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Expert Advice: Fitness & Exercise
How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?
Walking your dog is essential for daily exercise and stimulation, but how long and how often do you need to walk a dog each day?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-often-should-you-walk-your-dog/
| May 13, 2022
Expert Advice: Puppy Health
Why Do Puppies Shed Their Coats?
Losing that soft puppy coat is a normal part of your dog’s growth, but it can be alarming for owners. Learn what to expect about puppy coat shedding.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-puppies-shed/
| January 1, 2022
Expert Advice: Conformation
Is Your Dog Ready for Their First Show? What to Expect and How to Prepare
You might have a dog you've dreamed of showing in a conformation event, but how do you know when they're ready to compete for the first time? In This Article Try a Beginner Conformation Course Consider Handling Classes Training in Public Spaces Enter a 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition Practice Through Match Shows Assessing Your […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/is-your-dog-ready-for-their-first-show/
| May 4, 2023
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
THE AKC Announces the 2025 Breeder of the Year Group Honorees
New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/akc-announces-2025-breeder-year-group-honorees/
| November 18, 2025
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Lhasa Apso vs. Shih Tzu: Similarities and Differences
Those small, sturdy dogs with their regal bearing and long, gorgeous coats are adorable. But have you ever wondered which breed you're admiring? The Shih Tzu (pronounced "sheed-zoo" or "sheet-su") or the Lhasa Apso? To the untrained eye, it can be hard to tell these two dogs apart, especially in full coat. But in fact, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/lhasa-apso-versus-shih-tzu-how-to-tell-the-difference/
| April 11, 2023
Expert Advice: Dog Gear & Accessories
Does My Dog Need a Winter Coat? Choosing the Best Winter Coat for Your Dog
Do all dogs need a winter coat? If so, what are the best winter coats for dogs? We break down our favorites for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-winter-coat/
| January 25, 2023
Expert Advice: General Health
Ataxia in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
If your dog is suffering from ataxia, the most common symptom you might notice is a change in their gait, making them very unsteady. What is ataxia?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/ataxia-in-dogs/
| July 13, 2023
Expert Advice: Training for Dog Sports
How to Get Started in Barn Hunt With Your Dog
Many dog breeds were first developed to hunt vermin. Learn more about the sport of Barn Hunt and how it could be perfect for you dog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/get-started-barn-hunt/
| November 27, 2024
Expert Advice: Fun With Your Dog
Best Dog-Friendly Summer Activities to Do Outdoors
Good weather means it's time to head outside. Here are 12 outdoor activities you and your dog can enjoy together this summer.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/outdoor-activities-for-dogs/
| July 7, 2021
Expert Advice: General Health
How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Extreme Heat Without Air Conditioning
It's essential to prepare ahead of time to protect your dog from the heat during summer, especially if you could lose access to air conditioning.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/keep-dog-cool-summer-heat/
| July 26, 2022
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
What Dog Sports Can Three-Legged Dogs Compete In?
Many three-legged dogs can live fit and active lives despite missing a limb. A growing number of tripods are even competing in a variety of dog sports.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/three-legged-dogs-dog-sports/
| July 27, 2022
Expert Advice: Vitamins & Supplements
7 Vitamins Your Dog Needs For a Healthy Life
Grocery stores and pharmacies are stocked with row upon row of human vitamins. With so many options for us, it is completely logical that we wonder if dog vitamins are the right choice for our pets, too. But do dogs actually need canine supplements and vitamins? Are there any risks? Which vitamins should you give […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/vitamins-dogs-need-healthy-lifestyle/
| May 4, 2020
Expert Advice: Why does my dog...
Why Does My Dog Steal My Dirty Laundry?
Is your puppy obsessed with your dirty laundry? This behavior might seem perplexing, but there are several reasons why it makes perfect sense to your dog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/dog-steal-dirty-laundry/
| March 2, 2022
Expert Advice: Basic Training
10 Expert Tips for Successful Dog Training
Training your dog can be challenging, but these 10 tips from the AKC GoodDog! Helpline can help you become an effective and successful trainer.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/expert-tips-for-dog-training/
| August 25, 2023
Expert Advice: Travel & Adventure
What to Pack When You Board Your Dog
Whether you're boarding your dog at a daycare facility or a friend's house, you'll want to make sure you have some essential items ready to go.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/things-pack-when-board-your-dog/
| November 10, 2017
Expert Advice: Events
How To Watch the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving
The annual National Dog Show is arguably the one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. Here's everything you need on how to watch the National Dog Show.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/watch-national-dog-show/
| November 21, 2022
Expert Advice: Safety
How to Prepare Your Dog for a House Fire
When a house fire strikes, every second counts. Here are some things you can do to protect your dog in the event of a house fire.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/prepare-your-dog-house-fire/
| August 17, 2023
Expert Advice: Grooming
Everything You Need to Know About Hand Stripping Dog Coats
Hand-stripping is a specialized grooming procedure for wiry-coated dogs. It involves plucking dead strands of hair to retain the coat's coarse texture.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hand-stripping-dog-coats/
| July 15, 2025
Sports & Events
AKC Trick Dog
Welcome to the AKC Trick Dog Program! AKC Trick Dog is one of AKC’s most popular training programs because trick training is fun for both dogs and their trainers. You can teach your dog tricks yourself, or you can go to a training class. Tricks are behaviors that are designed to entertain others. AKC Trick […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/
| October 26, 2017
Press Releases
JUDGING PANEL FOR 2025 NATIONAL OWNER-HANDLED SERIES FINALS ANNOUNCED
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2025 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals. The AKC NOHS Finals will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida as a part of the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/judging-panel-2025-national-owner-handled-series-finals-announced/
| April 23, 2025