The doorbell rings, which in many houses prompts the dog to start barking. Then, the barking prompts the owners to start yelling, and instead of stopping—the dog just barks more! Sound familiar? If this scene resembles your house, you aren't alone. This is a common situation where many owners get stuck and frustrated by a […]

Hot spots are one of the most common skin conditions in dogs, particularly in the summer months. These painful, oozing sores can appear seemingly out of nowhere and often spread rapidly. While they are frustrating to deal with, this common condition can be aided by hot spot treatments, and even prevented with the right management […]

It was a warm spring day, and a neighbor and I were watching some dogs charging around playfully in a fenced, dog-park area, seemingly oblivious to the heat. My neighbor commented, “You know, if we were running around like that we would be drenched in sweat. Dogs must be marvelously adapted to handle the heat.” […]

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 […]

The American Kennel Club has officially recognized over 200 breeds. Take a look at these AKC breed recognition fun facts to learn more!

As the American Kennel Club’s 200th fully recognized breed, the Bracco Italiano became the Sporting Group's latest member in 2022. Its AKC recognition was a huge milestone for the organization’s mission in the preservation of purebred dogs. After all, it's been a long time since America's oldest dog registry recognized its first breed, the Pointer, […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Amanda Ciaravino of Crete, IL has been hired as an Executive Field Representative. Ciaravino’s career in the sport of dogs spans 35 years, starting as a Junior Handler. Since 2005, she has worked as an All-Breed Professional Handler, responsible for the day-to-day training, conditioning, and showing […]

More than 3,000 dogs vied and more than 200 breeds competed for the coveted title of Best in Show at the 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan®. After three days of breed competition and two days of group competition, seven dogs moved forward to Best in Show competition to be […]

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a popular summer activity that you can actually do with your dog. It combines surfing and paddling into a full-body workout. With some patience and the right equipment, you can teach your dog to ride on the board while you push merrily along. Here's what you need to know before […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to recognize its affiliated dog clubs which have been holding AKC events for over 100 years and are an essential part of the sport of dogs. Founded in 1884, AKC together with its affiliated organizations promote responsible dog ownership, conduct over 23,000 organized dog events per year, breed […]

The history of dogs might be very different without the people of Phoenicia. These seafaring traders sailed the Mediterranean from what is today Lebanon 2,500 years ago, During their trip, they did business in luxury items. As they went, it's assumed that the Phoenicians disseminated Egyptian hounds throughout the ancient world. The prevailing theory suggests […]

Tifani King of Spring Lake Park Minnesota could technically still compete as a junior. But after a successful Juniors career, she made the decision to start not just competing against adults, but to become a professional handler, where she is hired to show other people's dogs in the breed ring. For someone with a lifelong […]

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 […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our Sport on a national […]

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 […]

Have you ever wondered what it means to be AKC-recognized? How does a dog become AKC-recognized? Learn about the entire breed recognition process.

National Champion Beats Out More Than 5,000 Dogs GCHG CH Lagniappe's From The Mountains To The Bayou, a Giant Schnauzer known as “Bayou” triumphed over more than 5,000 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 18-19, 2021 […]

The 2021 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Dec. 18 and 19 hosted more than 5,000 dogs who all competed for the coveted title of Best in Show. The competition began with each dog competing for best in their breed. Best of Breed winners then advanced to compete in the group competitions to […]

There is not much in this world cuter than a puppy. Besides their downy ears and ridiculous antics, part of their undeniable appeal is their soft puppy coats. Unfortunately for adoring owners, puppyhood doesn’t last forever. Loss of puppy coat is a normal part of your dog’s growth, but it can be alarming for first-time […]

The 2021 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin was held December 18 and 19, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This event is the only all-breed dog show organized and presented directly by the AKC, the nation’s oldest and only not-for-profit purebred dog registry. Thousands of dogs from throughout the […]