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Expert Advice: Can my dog...
Can Dogs Sense When People Are Going to Die?
Can dogs sense death? Ask any group of dog lovers, and they can give you example after example. But is it just a coincidence, or can they tell?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/can-dogs-sense-death/
| October 16, 2023
Press Releases
AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB ANNOUNCES BREEDER OF THE YEAR BY SPORT
The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, wishes to acknowledge those individuals that have excelled at breeding dogs that have proven to be outstanding in AKC sports. The commitment to preserve, protect and improve a breed represents the very essence of the AKC. […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-announces-breeder-year-sport/
| December 20, 2023
Press Releases
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE JUNIOR VERSATILITY SCHOLARSHIPS
The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of the AKC Junior Versatility Scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to the top 10 Juniors who competed in a minimum of three different competitive AKC Events. The dates of eligibility were […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-announces-winners-junior-versatility-scholarships/
| January 30, 2024
Expert Advice: Lifestyle
What Were Hound Group Dogs Bred to Do?
32 AKC recognized breeds make up the hound group. We're taking a closer look at what each of these beauties were bred to do.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/hound-group-dogs/
| September 8, 2018
Expert Advice: News
Does Dog Breed Affect Behavior? In a Word, Yes.
A combination of breed and socialization will help determine how your dog will behave. Here's why breed matters when selecting a pet.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/does-dog-breed-affect-behavior/
| May 12, 2022
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Berger Picard History: From the Big Screen to a Beloved Breed
The Berger Picard hit the big screen in "Because of Winn-Dixie" but this French herding dog's history goes back way further.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/berger-picard-history/
| September 24, 2020
Sports & Events
Junior Report: Emily Wentland
18 years old I started training dogs when I was just 9 years old. I joined the local 4-H club with my family’s old rescue shih tzu, Oliver. I was hooked from the very first training session. The next year my mom allowed me to get my own dog, Levi. Levi was a Miniature American […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/juniors/junior-resources/junior-spotlight/junior-report-emily-wentland/
| February 26, 2024
Sports & Events
Agility League Spotlight: Giza – Representing Her Breed & Still Running as a Veteran
The spotlight shines on Giza, who is the sole representative of her breed - the Pharaoh Hound - in League. Not only is Giza a rarer breed of sighthound, she did not start her agility career until she was 6 years old. Now 12, she is still competing and having fun in the sport as […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/in-the-zone/agility-league-spotlight-giza-running-veteran/
| February 26, 2024
Pages
AKC DNA + Health Kit – Included Tests
All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/dna/dna-resource-center/akc-dna-health-kit-tests-available/
| July 26, 2023
Press Releases
The AKC Awards 2005 Junior Scholarships
The American Kennel Club today announced that 58 Junior Scholarships have been awarded to students from 26 states. The scholarships for high school, college and graduate school students range from $1,000 to $5,000 each for a total of $100,000. "The Junior Scholarship program is a special way for AKC to honor the hard work and […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/the-akc-awards-2005-junior-scholarships/
| April 28, 2005
Expert Advice: Fitness & Exercise
Your Dog Can Now Earn AKC Fit Dog Titles—Here’s How
Dog owners are always thinking about their dogs' health and physical activity plays a big part in that. While light walks and pee trips are a regular part of having a dog, keeping your dog active can help improve their overall physical health and get out any restless energy. It can even help prevent or […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/earn-akc-fit-dog-titles/
| October 20, 2022
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Meet Junior Handler Ari Beaudoin
Fourteen-year-old Ari Beaudoin of Boise Idaho is now an active agility competitor, but she actually first discovered dog sports through Flyball.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/junior-handler-spotlight-ari-beaudoin/
| March 19, 2024
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Meet Junior Handler Gabriella Casanova
Gabriella Casanova from Cicero, New York, is proof that you don't need to come from a dog family to be involved in dog sports.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/junior-handler-spotlight-gabriella-casanova/
| January 29, 2024
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Borzoi History: Behind the Breed’s Hunting Heritage
As strong as it is swift, the Borzoi was bred for centuries to course fox, boar, hare and, famously, wolf – hence its moniker, the Russian Wolfhound.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/borzoi-history/
| June 19, 2020
Expert Advice: News
The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023
Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2023/
| March 20, 2024
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Can Junior Handlers Show Dogs They Don’t Own?
How do Juniors who don't own dogs show? The AKC Junior Pilot Program allows Junior Handlers to show dogs they or their immediate family members don't own.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/junior-pilot-program/
| June 28, 2022
Sports & Events
Lure Coursing
Lure coursing clubs should be aware of the following: Clubs are reminded to inform the Performance Events Department if they have to cancel their event by calling: 919-816-3908 or sending an email to: perfcancel@akc.org. Clubs at their option can now send copies of their results including their Secretary Report in PDF format via email to: performanceresults@akc.org. Clubs will then be contacted to confirm […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/lure-coursing/
| October 26, 2017
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
7 Facts About the Boston Terrier
Despite the word "terrier" in their name, the Boston Terrier is actually in the Non-Sporting Group and is known for being a world-class companion breed. With their large, round eyes, intelligent expression, and unique "tuxedo" coat, the Boston Terrier makes people fall in love with them at first sight. Here's what to know about this […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-facts-boston-terrier/
| November 13, 2020
Expert Advice: Health
The Skinny on Sighthounds: Understanding Sighthound Size
If modern dogs were required to have resumés, most would list their job description as “companion." But from the badger-battling Dachshund to the sled-pulling Alaskan Malamute, dogs' bodies – not to mention their brains – still reflect the original purposes for which they were bred. Indeed, dog breeds display a tremendous variety of not just […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/the-skinny-on-sighthounds/
| October 4, 2019
Expert Advice: Feature
Vickie Venzen Leads ‘Vixen’ to a Historic Conformation Career
vickie! How She got into dog shows how she got into handling journey with Leonberger vixen what it means to win what's next
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/vickie-venzen-professional-handler/
| May 24, 2024
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
The Great Borzoi Controversy
Through the 1920s and early '30s, a debate raged among Russian Wolfhound fanciers: Keep the breed name, or change it to "Borzoi"? Louis Murr, Gazette breed columnist and leading "Wolfhound" advocate, insisted that "any sane breeder can see why the name Russian wolfhound should be retained." In his November 1928 column, Murr invited fellow fancier […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/the-great-borzoi-controversy/
| July 23, 2014
Expert Advice: Training
Dogs May Understand the Meaning of Words
Do dogs understand the meaning of words? Recent research on dog cognition has shed light on what dogs comprehend about human language including their understanding of words used as object labels.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dogs-may-understand-the-meaning-of-words/
| June 6, 2024
Expert Advice: Juniors
Meet Junior Handlers, Brothers Jackson and Nathan Harris
Jackson Harris (14-years old) of Oswego, NY got involved with conformation around the same time he began homeschooling. His brother soon followed.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/junior-handler-spotlight-jackson-nathan-harris/
| April 22, 2024
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Hypothyroidism in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
Hypothyroidism in dogs is common endocrine disease. It can be tricky to diagnose and needs lifelong management, but it is relatively easy to treat.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hypothyroidism-in-dogs/
| June 13, 2024
Expert Advice: Juniors
Meet Junior Handler Hannah Krabbenhoft
17-year-old Hannah Krabbenhoft, who has been involved with dog sports since she was 12, credits dog agility with helping her to work through anxiety.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/junior-handler-spotlight-hannah-krabbenhoft/
| June 18, 2024
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Rottweiler History: From Working Dog to Sporting, Therapy Dog
Loyal, intelligent, and courageous, Rottweilers gives off an air of nobility and self-confidence. In fact, they've attracted people for millennia.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/rottweiler-history/
| October 11, 2023
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Get to Know the Sighthound Breeds
Originally bred in wide open land, Sighthounds pursue prey over long distances by sight rather than scent. Relying on their keen vision and astounding...
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/meet-sighthound-breeds/
| July 1, 2024
Expert Advice: Fast CAT
Where Did Fast CAT Originate? Learn More About the History of Fast CAT
When did Fast CAT start? Was it when it when the dog's wolf ancestors chased down their first rabbit? When the Pharaohs unleashed swift hounds in...
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/history-of-fast-cat/
| August 30, 2024
Expert Advice: Feature
Conformation Beagle ‘Xavier’ Supports Owner with ALS
Helen and Greg Groce of Lexington, NC, are infinitely grateful for the opportunities their Beagle, "Xavier" has given them, both in conformation and supporting Greg, who has ALS.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/beagle-xavier-owner-als/
| August 28, 2024
Press Releases
2024 NATIONAL OWNER-HANDLED SERIES FINALS & NATIONAL ALL-BREED PUPPY & JUNIOR STAKES JUDGING PANELS NOW AVAILABLE
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 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 […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2024-national-owner-handled-series-finals-national-breed-puppy-junior-stakes-judging-panels-now-available/
| May 31, 2024