Animal rights activists are currently collecting signatures in Oregon to place a measure on the 2022 ballot that would have a detrimental impact on hunting, many breeding procedures, and other animal husbandry practices in the state. Oregon Initiative Petition 13 claims to be stopping animal cruelty practices in the state, but instead would essentially ban […]

On Tuesday, July 6, the City of Stamford’s full Board of Representatives voted 33-1 to return a proposed dog tethering ordinance back to its Legislative and Rules Committee for consideration of additional input by residents and fellow board members.  Video of the meeting can be viewed here.  Discussion of the proposed tethering ordinance, LR30.103, starts […]

For 15-year-old Allison Chism of Ocala, Florida, there has never been a time that she hasn't been at dog shows. "I've loved being able to grow up and watch my mom, sister, and my grandmother succeed, which has given me the inspiration to follow in their footsteps," she says. Chism officially stepped into the ring […]

A third-generation handler from South Carolina, Ryley Kirkland first experienced the thrill of entering the ring at three years old. Now 15, Kirkland ended 2020 as the #1 Junior Handler in the country and has been in the top 4 Junior Handlers for 2021. Her dogs are Bullet, a Treeing Walker Coonhound (Ch Stackem Up Lutras […]

Isn’t it always best to get a dog from its country of origin? I mean, you can’t get more authentic than a German Shepherd Dog from Germany, or an Italian Greyhound from Italy, or a Chinese Shar-Pei from China – right? Well, not so fast. That answer is highly breed dependent. And in the case […]

Dori Anderson, an AKC Breeder of Merit and preservation breeder of Outbackred Australian Terriers, lives in Hartford, Wisconsin. Established in 1983, Outbackred produces show quality Aussies with a focus on temperament, conformation, and structural soundness for future generations. They have produced many AKC Champions.     AKC:  How did you get started in breeding dogs? Dori: […]

“Oh my gosh, that little dog can jump 14 feet?" It's a question owner Angela Crawford is familiar with. After all, not many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels participate in Dock Diving, and 14 feet is an impressive distance to jump. But getting questions like this, and watching the excitement of the crowds at any Dock […]

Long on looks and short on training time, Dachshund puppies are fast learners. This determined and highly intelligent hound will follow your instructions, especially if you motivate them to follow your direction, and positive lessons speed the process. Walter Jones, First Vice President of the Dachshund Club of America, remembers George, his family's first Smooth […]

When Mandy Middleton first started competing in AKC events, almost no one knew what breed she was showing. That breed — the Mountain Cur — is rare in the U.S., despite its patriotic roots. Considered the All-American pioneer dog, Curs were a necessity to frontier families, who relied on them to catch wild game and […]

For decades after the Revolutionary War, America had been trying to secure a treaty of commerce with Turkey. In the spring of 1831, President Andrew Jackson sent an unlikely man to solve the problem. The proud and inflexible Commodore David Porter was a 50-year-old naval hero, who had fought in the First Barbary War, the […]

For millennia, the Cirneco dell’Etna has lived in the shadow of Mount Etna. Scrambling over the rocky, volcanic Sicilian soil in pursuit of rabbit, these small red dogs were invaluable sources of sustenance and protection for their peasant owners. But by the time the 20th Century dawned, the Cirneco was facing its own sunset of […]

The Vizsla was developed in Hungary centuries ago as both a versatile hunting dog and a devoted companion, and the breed today retains those combined qualities. Vizslas typically love to do things with their owners, and they’re curious and interested in all kinds of activities. Vizslas are athletic and exuberant. (Bob Holmes/AKC Photo Contest) With […]

This is an easy trick to teach, and your dog will love it! It’s best to start with teaching your dog to catch treats as you don’t want to throw a toy that might hit him in the face and turn him off to catching forever. Sit your dog about two feet in front of […]

Visitors and residents of Savannah, Georgia, who are hoping to catch a glimpse of something (or someone) otherworldly are getting a little help from a rather intuitive Golden Retriever. Bailey The Ghost Hunting Dog of Savannah accompanies his owner, Melynda Ware-Loomis, as she leads walking ghost tours of what is considered by some to be […]

With his fluffy white coat, the American Eskimo Dog does look like he came straight out of an igloo. But he actually has a very different origin. Here are seven interesting facts about the American Eskimo Dog: 1. They Originated in Germany The American Eskimo Dog, or Eskie, is actually not from America. They originated […]

The desert isn't just for cactuses and snakes. Phoenix is a dog-friendly city with tons of cultural activities and adventures for you and your four-legged best friend. Here are seven fun things to do with your dog in Phoenix: 1. Go To The Park Phoenix has dozens of parks where you can walk your dog […]

Did you know that there are 190 dog breeds registered by the AKC? While many of them are familiar faces, there are several breeds that most people have never seen before, or even heard of. Some are newly registered, and some are just less common in the United States. Here are some facts about a […]

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Sienna Bay Watermark Dirk DM DS TKN TKI CGC, shows off one of his tricks that helped earn him the new AKC Intermediate Trick Dog title. Eleven-year-old Kya has had an impressive career that includes a conformation championship and rally titles. Being a veteran has limited some of her activities, but that […]

  AKC Breeder Spotlight: Theresa Viesto of Tiger Rose Labrador Retrievers Each month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) profiles breeders to hear about how they got started, their breeding program, and their experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with Theresa Viesto of Tiger Rose Labradors in Newtown, Conn. Here, she answers questions about her […]

Gilligan isn't your average dog. Just take a look at her long list of titles: Fishbay’s Merchant of Venice CD BN RE AX AXJ OF RATN DN CGCA TKA WWDX CWDX MAC-3 SROM. The versatile Portuguese Water Dog has earned an array of accolades, including winning multiple agility, Rally, and obedience classes at national specialties. Perhaps most impressive […]

Lauren Mulvihill didn't grow up with dogs, but that never stopped her from wanting one. Growing up, her cousin's dog Casey — “the perfect Golden to a T" — was friendly, goofy, and smart. Lauren begged her parents for a dog like Casey. “I would ask every single holiday," she says. “I'd be like, please […]

Looking for the best pet massage tools? It's no secret that pets, like many humans, love a massage. And as with people, the feel-good benefits of a massage can have a meaningful impact on overall mental and physical health. It's true, a massage can help your dog by reducing stress, anxiety, and aches and pains, […]

Copper, a 16-month-old Black and Tan Coonhound, has achieved more in his 16 months than most people do in their first 10 years of life. Copper is a K-9 with the Cocoa Police Department in Brevard County, Fla. He's also a certified therapy dog and a courtroom dog. We had the pleasure of meeting Copper […]

When Drs. Carole Schuster and Philip Abessinio, of Locust Valley, N.Y., bought their West Highland White Terrier four years ago, the duo set some ambitious goals. They hoped their new canine companion, Max, would be a therapy dog, Canine Good Citizen, and a successful conformation competitor. The dynamic, 20-pound pup hasn't disappointed. "I was looking […]

Kol, a Grand Champion Bronze Golden Retriever, is one of five, loyal companion dogs who won the 19th annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). The winners will be honored at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, Florida, December 15-16, 2018. There is a reason Jane Eisenberg has labeled […]

Millions have had midlife career changes. They touch on an amalgam of motivation, health, skills, and behavioral soundness. Not everyone’s psyche is geared to these life-altering, pressure-point transitions, however. And what about dogs? A pair of Washington state Shetland Sheepdogs — Brumby and Sonnet — are finding it suits them nicely. Both have discovered how […]

State Issues: 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 is […]

The Dogo Argentino is a pack-hunting dog, bred for the pursuit of big-game such as wild boar and puma, and possesses the strength, intelligence and quick responsiveness of a serious athlete. His short, plain and smooth coat is completely white, but a dark patch near the eye is permitted as long as it doesn't cover more […]

The Small Munsterlander is a versatile hunting dog and natural retriever with a medium range, solid pointing instinct, and strong desire for the water. He has excellent tracking abilities for all types of work after the shot. These qualities are enhanced by intelligence and trainability.

The Wetterhoun, although originally bred for hunting otters, now make excellent companions, watchdogs, and can excel in a variety of sports due to their perseverant nature.  The Wetterhoun is almost never seen apart from its owner; they enjoy their company as much as the owner enjoys theirs.