The American Kennel Club® announced today that Executive Field Representative Florence Males, who has represented the AKC in the Northern California area since 1991, will retire on December 31, 2006. Males enjoyed a successful 29-year tenure as a breeder/owner/handler of Toy breeds, primarily Silky Terriers, and a brief judging career before joining AKC’s Executive Field […]

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, March 17th, the American Kennel Club celebrates seven purebred dogs of Irish heritage that are AKC registrable or are in the AKC miscellaneous class. Additional information, including the full breed standards, links to Parent Club web sites and video clips of each breed, is available a this […]

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day on Monday, March 17th, 2003 the American Kennel Club celebrates seven purebred dogs of Irish heritage. Additional information including the full breed standards, links to Parent Club web sites and video clips of each breed, is available on this site.   The Glen of Imaal Terrier - "There is […]

Who can resist that "sourmug" face?! In honor of Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day (yes, it's a real thing!), we've rounded up some of our favorite Bulldog-centric products that celebrate this friendly and dignified breed. Bulldog Leash and Collar Set Images of Bulldogs are woven into this colorful collar and leash set. The collar has a […]

The Canine Ambassador Program is an integral part of the American Kennel Club’s public education effort. Canine Ambassadors are the connection between clubs and purebred dog fanciers of tomorrow. They support their clubs’ public education outreach by visiting classrooms and community youth organizations to make presentations, often with their dog. They promote purebred dogs, responsible […]

As she prepares for what she believes will be her final Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with perky 12-year-old Hector, Loren Marino is reminded of the television commercial saying, “There’s no expiration date stamped on the bottom of your foot.” The 42-year-old Toms River, New Jersey, owner-handler is a retired Navy veteran and is fighting […]

Admit it: you've used baby talk to communicate with your dog. The exaggerated intonation and hyper-articulation of vowels is thought to help human infants learn language and bond socially. But dogs aren't going to start speaking anytime soon, so . . . what's the point? Well, a recent study published in "Animal Cognition" last month, found […]

When it comes to brushing your dog, the last thing you probably think about is sheep. But just like those fuzzy barnyard animals, your dog's coat can be a valuable resource. Dog fur can be spun into yarn, just like wool, and then knit into anything you like, from sweaters to slippers. In fact, people have […]

A recent experience ringside watching a novice reminded me that while conditioning is not necessarily part of the breed standard, good condition is crucial to winning. In this case, the judge withheld ribbons, and rightfully so, on a decidedly overweight dog. The response of the handler was “But why? She fits the standard.” Here is […]

This issue of Taking Command reviews major issues and emerging trends in legislation.  Among other developments, an increasing number of proposed laws seek to establish arbitrary dog care requirements that are not based on scientific criteria or accepted animal husbandry practices. For example, some states and communities have proposed laws that would require owners to provide dogs with “constant […]