably one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have in your life. While there are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to choosing the right dog for you, you might find you’ll have to make some compromises. Temperament, exercise requirements, and level […]

Dogs' noses are far more powerful than humans, with as many as 300 million scent receptors. Learn why the urge to sniff is such a big part of dogs' lives.

It's important to know how to keep your dog healthy. Here are some of the key ways to maintain your dog's health, inside and out.

There are many types of nose work for dogs, from scent work to various sports like tracking, earthdog, search and rescue, or barn hunt.

Communal water bowls at the dog park or coffee shop can come with some hidden risks. Your dog may be lapping up bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

The following are highlights of the numerous bills in Congress that could impact dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs. Visit our 2026 Legislation Tracking map click on the arrow on the Region column to filter for US Federal legislation and get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues […]

Spring signals a very busy season for dog competitors and exhibitors.  With more sunshine and warmer weather throughout the country, there are numerous events in which to participate from national specialties and conformation shows to a variety of performance events including field trials, barn and hunt tests, Fast CAT, and more. Yet language added to […]

From Norway’s rocky island of Vaeroy, the uniquely constructed Norwegian Lundehund is the only dog breed created for the job of puffin hunting. With puffins now a protected species, today’s Lundehund is a friendly, athletic companion.

“A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” -- Colin Powell There are many reasons to put in the time and resources necessary to earn recognition of your dog’s abilities: You might do it to show off their superior abilities; or you might do it for the personal satisfaction that […]

The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin   Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL Friday, December 11, 2026   The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is a competition created especially for purebred dogs aged 6-18 months (Puppies 6-12 months/ […]

“A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” -- Colin Powell There are many reasons to put in the time and resources necessary to earn recognition of your dog’s abilities: You might do it to show off their superior abilities; or you might do it for the personal satisfaction that […]

Title Recognition Program   As of April 1, 2013, the AKC recognizes titles earned in Association events. Owners may apply to have the titles recorded on their dogs' AKC records. titles then will be displayed on pedigrees and other AKC documents AKC Acknowledges Titles   AKC's Announcement Acknowledging Titles Holding in Conjunction with an AKC […]

An amendment to the House Farm Bill (HR 7567) proposed by animal rights groups threatens the future of AKC performance events and recognized hunt training techniques. Please join AKC and leading sportsmen’s organizations in defending responsible dog enthusiasts, sportsmen and trainers. Please contact your member of the U.S. Congress and respectfully ask Congress to remove […]

Alabama Senate Bill 361, which addresses the tethering and confinement of dogs, has advanced in the legislative process. The bill was read for the second time and placed on the Senate calendar on March 19, 2026. S. 361 was previously referred to the Senate Committee on State Governmental Affairs. In Alabama, a bill being “read […]