The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2022 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The NOHS Finals will be held […]

We take name inspiration from all of our favorite things in life. Our favorite places, flowers, family members, movies—so when it comes to naming a new puppy, why not take a cue from some of our most-loved foods too? Whether you prefer sweet, salty, or savory, we have all kinds of food names for dogs. As […]

A combination of breed and socialization will help determine how your dog will behave. Here's why breed matters when selecting a pet.

Pet owners should know the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for elbow dysplasia in dogs. Here's what to look for in your dog.

Bailey’s Book Club, an American Kennel Club® program, is designed to provide dog-themed books and related resources to K-12 schools around the country that qualify as Title 1 or have at least 40% of students enrolled qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The program also provides children with an opportunity to learn about the importance […]

An itching, scratching dog conjures up nightmarish images of fleas hopping everywhere—especially onto our furniture, beds, and carpets. Fleas are prime suspects if your dog is scratching without any apparent reason, but before you can blame fleas for your dog’s discomfort you need to do a little more investigating. The best way to find out […]

As the American Kennel Club announced, the Labrador Retriever was the most popular dog breed in the United States in 2021 — for the 31st year in a row, no less! (It usurped the Cocker Spaniel in 1991, and hasn’t let go of the No. 1 spot since.) But when looking at the most popular […]

No one can keep the Lab down! The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced at a virtual press conference today at the AKC Museum of the Dog that the ever-popular Labrador Retriever is the nation’s favorite dog for the 31st consecutive year. While the loveable Lab remains a constant at the top of the charts, the […]

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 […]

Have you noticed blood in your dog's poop? Knowing what you're looking at can help you communicate more clearly with your veterinarian.

When a new puppy arrives, you're likely to be focused on helping them feel at home with your family rather than any health concerns the dog may have. But a growing puppy can be at risk for developmental disorders such as panosteitis, which can be very painful. Fortunately, by knowing the risk factors and early […]

Many dogs will get into anything they come across, from rat poison to dropped medication to antifreeze. And of course, that puts the dog's health at risk. Teaching a “leave it" cue to your dog can be a lifesaver, but you can't watch your pet every minute of the day. It's important to know the common signs […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2022 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2022. The 2022 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

Rottweilers. American Staffordshire Terriers. Loving, loyal, ideal family pets. Yet they are sometimes misunderstood, assumed to have traits that a good representative of their breed would not possess. So why is a story about the smallest of all AKC-registered breeds talking about the big guys? Because Chihuahuas have also been subjected to a few undeserved […]

In December 2021, a Giant Schnauzer named Bayou made breed history by being the first to win the AKC National Championship. But even in the ring, Bayou’s instincts came through. The dog's handler, Alfonso Escobedo, took note of the dog's behavior. The giant canine kept his eyes on the same location in the ring, to […]

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 […]

Imagine being in an unfamiliar country where you don't speak the language or know the rules and customs. Sounds a bit like being a dog in a human world, right? Truthfully, dogs are incredibly skilled at understanding humans. Far better than people are at speaking canine. Even still, from misusing your dog's name to mixing […]

I'll never forget the look my puppy obedience class trainer gave me when I told her proudly that my puppy had gone on a two-mile hike with me. As she explained, puppies, especially large-breed puppies, should not be exercised too much, as over-exercising could cause joint and bone problems, and two miles was definitely too […]

From haunted hounds to laboratory creations, these are the top dogs in horror movies to watch this Halloween.