Whole books, not to mention thousands of web pages, are devoted to describing the minutiae that distinguish one breed from another. However, the official AKC breed standards are supposed to be the breeders’ blueprints, so I found myself wondering if we could recognize the distinct personality of the Belgian Malinois based solely on its description […]

Purina Pro Plan-fed dogs made a clean sweep by winning Best in Show and all the Group Firsts at the inaugural “Beverly Hills Dog Show Presented by Purina.” “Rip” (GCH Fidelis Ripcord), a 3-year-old red male Doberman Pinscher, stole the show by capturing the coveted Best in Show title at the Saturday event held by […]

Why do dogs suck on blankets? Here's why your dog may enjoy sucking or kneading a blanket or soft toy.

Careful Breeding I am writing the column this time not as an individual who is experienced in the world of purebred dogs but as a layperson who lost a beloved pet. I recently lost my Doberman Pinscher, Amber, who was a family member to us. She lived with a Bulldog, two cats, and later two grandchildren […]

Chinese Crested "Kiss" and Zelda Casanova are looking forward to showing how smart and driven the breed can be when competing in the AKC Obedience Classic.

When it comes to choosing the right dog breed for you and your family, there are a lot of different things to consider. Temperament, exercise needs, size, and maintenance are all important aspects of your decision. Some people prefer a lower-maintenance breed, which often means that the dogs require little grooming. Of course, regular baths […]

A breakthrough therapy shows promise in the fight against a deadly heart disease that strikes both dogs and people, Canadian researchers report. In the current issue of the American Journal of Physiology, scientists from the University of Guelph found that a naturally-occurring molecule called dAPT (2-Deoxyadenosine triphosphate) restored normal function in cardiac muscle cells taken […]

What makes a dog smart? Discover how canine intelligence is defined and which dog breeds consistently rank highest.

  -- Board Approved Parent Clubs Request for New Competition -- The American Kennel Club® Board of Directors has granted the request of four Parent Clubs to approve the Working Dog Sport (WDS), effective January 1, 2007 with regulations to be approved by the AKC Board. The breeds approved to compete in AKC®'s newest sport […]

Miniature Schnauzer Takes 'Best in Show'  The American Kennel Club is happy to announce the winner of the 1st ever AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. The inaugural event garnered 689 entries. GCHP CH Carmel Sky High Wish Upon a Star, a Miniature Schnauzer known as “Twink,” was awarded Best in Show by AKC Judge and […]