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Expert Advice: Natural & Whole Foods
Can Dogs Eat Fish?
Fish itself isn't harmful to dogs, but the way we prepare it can cause problems. If you want to add fish to your dog's diet, here's what you need to know.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-fish/
| January 10, 2021
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
Most Popular Dog Breeds of the 1880s
The most popular dog breeds of the 1880s were led by sporting and gundog breeds, with the English Setter holding the top spot.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/top-ten-breeds-of-the-1880s/
| February 13, 2015
Expert Advice: Health
New Hope for Treating Dog Arthritis Pain
"Cinder," a black Labrador Retriever, was always a fun-loving, joyful dog. Her owner, Terry Ellison, describes her as "my silly, happy, bouncy girl."...
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-arthritis-pain/
| August 22, 2025
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Foundation Stock Service® Program Home
The American Kennel Club created the Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®) to answer the needs of today's rare breed fanciers. The Foundation Stock Service® is an optional record-keeping service for all purebred breeds not currently registrable with the American Kennel Club. Originally the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program was used to bring in breeds such […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/foundation-stock-service-program/program-home/
| November 17, 2017
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Dog Show Policies
[accordion] [accordion_panel title="All-Breed/Specialty Conflicts (September 2013 Board meeting; amended January 2016)"] If an All-Breed/Limited Breed Conformation, Performance, or Companion Event club refuses to grant permission to accommodate a Parent Club's National Specialty or a Performance or Companion event (which is limited to the Parent Club breed) when held with the National Specialty, a Parent Club regional specialty […]
https://www.akc.org/rules/policy-manual/policy-manual-shows/
| November 1, 2017
Products & Services
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program is the gold standard of behavior for dogs in our communities. Almost one million dogs, both purebred and mixed breed, have participated in the program since it began in 1989. Canine Good Citizen is part of the AKC Family Dog Program and many dog owners choose CGC as their […]
https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/
| October 26, 2017
Legislative Alerts
New World Screwworm—Updates on Interstate Travel Requirements with Dogs
Updated: Monday, July 20, 2026 Since first detected on June 3, 2026, 41 cases of New World Screwworm (NWS, hereinafter screwworm) have been detected in southwest Texas and New Mexico. NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, typically through an open wound, causing painful wounds, serious infection, and […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/emerging-issue-new-world-screwworm-impacts-on-health-interstate-travel-with-dogs-2/
| June 16, 2026
Press Releases
2026 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP JUDGING PANEL NOW AVAILABLE
The American Kennel Club (AKC®) today announced the judging panel for the 26th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, to be held December 12–13, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The Club also released the judging panel for the AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals. The panel for the AKC […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2026-akc-national-championship-judging-panel-now-available/
| May 14, 2026
Expert Advice: Safety
Wildfire Safety for Dogs: What Every Owner Needs to Know
With wildfires ravaging regions of the U.S., check out these resources to ensure that both the humans and pets in your life can stay safe.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/wildfires-smoke-dogs/
| July 21, 2021
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BOM Insider
Breeder of Merit FAQs [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Prepaid Registrations In Breeder Toolkit"] If you plan to use the prepaid option to register all of the puppies – Do not select the electronic (downloadable) litter kit when you register the litter. That will disable the prepaid option. You are able to send an individual Registration Application for […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-breeder-of-merit-program/inner-circle-newsletter/
| January 9, 2018
Expert Advice: General Health
Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
As marijuana has become legal for medicinal or recreational use in much of the U.S., veterinary emergency rooms have seen a corresponding rise in dogs coming through the door high. The good news is that marijuana poisoning in dogs is rarely fatal. However, it can cause a distinctive and even alarming set of symptoms. Any […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/marijuana-poisoning-in-dogs/
| April 10, 2023
Expert Advice: Feature
Rising Up: From Roadside Puppy to Search and Rescue, Trick Star Dog
Cheza the All-American Dog is a Trick Dog star and search and rescue dog now, but she had a difficult start before owner Laura Jackson.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/rising-up-cheza/
| July 9, 2026
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Why Dogs Eat Poop and How to Stop It
Of all the odd habits our dogs have—drinking toilet water, rolling in dead things, licking their butts— nothing disgusts most dog owners more than knowing that dogs eat poop sometimes. A dog's motivation for eating poop isn't to gross us humans out, but the act of eating poop certainly disgusts us. So much so, in […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/
| June 29, 2022
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Meet Junior and Owner-Handler, Adam Kucera and His Irish Setter ‘Stryker’
14-year-old junior handler Adam Kucera and 2-year-old Irish Setter "Stryker" already have some impressive titles under their belt, including NOHS BIS.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/adam-kucera-irish-setter-stryker/
| January 23, 2024
Expert Advice: Travel & Adventure
Are Dog Hiking Groups Right for Your Dog?
Here's what questions to ask before sending your dog out in a dog hiking group and how to know if your dog is a good fit for dog hiking groups.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/dog-hiking-groups-do-s-and-don-ts/
| May 2, 2023
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Lymphoma in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
Lymphoma is a common cancer in dogs that affects the lymphatic system. Symptoms vary by type but often include enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, and weight loss.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/lymphoma-in-dogs/
| August 23, 2023
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Website Information and FAQs
Legal Notices Linking policy Web material reproduction policy Third party links Quick Links Cookies Compatible Browsers & Devices Browser Versions & Devices Pop-ups & Javascript Browser Plug-ins and Media Understanding My AKC Account Functions Creating Your AKC Account Two Factor Authentication (TFA, 2FA, Account Verification) Browser & Verification Tips Important Update – Usernames and Email […]
https://www.akc.org/about/site/
| December 19, 2014
Expert Advice: General Health
Neosporin for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives
Just like their owners, dogs are susceptible to minor injuries and are not immune to getting cuts, scrapes, or burns. But can you use Neosporin® on dogs?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/neosporin-for-dogs/
| June 21, 2021
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Heatstroke in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
Dogs are notoriously bad at dissipating body heat. Watch for early signs of heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, in your dog to avoid serious outcomes.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heatstroke-in-dogs/
| May 6, 2021
Sports & Events
Junior Resources
Children and teenagers are the future of the sport of dogs and responsible dog ownership. The more they learn, the more they will grow in dog sports and as a person. The values, attitudes, and responsibility learned while competing as Juniors serve children throughout their entire lives. Junior Showmanship Junior Showmanship offers children between the […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/juniors/junior-resources/
| November 27, 2017
Sports & Events
AKC Scent Work: Club Resources
Holding a Scent Work Trial Scent Work Event Kit Everything your club needs to host an AKC Scent Work trial. No event kits are mailed for Scent Work. Please download these documents to have on-hand at your trial. Scent Work Forms Other Forms and Publications Event Application AKC Code of Sportsmanship Scent Work Judging Calculator […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-scent-work/akc-scent-work-club-resources/
| October 26, 2017
Expert Advice: Feature
‘Louie,’ the Bichon Frise, Helps Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
“Louie,” a mischievous Bichon Frise, inspired Karen Petit to write a children’s book series about the American Revolution.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/louie-bichon-frise-america-250/
| June 30, 2026
Expert Advice: Alternative Medicine
Dog Calming Treats: Uses and Alternatives
Dog calming treats can relieve anxiety, soothe senior dogs, and reduce excitability. The best option will depend on your dog's specific needs.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-calming-treats/
| July 31, 2024
Expert Advice: Agility
How to Watch the 2026 AKC Agility Premier Cup
Watch the AKC Agility Premier Cup 2026, featuring top agility dogs jumping, weaving, and sprinting their way to the win!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/watch-akc-agility-dog-premier-cup/
| July 18, 2022
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AKC DNA + Health Kit – Included Tests
Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/dna/dna-resource-center/akc-dna-health/akc-dna-health-kit-included-tests/
| March 12, 2024
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Is the Old English Sheepdog a Good Fit for You?
Bringing a dog into your life requires careful consideration, regardless of whether or not you're a first-time dog owner. Taking a dog's temperament, size, grooming, and exercise needs are all items that require careful research in finding your perfect dog. Taking your own lifestyle into account is also essential. If you're seeking a smart, mellow, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/is-the-old-english-sheepdog-right-for-you/
| May 12, 2026
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Is the Golden Retriever a Good Fit for You?
It's difficult to choose the right pet for your family. Why not consider the Golden Retriever, one of America's most popular breeds?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/golden-retriever-right-for-you/
| April 8, 2024
Expert Advice: Studies
A Study Updates Spay-Neuter Timeline Guidance for Popular Dog Breeds
New research has redefined the best age to spay/neuter five large dog breeds. Delaying the procedure can prevent joint disorders and certain cancers.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/study-updates-spay-neuter-guidelines/
| June 11, 2024
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
Bulldog Facts You May Not Know
Can Bulldogs swim? What was their original purpose? How many presidents owned them? Here are some interesting facts you may not know about the Bulldog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/fun-facts-bulldog/
| May 27, 2021
Expert Advice: Conformation
How to Find Your First Conformation Show Dog
Have you been watching dog shows on TV and always dreamed about having your own show dog? Here's some tips on finding your own show dog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/find-your-first-show-dog/
| June 3, 2024