Deb Kidwell -Taylor lives in Sweetwater, TN, on three acres of fields and woods with her husband Ron and five Azawakh. Originally from Virginia, Deb has had Azawakh since 1989. She also raises super tall chickens known as Asian Fowl, jokingly calling them the “Azawakh of chickens.” She is an AKC Breeder of Merit and […]

The smallest of the three Schnauzers, the Miniature Schnauzer, turns heads wherever it goes. The breed's bushy eyebrows and thick-fringed beard give the Mini the look of a distinguished gentleman that's hard to miss. Highly intelligent, muscular, and outgoing, this sturdy terrier-type dog is a fast learner. With a bit of planning, patience, and persistence […]

There is, carved into a Scottish Highlands farm wall, the image of a short-legged, longheaded, prick-eared, cobbily built dog barking on a wheelbarrow. The image appears to date from around A.D. 200, and is about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, small enough that the viewer cannot make out if the dog is double-coated or […]

Antwerp is the world’s capital for diamonds, exquisite gems strong enough to cut glass. But the region is known for another multifaceted jewel, the Bouvier des Flandres, admired the world over for his striking appearance, tremendous strength, and courage. “Initially we are drawn to the Bouvier by the appearance of rugged hairiness, but what keeps […]

Ever the charmer, a Shih Tzu puppy can be challenging to train. These loveable con artists live up to their name, meaning "Lion Dog." Shih Tzu respond best to training methods based on praise and rewards. For advice on training and expected milestones, we talked to Nancy Broz, owner of Jen-Mai Shih Tzu with over […]

To perform in movies, musicals, and other live performances, dogs must be trainable, reliable, and predictable. One dog that comes to mind when many people think of dogs in theater is Sandy, the dog belonging to little orphan Annie. So what dog played Sandy? In the original 1977 Broadway production, Annie was played by an […]

Can dogs see color? The popular notion that dogs only see in black and white is false Dogs can make out yellow and blue, and combinations of those colors This means the best toys for your dog may be those in blue and yellow hues Is everything in a dog’s world black and white? That […]

Emily Wentland, an 18-year-old from Ohio, got started training and showing her dogs through 4-H when she was just eight and began competing in AKC sports at 13. She and her Miniature American Shepherds and Borzoi (Woodridge's I Shot The Sheriff CD NAP OJP CGC TKE "Gunner," Shadowland's Designer Gucci Girl NAJ CGC TKE "Gucci," […]

Puppies are a lot of wonderful things – snuggly, playful, spirited – but sometimes they can be a little too curious for their own good. No matter how puppy-proofed a home is or how careful owners are, puppies have a way of finding trouble. We’ve chosen six pet health insurance claims in which puppies (under […]

Mattis is one of five 2021 AKC Awards for Canine Excellence recipients, winning the Uniformed Service K-9 category. This category recognizes certified therapy dogs working in hospitals, schools, disaster sites, war zones, and wherever else the affection of a good dog can provide comfort. Mattis and Sgt. Mark Tappan check every box when it comes […]

Here are some highlights of state and federal regulatory issues AKC GR recently addressed.  Visit AKC’s Regulatory Resource Center for more information on these and other significant regulatory issues addressed by AKC Government Relations. Federal – CDC Temporary Ban on Dog Imports: In June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a temporary suspension of the importation […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Connecticut – Deputy Speaker Mushinsky has met with two state agencies regarding legislation for therapy dog recognition. A bill is expected to be re-drafted and re-filed for next year. Connecticut – In an October 28 Connecticut Post opinion, […]

Here are some highlights of state and federal regulatory issues AKC GR recently addressed.  Visit AKC’s Regulatory Resource Center for more information on these and other significant regulatory issues addressed by AKC Government Relations. Federal – CDC Temporary Ban on Dog Imports: In June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a temporary suspension of the importation […]

Meet Finya Logan: Her Dog Sports Career is Off to a Great Start! Name: Finya Logan Age: 13 Hometown: Denham Springs, Lousiana Grade: 7th Family: Parents, Byron and Antje Logan AKC: How old is your dog and how did he come into your life? Finya: Ryuk is a 3-years-old Dachshund mix. I was looking for my own […]

Rescue Pups Step Out in Music Video  Professional musician Randy Raatz featured his dogs Teddy and Mojo in a video in which his band covers the tune “Steppin’ Out” – a great way to open our issue with the theme On the Town! Combine 40 years-plus of making music with a lifelong love of dogs. […]

The AKC works with several non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog titling program and the AKC Search & Rescue title program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American […]

Over the next few weeks, Oregonians may see local activists with signs that read “Sign my Petition - End Animal Cruelty”, or a similar message.  The truth, however, is that signing the petition will not end animal cruelty, but will have a devastating impact on dog training, breeding, hunting and other animal husbandry practices – […]

A set of arbitrary and harmful federal breeder bills, H.R. 2840 /S. 1385 that would mandate new requirements for certain hobby and professional dog breeders are continuing to gain support in Congress.  We urge all responsible dog owners, breeders and enthusiasts to contact their lawmakers about the harmful consequences of the bills. While certain aspects […]

The Caddo Parish Commission recently voted 10-1 in favor of an ordinance requiring dogs to be spayed or neutered, despite concerns raised by the AKC and local residents. The Ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2022 for a period of two years. The parish will evaluate the ordinance's effects after two years. Unless […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2021 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “It is our pleasure to honor this group of esteemed breeders,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “These individuals have made important contributions […]